SHAH ALAM, Sept 2 — Selangor has taken another step towards becoming Malaysia’s life sciences hub, with the introduction of the Selangor Life Sciences Accelerator Programme 2025 — a six-month initiative aimed at helping startups move swiftly from research and development to commercialisation.
The programme, organised by Invest Selangor Bhd in partnership with venture capital firm Nexea Group Sdn Bhd, is open for applications until September 11.
In a statement, Invest Selangor said participants will undergo intensive mentorship from industry experts, corporate innovation workshops, investor-readiness coaching, and exclusive industry visits.
The programme will conclude with a high-profile Demo Day, giving companies the chance to pitch to strategic partners and potential investors.
Invest Selangor chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris said the programme reflects the state’s long-term ambition to build a globally competitive life sciences ecosystem in the state.
“This initiative is not only about accelerating the growth of innovative companies, but also about creating meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
“By working alongside Nexea and our strategic partners, we aim to position Selangor as the leading hub for life sciences innovation in Malaysia and the Asean region,” he said.
Among the programme’s strategic partners are CryoCord, Duopharma Biotech Bhd, and Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), whose industry expertise and networks are expected to open doors to market insights, collaboration opportunities, and pilot projects.
Nexea chief executive officer and founder Ben Lim said the programme will be a launchpad for startups to transform Malaysia’s health and biotech sectors.
He said Nexea aims to develop life sciences startups into future industry leaders that will shape Malaysia’s health and biotech landscape.
“We are deeply grateful to have CryoCord, Duopharma, and MBAN as our strategic partners for this inaugural programme.
“Their expertise and networks will give participating startups unparalleled access to markets, top-tier industry mentorship, and early angel investor funding.
“I encourage all life sciences entrepreneurs, whether just starting out or already established, to apply and connect with the Selangor ecosystem of life sciences leaders,” he said.
He added that the programme is the perfect opportunity for business owners to elevate their business to the next level.
Selected startups stand to receive up to RM1 million in funding from Nexea, more than RM2 million worth of perks from partners including AWS, Airtable and Zendesk, along with cash prizes from Invest Selangor.
The programme is open to companies incorporated in Malaysia or those planning to establish operations in Selangor, particularly in biotechnology, medical devices, digital health, agritech, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, genomics, regulatory tech, and related fields.
Applications can be submitted on the Selangor Life Sciences Accelerator Programme 2025 website.
