KUCHING, 8 MAY 2024 – The Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Technology Accelerator (STAcc) Demo Day 2024 showcased the best of deep tech innovations from Sarawak-based universities, highlighting the convergence of academic research and entrepreneurial acumen.

Three spin-offs from Cohort 1 and 10 research teams from Cohort 2 participated in this inaugural event. Themed ‘Propelling Deep Tech Breakthroughs’, the goals of this demo day were to foster innovation by showcasing the capability and services of deep tech innovators , encourage inter-ecosystem collaborations, accelerate research and development (R&D) by connecting with partners as the early adopter, provide spin-offs the platform to early fundings access, and exposure to industry for adoption of the locally grown technology.

The event was attended by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Chairman of SDECTan SriDatuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidibin Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, members of SDEC Board of Directors, and representatives from universities, public, and private agencies.

STAcc is a structured accelerator programme designed to accelerate researchers’ commercialisation journey. The programme provides researchers with skills and support including business and technology advisory, mentoring, and coaching, as well as access to market and funding opportunities to transform their innovative technology solutions into market-ready solutions and tangible economic outcomes.

Among the research and development focus areas in STAcc are dronetech, agritech, artificial intelligence (AI), healthtech, fintech, eTourism, smart city, industry 4.0, cybersecurity, and blockchain.

STAcc Cohort 1 commenced in 2021 and to date, it has accelerated 26 research teams in technology, commercial, and prototype categories; introduced 16 organisations to market and tech validation; secured seven external fundings; and created 11 jobs from the spin-offs. These spin-offs are Saraqube Sdn Bhd from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, AI3D and AgriSmartEye PLT from Curtin University Malaysia, and Formeta PLT from University of Technology Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Cohort 2 which was launched in 2022 consists of 10 teams in total with one team from University of Technology Sarawak, one from Curtin University Malaysia, two from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, three from Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sarawak, and three from UNIMAS.

Commenting on the STAcc programme, Sudarnoto said that SDEC has seen remarkable progress and innovation from the local innovators and researchers.

“The dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible is truly inspiring, and we are excited to showcase these achievements to the other innovation ecosystem nationally and globally,” added Sudarnoto.

The STAcc Demo Day also featured a booth exhibition by SDEC, 13 spin-offs and research teams, accelerator partner Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), supporting partner Leave A Nest, and media partner TVS. The highlight of the event was the STAcc Excellence Awards ceremony where four awards were given out including Early Adopter Excellence Award – Industry, Innovator Excellence Award – Overall Best STAcc Team (based on Cohort), Innovation Spotlight Award – Best Showcase Award, and Spin-Off Allies Appreciation – University.