Sunway iLabs Partners with Cradle to Nurture High-Impact Deep Tech Startups

Sunway iLabs, the innovation division of Sunway Group, has joined forces with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd to introduce the Startup Deep Tech Ventures Lab (DTVL). This six-month co-creation initiative aims to support and accelerate early-stage deep tech and AI startups, guiding them to create high-impact solutions for pressing challenges in the region.

Running from July to December 2025, DTVL admitted 20 startups out of 69 applicants, reflecting a selective acceptance rate of 29%. The chosen ventures address critical areas including semiconductor applications, energy transition, intelligent autonomy, healthcare, decarbonisation technologies, and food and water security, aiming to translate scientific and engineering innovations into commercially viable solutions.

Startups will engage in a well-organized program featuring hands-on workshops led by industry experts, one-on-one mentorship through monthly sessions, training on investor readiness, and connections to international funding networks — all designed to turn innovative concepts into commercially viable products.

Sunway Group and Sunway iLabs CEO Matt van Leeuwen stated the initiative embodies the company’s vision to drive deep tech innovation that delivers both commercial success and societal benefit. “By empowering science- and engineering-led startups, we’re not just investing in technology — we’re investing in solutions that can shape a better future for Malaysia and the region,” he said.

Cradle Group CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke described DTVL as the type of bold, forward-looking initiative needed to strengthen Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. “Deep tech is about solving real, complex challenges at scale. DTVL reflects the collaboration required between government, academia, and industry to push Malaysia’s innovation frontier,” he said.

A strong network of academic and venture collaborators supports DTVL. Participating universities include Sunway University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Malaya. Additional support comes from VC firms such as The Hive Southeast Asia and  Gobi Partners, along with national innovation agencies like MRANTI and a pool of industry mentors from Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

The programme will conclude with a Pre-Demo Day in September, where all 20 selected startups will present to a curated audience of regional VCs, corporates, and policymakers. A shortlist of five to ten standout ventures will advance to the final Demo Day in October or early November, offering global visibility, investment opportunities, and a platform to showcase Malaysia’s deep tech leadership.

Image credits: Sunway iLabs