Georgetown, 31 May 2024 – Digital Penang, a Government-Linked Company (GLC) of the Penang State
Government, unveils the commencement of the Hard tech Incubator Program. Driven by the vision of
Penang2030, this strategic initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of hardtech and
deep tech technological solutions, particularly those transitioning from Technology Readiness Levels
(TRL) 5 and 6 to TRL 8.
Program Overview:
The Hardtech Incubator Program, designed to bridge the commercialization gap, ensuring that
innovative solutions can reach the market more efficiently and effectively are structured into two main
phases: Incubation and Acceleration. The Incubation phase focuses on preparing startups with
essential business planning, proof-of-concept (POC) development, and market validation strategies.
During the Acceleration phase, participants will receive mentorship and resources to deploy their POCs
in actual market, engage in market validation activities and drive towards securing market traction for
their hardware-based solutions. Additionally, startups will be prepared for investor engagement
through workshops on fundraising strategies and pitch presentations.
Program Participants & Solutions:
This year, the program features eight dynamic Penang-based startups and university research projects.
The participating entities include Beyond Medicare Sdn Bhd, Bitranger Sdn Bhd, Nexada Technology
Sdn Bhd, Wysetime Solutions Sdn Bhd, Zero Technologies Global, Redo Smart Enterprise, and research
projects from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Automation
Warehouse System and Smart Forklift System. These participants introduce groundbreaking solutions
such as a hardware-based sensor for monitoring network communications, full HD wireless
Augmented Reality (AR) spectacles, advanced video analytics for optimizing urban traffic and retail
experiences, and a SaaS IoT hub for various IoT devices and gateways.
Program Collaborations:
Facilitated by 1337 Ventures, the program collaborates with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM),
Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), and local facilities partner Projet
Technology Sdn Bhd. Additionally, the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) and Gobi Partners
are onboard as venture capital and investment partners.
Quote from YAB Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang:
“This program is a testament to the Penang State Government’s dedication to transforming the state
into the new economy, in line with the Penang2030 vision. This initiative underscores our commitment
to building a robust technology-focused ecosystem through Digital Penang, that nurtures startup
founders and encourages the triple-helix collaboration model between the government, industry, and
academic institutions. Critically, this positions Penang at the forefront of new technology waves while
ensuring a thriving future for our local talents in the emerging technology fields.”
Program Messages:
The Penang State Government through Digital Penang is actively promoting a robust digital economy
and technological advancement. Through various initiatives, Digital Penang aims to foster an
ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups with funding,
infrastructure, and networking opportunities. Additionally, Digital Penang encourages collaborations
between academia, industry, and government bodies to drive research and development. The
Hardtech Incubator Program aligns with these objectives by providing a structured pathway for
startups and university projects to commercialize their technologies, thereby contributing to Penang’s
digital economy growth.
