● DiVA Cohort 4 welcomes startups planning to establish operations in Sarawak
● Offers up to RM150,000 in seed funding and strategic support to scale within the state’s innovation ecosystem

KUCHING, 16 APRIL 2025 – The Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA), an initiative by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort. This six-month programme supports early-stage digital startups with a minimum viable product (MVP) to build, validate, and scale their ventures.

Six startups will be selected to receive up to RM150,000 in seed funding, personalised mentorship, business development support, pilot opportunities, and investor exposure, culminating in a final Demo Day. Applications are open until 30 April 2025.

SDEC Chief Executive Officer Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman commented that, SDEC is thrilled to continue empowering innovative startups through DiVA, in line with its aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that drives technological advancement and economic growth in the region.

“At SDEC, we recognise that today’s startups are tomorrow’s industry leaders. It is crucial to support these tech startups because they play a significant role in driving innovation, creating jobs and new markets, generating revenue, and shaping the future of industries.

DiVA is not just an accelerator – it is a launchpad into Sarawak’s thriving digital frontier that encourages individuals to take risks and think creatively. Nurturing the startup ecosystem not only benefits the individuals but also the communities and economies through solutions used in improving education, healthcare, or sustainability efforts,” said Dato Sudarnoto.

In a significant move this year, DiVA has expanded its eligibility criteria. For the first time, the programme is open to startups not currently based in Sarawak but planning to establish operations in the state within the next six months. This strategic decision reflects SDEC’s commitment to attracting top-tier innovators and accelerating the growth of Sarawak’s digital economy.

“Sarawak is quickly emerging as a hub for tech innovation, and we are proud to help catalyse this momentum through DiVA. This programme gives founders the capital, structure, and network they need to go further, faster.” said Iskandar Shafi’i, Co-founder at Growth Charger.

Now in its fourth cohort, DiVA is spearheaded by SDEC in collaboration with Growth Charger as the accelerator partner. It serves as a flagship initiative under the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem.

Notable alumni from previous cohorts include Neuon AI, recognised for its award-winning artificial intelligence platform, and Sinisana Technologies, which developed the world’s first blockchain-traceable sustainable pallet. These success stories underscore DiVA’s role in nurturing high-impact innovation.

Applications can be submitted at diva.sarawak.digital by 30 April 2025.