MAGIC launches global accelerator programme for 80 startups
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) has launched the Global Accelerator Programme (GAP) with the participation of 80 handpicked local, regional and global startups with benefits worth over US$400,000.
The four-months programme, set to commence in July 4, 2017, and built on an existing framework and curated content, would have a strong Southeast Asian foundation.
“The startups would benefit from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, 123 RF, PiktoChart and many more; an opportunity to learn from world-class mentors and investors,” it said in a statement.
The entrepreneurs would have direct access to leading route-tomarket partners in Southeast Asia such as Axiata, Digi, Maybank and Accenture, as well as visa, monthly stipend, return flights, accommodation and co-working space.
“They will have the chance to enhance their business ideas based on GAP’s nine industry verticals: biotechnology, education, social innovation, lifestyle, supply chain, creative, finance, healthcare and smart cities,” it said.
MaGIC Chief Executive Officer Ashran Ghazi said the programme could help Malaysian entrepreneurs fine- tune their ideas and take their concepts out to the region, or even further afield.
“We encourage anyone interested to come along to one of the roadshows and find out more.
This could be their entry point into one of the most exciting entrepreneurship ecosystems in the region,” said Ashran.
Applications for the inaugural cohor t of GAP opened yesterday.
Par ticipants would be shortlisted based on three key criteria; prospects to expand regionally and globally, potential of highly scalable products with large growth potential and the possibility of a market- ready product with some traction.
GAP is an evolution of MaGIC’s Accelerator Programme, which was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Community 2016. — Bernama