Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) officially launches its Global Accelerator Programme (GAP) 2023, opening its doors to 20 promising companies hailing from Malaysia, Turkey, and Russia.
GAP 2023 is set to chart a course towards innovation and progress with its thematic focus on three high-potential industries – Medical & Healthcare, Agriculture, and Drone tech. This strategic selection of sectors directly aligns with Malaysia’s ambitious economic plan, which aims to foster the growth of high-tech industries, positioning the nation on track to becoming a high-income economy by 2025 and emerging as a trillion-dollar economy by 2036.
“Through GAP, participants get more than just a foot in the door – they gain access to our extensive network of industry experts and partners. Our ultimate goal is to play a pivotal role in cultivating a thriving and sustainable innovation ecosystem where ideas flourish and innovation takes flight,” said Dzuleira Abu Bakar, CEO of MRANTI.
This year’s cohort includes 12 companies from Medical & Healthcare, five companies from Agriculture, two from Drone Tech, and one from the Business & Financial industry.
Beyond the specialised curriculum and mentorship, these companies will have the unique opportunity to be funnelled to Malaysia’s National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), where they are able to test their products in a live environment, gain valuable insights and refine their innovations for real-world success. This strategy aims to foster valuable collaboration opportunities post-graduation, enhancing their prospects for long-term success in the market.
“The selection of our core sectors was clear from the start, the medical and healthcare industry has only increased in importance coming out of the pandemic and technological innovation has seen immense progress within the sector. Meanwhile, agriculture has become a topic of significant conversation at national levels with food security becoming an increasingly concerning issue being faced globally. However, it is drone tech where we see the most potential to form a bridge across industries,” she added.
The growing emphasis on the drone tech sector in Malaysia is driven by its profound impact on the country’s economy, with projections suggesting it could contribute RM50.71 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create over 100,000 job opportunities by 2030.
“Our focus on drone technology is a decision that complements Malaysia’s leading position among all Southeast Asian countries in the Drone Readiness Index (DRI) 2023. The country’s core readiness for drones has seen a remarkable improvement, reaching an impressive 60% in the DRI. This speaks volumes about Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to fast-track our potential in drone technology,” explained Dzuleira.
MRANTI GAP has already made a significant impact on more than 212 companies, facilitating a total of USD 130.45 million in funding through its first six cohorts.
GAP 2023 garnered an overwhelming response from companies worldwide during the sign-up period in May, reflecting its strong reputation and appeal in the global innovators community. This programme will culminate in a dedicated session where the participating companies will have the opportunity to present to a room filled with eager investors, scheduled in November.