Latest news with #CradleFund


The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Cradle launches initiative to boost Malaysia's SME innovation
Cradle Fund group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke. PETALING JAYA: Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd has launched Cradle Innovation Advisory, a strategic partnership initiative to accelerate technological transformation among corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. The initiative aims to address structural limitations within the national innovation ecosystem, including inadequate post-grant support, weak commercialisation pathways, fragmented linkages between industry and startups, and limited SME engagement in research and development (R&D) activities. 'With Cradle Innovation Advisory, we enable SMEs, Malaysia's economic backbone, to access the expertise, tools, and partnerships they need to innovate, scale and compete globally. 'This marks a shift from support to empowerment. By activating partnerships with universities, corporates, and global startup communities, we can create fertile grounds where great ideas are not only developed, but launched into the market, transforming entire sectors,' said Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, said the initiative also creates a space for startups to work hand‐in‐hand with key corporate players, thus strengthening SMEs. Central to the initiative is the Corporate Innovation Lab Programme, a structured platform offering modular workshops tailored to the developmental maturity of participating organisations. The Cradle Innovation Advisory will provide bespoke advisory services, including innovation audits, innovation roadmap formulation, and R&D commercialisation support. Cradle will also offer access to strategic services such as legal advisory and human capital planning.


The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
MYStartup Accelerator channels RM5.5mil into local startups
Cradle Fund group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke. KUALA LUMPUR: Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd's MYStartup Accelerator has facilitated nearly RM5.5 million in investments over five cohorts, underscoring its role in strengthening Malaysia's startup ecosystem and advancing the country's position as a regional innovation hub. In a statement today, Cradle said the programme, under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is operated by Cradle in partnership with NEXEA, a venture capital and startup accelerator firm. "Having completed five cohorts, we have gained meaningful insights into the needs of Malaysian startups. "Our next goal is to expand our reach nationwide and ensure startups in all regions have equal access to growth opportunities," said group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke. According to Cradle, the Cohort 5 Demo Day showcased innovative solutions in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), aquaculture, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart retail. Of the eight finalists, five received cash prizes from Cradle, while four secured a total of RM800,000 in investments from NEXEA. The finalists were selected from a competitive pool of 747 applicants. It noted that among the standout startups were Paix Tech, which automates enterprise utility payments using AI; Ocean Rich Resources, which developed a scalable oyster farming system; and Recharge Xolutions, which offers integrated EV charging and green energy solutions. The MYStartup Accelerator continues to play a vital role in building Malaysia's tech-driven future by empowering bold, innovative, and sustainable startups, Cradle added. NEXEA is distinguished by its network of mentors, many of whom are successful entrepreneurs and C-level executives, and has helped its portfolio companies achieve annual growth of up to 16 times. Meanwhile, the focal agency for early-stage startups, Cradle, has supported over 1,100 tech startups and boasts the highest commercialisation rate among government grants. - Bernama

Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - Malaysia today launched the Startup ASEAN platform, marking the full-scale rollout of a bold, unified digital gateway to connect and empower startups across ASEAN. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform's regional launch underscores Malaysia's commitment under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. From left: Dr. Zurina Moktar, Head of Science, Technology Division, ASEAN Secretariat, Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Bin Hassan Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development), MOSTI, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Tuan Fabian Bigar, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital, and Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said 'Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond,' continued YB Chang. 'Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised 'Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,' continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


Zawya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - Malaysia today launched the Startup ASEAN platform, marking the full-scale rollout of a bold, unified digital gateway to connect and empower startups across ASEAN. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform's regional launch underscores Malaysia's commitment under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said "Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond," continued YB Chang. "Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation," said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised "Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China," continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups. The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd


Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups. PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - Malaysia today launched the Startup ASEAN platform, marking the full-scale rollout of a bold, unified digital gateway to connect and empower startups across ASEAN. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform's regional launch underscores Malaysia's commitment under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights., said "Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond," continued YB Chang."Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation," saidemphasised "Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China," continued ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes:The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.