KUALA LUMPUR: A dynamic national startup ecosystem, in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030, took off today.
The Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021-2030 was launched via the MYStartup platform - a digital information resource portal that provides comprehensive facilitation services for startup ecosystem networks.
Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said SUPER was a plan aimed at setting a target to build and develop a conducive startup ecosystem to drive local innovation.
"SUPER is designed to increase the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).
"In addition, it contributes to high-value job creation as well as expanding deep technology investments by 2030.
"The development of SUPER has taken into account feedback from over 300 startup ecosystem stakeholders," he said at the launch programme at the Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Putra.
He added that SUPER was for all Keluarga Malaysia, including government, investors as well as innovators to achieve the ultimate goal of placing Malaysia as one of the top 20 global startup ecosystems.
"The MYStartup platform is a national digital portal of information resources aimed to help ecosystem players navigate the startup ecosystem and drive local innovation as well as continuous assistance and guidance in developing startups that have world class investment value.
"MYStartup plays an important role in empowering economic growth through science, technology and innovation.
"MOSTI opens more doors and expands the network for a robust and swift recovery for our country's economy post-Covid-19.
"SUPER acts as the true north of all other national policies and guidelines on startup," Dr Adham said.
This roadmap is aligned with other initiatives like the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTIN), National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 and National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) policy."
"At the ecosystem level, MYStartup unifies various players and creates collaborations so that we do not work in silos.
"Through this national platform, high-impact collaboration will be intensified together with the ongoing support and guidance services to develop startups that can grow," the minister explained.
He pointed out that MOSTI's mission was to prepare Malaysia to be the top destination for startup founders and innovators to set up their business headquarters.
MYStartup is one of the 16 interventions identified under five Ecosystem Drivers in SUPER.
According to the 2022 Budget announcement last month, RM20 million was allocated to Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle).
"Cradle, an agency under MOSTI, has been mandated as a focal point in managing the development of startups in the ecosystem, from the budding phase up until the growth stage to increase the competitiveness of local startups at the international level.
"SUPER will drive the startup industry by creating 5,000 startups and setting a target of achieving 5 unicorn status companies by 2025," said Dr Adham.
The MYStartup portal is expected to benefit more than 1,000 startup ecosystem stakeholders in its first year through initiatives and programmes that will be shared on the platform such as funding, bootcamp programmes, Accelerator programmes, Hackathon, coaching and training courses.
Startups, investors, industry players and ecosystem builders are encouraged to register on the MYStartup platform at www.mystartup.gov.my to gain access to insights and resources on the Malaysian startup ecosystem.