KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has officially launched the 2025 edition of its Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme, a dual-track initiative aimed at scaling Malaysia’s most promising startups and SMEs across deep tech and consumer-focused industries.
The launch ceremony, held at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (July 3), was officiated by Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, YB Ng Sze Han, and Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo.
The Twin Accelerator comprises the Selangor Deep Tech Xccelerator Programme (Deep-X) and the Selangor Retail Tech Xccelerator Programme (Retail-X), developed to help high-potential ventures future-proof their growth and expand across global markets.
Sidec extends its sincere appreciation to AFFIN, the Strategic Banking Partner of the Twin Accelerator Programme, for its continuous commitment to nurturing Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. Special thanks also go to Plug & Play APAC, our Strategic Global Partner, for opening doors to international opportunities and elevating the global ambitions of Malaysian startups.
This year’s programme is further strengthened by the support of leading partners, including Cradle, TikTok Shop, Xendit, BytePlus, AEON, DHL, and Shopline, showcasing a strong public-private alignment with Selangor’s digital economy goals.
“With Deep-X and Retail-X, we are not only accelerating companies but building a fully integrated ecosystem that supports founders at every stage.
"This programme is designed to produce global-ready entrepreneurs with the right tools, networks, and mindset," said Sidec chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping.
Deep-X: Scaling Disruptive Tech from Malaysia to the World
Deep-X targets AI-driven deep tech startups across verticals such as agritech, biotech, healthtech, robotics, semiconductors, sustainability, and net-zero innovation. The 12-week accelerator offers mentorship, market access, investor engagement, and over RM300,000 in programme value
Top-performing Deep-X startups will also be selected for an international innovation mission to Plug & Play in Silicon Valley, where they will pitch to global investors, connect with leading accelerators, and explore commercial partnerships.
Applications for Deep-X are open until 20 July 2025. Startups will also pitch and exhibit at the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2025.
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Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping (second from left), state executive councillor for trade, investment, and mobility Ng Sze Han (third from left), and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (fourth from right) during the launch of the 2025 Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur on July 3, 2025. — Picture by SELANGOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL ECONOMY CORPORATION[/caption]
Retail-X: Future-Proofing Malaysia’s Consumer-Facing SMEs
Running in parallel, Retail-X supports high-potential B2C SMEs in fashion, lifestyle, food and beverage, home living, health, beauty, and wellness. The programme focuses on AI-powered marketing, smart inventory systems, and omnichannel growth strategies.
Retail-X will culminate in a Final Demo Day, with top SMEs pitching to investors. Winners stand to receive RM50,000 in cash and perks, brand exposure, and a fully sponsored Sidec World Stage Venture trip to ByteDance, where they will gain behind-the-scenes access to TikTok Shop’s commerce innovation.
Applications for Retail-X close on July 13.
A Fully Integrated Ecosystem for Innovation
The Selangor Twin Accelerator is supported by a robust network of capital providers, technology enablers, and academic institutions to guide participants from ideation to market expansion.
Confirmed venture capital (VC) partners include: Artem Ventures, Gobi Partners, Gen AI Fund, 500 Global, Venture Rock, Ignite, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB), and First Move Fund.
Confirmed equity crowdfunding (ECF) platforms include: pitchIN, Ata Plus, and MyStartr.
Confirmed technology partners providing digital infrastructure, cloud credits, and platform support include: Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and BytePlus.
In addition, the programme works closely with universities and academic institutions to provide participants with access to research expertise, technical validation, and talent development. Sidec’s wider network of ecosystem partners further supports market linkages, strategic collaborations, investor access, and opportunities for regional and international networking.
A Decade of Impact, A Roadmap for the Future
The launch of the Twin Accelerator coincides with Sidec’s 10th anniversary. Since its inception, Sidec has supported over 320 startups, facilitated RM203 million in collective fundraising, and provided regional exposure to founders through its international missions.
Looking ahead, the Twin Accelerator is a cornerstone of Sidec’s roadmap to nurture 500 startups by 2030, in line with Selangor and Malaysia’s broader digital economy transformation agenda.
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State executive councillor for trade, investment, and mobility Ng Sze Han (front, fourth from left), Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (front, centre), and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping (front, fifth from left) during the launch of the 2025 Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur on July 3, 2025. — Picture by SELANGOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL ECONOMY CORPORATION[/caption]
