LaunchX

The University Startup
Accelerator Programme

Turns ideas into fundable startups

Cohort 4

May - October 2025

Apply Now!

(Deadline: 12pm, 7 May 2025)

The University Startup
Accelerator Programme

Turns ideas into fundable startups

Cohort 3

May - August 2025

Register your interest now!

(Application Open: March 2025)

30+ Startups

Launched & Funded

For the Next Generation of

Innovators & Entrepreneurs

LaunchX is a university startup accelerator programme that turns validated ideas into fundable startups. It is an equity-free, no-string attached programme for budding entrepreneurs, with one goal: to help them succeed.

2025 Programme

Overview

Next Cohort

Join our upcoming cohort from
May to October 2025.

Programme Structure

Experience a hybrid format that seamlessly blends in-person and virtual sessions.

Eligibility

Open to all student startups
across Malaysia*

What

We Look For

We seek innovative solution that

Address a real & impactful problem

Addressing a problem with potential benefits to society or the economy in Malaysia

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problem they are addressing and provide evidence that their solution has been validated to effectively tackle this issue

Have at least a basic prototype

Prototype that illustrate the functionality and feasibility of the solution. Teams are expected to work towards completing a fully functional MVP by the programme’s midpoint, enabling real customer piloting

Demonstrate USP

Have a unique selling point and clear differentiation from existing solutions/competitors in the market

Have a viable business model

The present a well-justified business model with a clear Go-To-Market strategy and demonstrate potential for scalability, along with roadmap for future development

Who

We Look For

Dedicated individuals and teams that are passionate and committed to achieving LaunchX outcomes and willing to actively engage in all programme activities

Eligibility Requirements:

Solopreneur

Must be a current student (undergraduate or postgraduate) enrolled in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia, or
A recent graduate (within 6 months of the programme start date) from any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

Team (up to 3 members)

At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each member
The primary driver of the startup must be a current student in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

2025 Programme

Timeline

9 April - 7 May

Application Period

29 May

Virtual Kickstart & Onboarding

June

Opening

31 July

Pre-Demo Day

August - September

Workshop, Mentoring, Piloting

October

Demo Day

Post Programme

Support

Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t end here. After completing LaunchX, participants gain access to ongoing support through:

Continuous Mentorship

Stay connected with mentors & Sunway iLabs for guidance and feedback on your progress.

Alumni Community

Join a growing network of entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators. Tap into exclusive events, peer support, and potential collaborations to keep your momentum going.

Other Programmes

Explore further growth with Sunway iLabs or our partners’ programmes such as Venture Labs & more.

Programme

Benefits

Equity Free

We don’t take equity in your startup

Mentorship

Gain insights and guidance from seasoned VC and industry mentors.

Networking

Connect with a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, partners, and investor

Certificate

Earn Micro-credentials while building your startups

Workshop

Build Practical Skills with hands-on workshop

Co-Working Spaces

At Sunway FutureX Lobby and Ecosystem Partner Office

Startup Perks

Worth more than RM100,000 from Deloitte, Stripe, Microsoft for Startups and Altomate

Startup Community

Immerse in a community of young entrepreneurs across malaysia

Frequently

Asked Questions

What is LaunchX?

LaunchX – The University Startup Accelerator Programme empowers students to transform their validated ideas into market-ready startups. Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and dedicated support, participants will develop their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), demonstrate early tractions, and pitch their ideas to industry professionals and the startup ecosystem.

Who is eligible to apply for LaunchX 2025?

LaunchX is open to university students and recent graduates across Malaysia with an innovative business idea or startup. Applicants must be committed to achieving LaunchX outcomes and willing to actively engage in all programme activities.

Proposed solution should meet the following criteria:

Address a real & impactful problem
Have at least an alpha prototype
Demonstrate USP
Have a viable business model

Applicant may either apply as a solopreneur, or a team of up to three co-founders with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

Requirement for teams:

The primary driver of the startup must be a current student in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia,
At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

Please note: Applicants who have received funding in a previous cohort of LaunchX are not eligible to reapply.

What industries does LaunchX focus on?

LaunchX is industry-agnostic, student startups from any sector or industry are welcome to apply. However, the proposed solution must address a real problem and demonstrate a meaningful impact.

Is there a programme fee to join LaunchX?

No, participation in LaunchX is free. Selected participants will receive access to mentorship, workshops, resources, funding opportunities, and networking events at no cost.

However, participants are expected to cover their travel expenses for any physical events.

How can I apply for LaunchX 2025?

You can apply by filling out the application form on our website.

Include a pitch deck about your startup idea, problem-solution fit, prototype, and business plan.

Applications close on 7 May 2025.

What are the key dates for LaunchX 2025?

Application Deadline: 7 May 2025
Announcement of Results: By 22 May 2025
Kickstart & Onboarding: End of May 2025
Opening: June 2025
Pre-Demo Day: End of July 2025
Demo Day: October 2025

*Exact dates will be updated.

How are applicants selected?

Applicants are selected based on the innovativeness of their solution, market potential, sustainability focus, and team commitment. A rigorous selection process ensures only high-potential student startups are admitted.

What can I expect from LaunchX 2025?

LaunchX includes:

Expert mentorship tailored to your startup’s needs.
Workshops on product development, pitching, fundraising, and more.
Networking opportunities with startup ecosystem and industry leaders.
Access to resources like coworking spaces and perks from partners.

Participants are expected to:

Develop a working MVP by the midpoint of the programme (Pre-Demo Day)
Complete at least one round of pilot testing and demonstrate traction by the end of the programme (Demo Day)
Fully commit to the programme by dedicating at least 8 hours per week to attend workshops, mentoring sessions, and complete programme deliverables.

Is attendance mandatory for the entire programme?

Yes, participants must attend all sessions unless prior notice is given with a valid reason.
Certification will only be provided upon full completion of the programme, with a minimum 80% attendance, including all three phsycial events.

What happens on Pre-Demo Day and Demo Day?

Pre-Demo Day: Teams pitch their solution to a panel of judges, who select the top teams to proceed to the rest of the programme

Demo Day: Final pitches are made to potential investors, partners, and industry experts, with opportunities for funding and strategic collaborations.

What happens after the programme ends?

Your journey doesn’t end here – Graduates will receive continuous mentorship, and join the Sunway Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, gaining access to ongoing support, networking opportunities, and potential roles as guest speakers or mentors in future programmes.

Can I withdraw from the program after being selected?

Withdrawals are discouraged as your absence may affect your team and the fairness of the program. Withdrawal from the program must be communicated in writing at least one week in advance. Participants who withdraw without prior notice or valid reason may be blacklisted from future Sunway iLabs’ programme

What if I don’t have all the required components (e.g. prototype, business plan)?

To be considered for LaunchX, your application must include at least an alpha prototype that demonstrates your understanding of how to build the product. Only complete applications, which meet all the required components (including the prototype and business plan), will be considered for the programme. If any of the required components are missing, your application will not be reviewed.

I have more than 3 team members, am I eligible to apply?

We are open to considering special requests for teams exceeding this size, provided that:

All team members are committed to fully participating in the programme.
Each member has clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia.
Please note that only complete applications, including all required components, will be considered. If your team exceeds the recommended size, we encourage you to provide a detailed explanation of how your team structure will contribute to the success of your startup during the application process.

My question is not listed

You can reach us at launchx@sunway.edu.my.