Malaysia Digital Catalyst Grant Program

Deadline: 1-Jun-23

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is proud to announce an open call for the Malaysia Digital Catalyst Grant Program (MDCG) to catalyse the use and development of disruptive and innovative sustainable solutions within Malaysia Digital (MD) promoted sectors that align with the National 4th IR policy.

The grant will be used solely for the purpose of co-creation, problem-solving, development and commercialisation of innovative solutions with an end-user partner. ​

Objectives

• To support the scaling up of Malaysian-based technology companies by way of co-creation, problem solving, innovation, development and commercialisation of disruptive or innovative solutions based on MD promoted sectors and tech enablers​.
• To increase the productivity, product/service quality, and business efficiency within Malaysia Digital (MD) promoted sectors.

Malaysia Digital Promoted Sectors

• Digital Agriculture
• Digital Services
• Digital Cities
• Digital Health
• Digital Finance
• Digital Trade
• Digital Content
• Digital Tourism
• Islamic Digital Economy

Tech Enabler

• Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Analytics
• Blockchain
• Cloud & Data Centre
• Cybersecurity
• DroneTech
• Internet of Things
• Robotic, Automation & Extended Reality
• Creative Media Technology including extended reality (XR) and/or mixed reality (MR)
• Integrated circuit (IC) design and/or embedded software
• Advanced network connectivity and/or telecommunication technology

Funding Information

• Local Owned Company
  • Up to fifty percent (50%) of the total project cost, subject to a ceiling limit of RM1,000,000 whichever is lower
  • Project Duration: Up to 1 Year
• Foreign Owned Company
  • Up to thirty percent (30%) of the total project cost, subject to a ceiling limit of RM1,000,000 whichever is lower
  • Project Duration: Up to 1 Year

Outcomes

• Increased productivity and/or product/service quality, improve quality of life, preservation of ecological integrity arising from the use of 4th IR technologies;
• Visibility of Malaysian-based tech companies;
• Growth in revenue and exports from Malaysian-based 4th IR tech companies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Local Owned Company
  • Incorporated in Malaysia under Companies Act 1965 or the Companies Act 2016;
  • Minimum paid up capital of at least RM50,000 for companies;
  • Active and minimum of 51% equity held by Malaysian(s) as per shareholding structure in the SSM.
• Foreign Owned Company
  • Incorporated in Malaysia under Companies Act 1965 or the Companies Act 2016;
  • Active and minimum issued and paid up capital of RM500,000.
• Other Criteria
  • In operation for at least one (1) year as of the date of submission.
  • Director(s) and shareholder(s) of the eligible Applicant/Recipient to declare and disclose if there is any business relationship/family relationship with any of MDEC’s director or employee.
  • Director(s) and shareholder(s) of the eligible Applicant/Recipient to declare if they are under any litigation or legal proceeding. i.e litigation/legal proceeding relating to criminal offences, offences under any applicable laws, insolvency, or cases related to MDEC.
  • Director(s) and shareholder(s) of the eligible Applicant/Recipient to declare if they are blacklisted by Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
  • The Applicant/Recipient with common shareholder(s) can only apply for one (1) grant per one (1) project administered by MDEC at any one time (this requirement is not applicable to venture capital investors and registered market operator e.g.: Equity Crowdfunding Platforms). ​
  • The business nature of company is technology related services and/or MD status company (to provide MD certification number).
  • The Applicant/Recipient must be MSC Malaysia status company or Malaysia Digital (MD) status company. However, if the Applicant/Recipient is not MSC Malaysia Status company or Malaysia Digital (MD) status company, the Applicant/Recipient must apply for Malaysia Digital (MD) status during the Availability Period.

Specific Conditions

The Applicant is required to meet the following specific conditions throughout the project period:

• The project under application must be new and limited to one (1) single project per company. Project in progress will not qualify (Improvements or additions of functionality is considered as new).
• The Applicant/Recipient must demonstrate that it has secured the commitment of the end-user to fund their share of the project cost at the time of application (Agreement/LOI/MOU/PO).
• The Applicant/Recipient must procure approved cost items from Malaysian incorporated organisations for ecosystem development purpose unless there is valid justification provided such as no local supplier, or is counterproductive.
• The Applicant/Recipient must not have any relationship with the end-user, including shared ownership, subsidiary companies, or parent companies.

For more information, visit Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).