If you are building technology in Malaysia, especially in deep tech, this is something you should seriously look into. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has launched Dana Pemacu Teknologi Strategik (PEMACU) 2.0, a RM100 million funding initiative aimed at accelerating high-impact Malaysian technologies towards commercialisation.
The programme was launched by YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, as part of Malaysia’s broader push to strengthen national technology capability.
Here is what entrepreneurs, researchers and tech founders need to know.
What Is PEMACU 2.0?
PEMACU 2.0 is a research and development financing programme that focuses on technologies which have already progressed beyond basic research.
It focuses on projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to 7, meaning:
- The technology has already been validated at lab level
- Prototype development is underway
- It is moving towards pilot testing and scaling
Two Funding Schemes Under PEMACU 2.0
1. Technology Development Fund (TeD)
This scheme is suitable for organisations looking to further develop and scale existing technologies.
Eligible applicants:
- Start-ups (Syarikat Pemula)
- Small and Medium Enterprises (PKS)
- Government Research Institutions (GRI)
- Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPT)
Funding quantum: Up to RM4,000,000 per project
Funding duration: Up to 36 months
Target TRL: TRL 4 to 7
TeD is ideal for companies and institutions that already have working prototypes and need funding for testing, validation, refinement and preparation for commercialisation.
2. Strategic Research Fund (SRF)
SRF offers a larger funding amount for more strategic, high-impact projects.
Eligible applicants:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (PKS)
- Start-ups (Syarikat Pemula)
- Government Research Institutions (GRI)
- Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPT)
Funding quantum: Up to RM10,000,000 per project
Funding duration: Up to 36 months
Target TRL: TRL 4 to 7
SRF is positioned for bigger, more strategic technology developments that have strong national importance and high commercial potential.
Focus Areas
PEMACU 2.0 prioritises five strategic sectors:
- Nuclear
- Space
- Biotechnology
- Hydrogen
- Advanced materials
These areas are aligned with Malaysia’s long-term science and technology agenda and are expected to generate significant industrial and economic impact.
Don’t Miss Out
If you are a:
- Tech start-up building hardware or deep tech
- SME developing proprietary technology
- University research team with commercial ambition
- GRI working on scalable innovation
This grant is structured exactly for that middle stage where many technologies struggle to scale.
The funding period of up to three years also provides a meaningful runway to move from experimental development to market readiness.
For entrepreneurs serious about building high-impact technology in Malaysia, PEMACU 2.0 is not just another grant announcement. It is a structured opportunity to move your innovation closer to real commercial deployment.
Application details are available through MOSTI’s Sistem Dana Bersepadu (SDB) portal here.
Sources: 1| 2
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