3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sunway iLabs, Cradle Fund launch lab to accelerate AI startups
Azanis Shahila Aman
KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Group's innovation arm, Sunway iLabs, has partnered with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd to launch the Startup Deep Tech Ventures Lab (DTVL) to build and scale high-impact artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech startups.
DTVL, a transformative six-month co-creation programme, aims to catalyse breakthrough solutions to some of the region's most critical challenges, setting the stage for a new era of technological advancement and entrepreneurial excellence.
From July to December 2025, DTVL is tailored for early-stage startups operating at the intersection of science, engineering, and impact.
Sunway Group and Sunway iLabs chief executive officer Matt van Leeuwen said DTVL embodies the company vision to drive deep tech innovation that delivers both commercial success and meaningful societal impact.
"By empowering science- and engineering-led startups, we're not just investing in technology—we are investing in solutions that can shape a better future for Malaysia and the region," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said DVTL reflects the spirit of collaboration the company needs between government, academia, and industry to push Malaysia's innovation frontier.
"Cradle is proud to be part of this momentum, and we are excited to back founders who are ready to turn breakthrough ideas into global impact," said Vanhaecke.
According to Sunway, participants will undergo a rigorous and structured journey, including expert-led workshops, personalised mentorship through monthly office hours, investor-readiness sessions, and access to global capital networks, geared towards turning ambitious ideas into market-ready solutions.
Following a competitive selection process, it said 20 startups were selected from a pool of 69 applicants, resulting in a 29 per cent acceptance rate.
"The programme will culminate in a Pre-Demo Day this September, where all participating startups will present their progress to a curated audience of regional venture capitalists, corporate partners, and policymakers.
"A shortlist of five to ten standout ventures will be invited to the final demo day showcase in October or early November, providing a public platform to spotlight breakthrough technologies and Malaysia's deep tech leadership globally," it added.
