The Deep Tech Ventures Lab (DTVL) is a 6-month co-creation initiative that aims to build and/or scale high-value, IP-driven startups. Its primary goal is to bridge the gap between technology and commercialisation and accelerate the Deep Tech speed to market across a broad range of verticals such as AI, advanced manufacturing, etc.
Accelerate Deeptech Innovation Through
Technology Diffusion
Fast-track deeptech adoption by partnering with global, growth-stage startups ready to scale and expand into Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Co-Creation
Co-create deeptech ventures with rapid market entry and agility through collaborative alliances with local experts, inventors, entrepreneurs, corporates, and regulatory bodies.
Investment
Gain access to FutureX Deeptech Fund and ecosystem for long-term, sustainable growth.
What We Look For?
We look for high-impact solutions leveraging technological innovation within the following verticals:
Food & water security
Decarbonisation & CCUS
Health & Wellness
Energy Transition
Intelligent autonomy
Semiconductor Applications
Deep Tech technology enablers we prioritised:
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced Materials
Biotech
Brain-computer interfaces
Quantum computation
Robotics
Who Is This Programme For?
Accepting prospective co-founders and startups, companies, or researchers who are actively working on breakthrough tech.
Prospective founders
Driven individuals who are ready to commit full-time to building and scaling a startup.
Founders will be matched with one of our selected deep tech startups if there’s a strong fit. As a Founder, you must demonstrate:
- Full-Time Commitment: You're ready to dedicate your time and energy to running a startup.
- Founder Mindset: You show resilience, ownership, and the ability to execute under uncertainty.
- Active Participation: While Malaysian nationality is not required, physical attendance at key programme events and engagements is compulsory.
Academics and researchers
If you're working on a breakthrough in deep tech and are open to commercialization, Deep Tech Ventures Lab offers the platform and support to take it forward.
- Own or have access to relevant IP: Whether through patents or proprietary technology in your research domain.
- Are committed to long-term R&D: You’re prepared to invest the time and focus required to develop the technology further.
- Can collaborate and engage: You’re responsive in communication and able to attend key physical events throughout the programme—even if you're based outside Malaysia.
Startups/Companies
Early-stage deep tech startups/companies that:
- Have strong IP defensibility: Your core technology should be protected by patents or proprietary know-how that provides a clear barrier to entry.
- Are pre-revenue or early-revenue: Generating under USD $1 million in annual revenue.
- Are ready to expand into Malaysia: Whether by opening a base here or actively participating in our ecosystem throughout the programme duration.
Programme Benefits
Market Access
Access a broad network of local and international corporate partners for industry insights, mentorship, pilot trials, and market expansion.
Mentorship
Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all accelerator programmes - we tailor the program to the specific needs of each founder. Receive dedicated office hours from global experts and engage with a community of ambitious founders tackling intricate challenges through advanced technology.
Money
Selected startups gain access to grants and potential investments to fast-track their development. Get exclusive funding opportunities and access to over USD 100,000 perks, including premium support from industry leaders like Google and Microsoft for Startups.
Programme Benefits
Speaker series with targeted, experienced founders and operators
Community of other ambitious founders developing solutions through cutting-edge technology
Co-working spaces at Sunway FutureX lobby
Networking opportunities
Dedicated support
Startup perks worth more than US$100k including partners from Google and Microsoft for startups
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Prospective founders or early-stage startups with strong IP backing, or entrepreneurs looking to solve high-impact problems willing to establish a base in Malaysia.
Are there any requirements to join the programme?
Programme participants must be able to commit on a full-time basis throughout the duration of the programme (July – Dec).
Can I join without a company?
Absolutely! We accept solo founders or small teams of founders. Our programme helps match you to IP that can be used to solve a problem suited to your talents.
What does the programme cost?
The programme is free-of-charge to join.
How do I apply?
1. Applying as a prospective co-founder ?
Click hereto access the co-founder application form.
2. Applying as a deep tech startup, registered company, or academics and researchers who are already working on a technology they intend to commercialise?