Selangor Twin Accelerator Program launched by Sidec to power Next-Gen startups, SMEs in Malaysia

The 2025 edition of the Selangor twin accelerator program, a dual-track initiative designed to scale Malaysia’s most promising startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across deep tech and consumer-focused industries, has been formally launched by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec).

The twin accelerator, which consists of the Selangor deep tech Xccelerator program (Deep-X) and the Selangor retail tech Xccelerator program (Retail-X), was created to assist high-potential ventures in future-proofing their growth and entering international markets, the company said in a statement on Monday.

It further stated that partnerships with industry leaders like Cradle, TikTok Shop, Xendit, BytePlus, AEON, DHL, and Shopline have further strengthened this year’s program, demonstrating strong public-private alignment with Selangor’s digital economy goals.

“With Deep-X and Retail-X, we are not only accelerating companies but building a fully integrated ecosystem that supports founders at every stage,” said Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of Sidec.

With the correct resources, connections, and attitude, the program aims to create entrepreneurs who are prepared for the global economy, he continued.

Deep-X targets deep tech startups powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in industries like robotics, semiconductors, agritech, biotech, healthtech, sustainability, and net-zero innovation.

In addition to more than $64,000 in program value, the 12-week accelerator provides investor engagement, market access, and mentorship.

Top-performing Deep-X startups will also be chosen to participate in Plug and Play, an international innovation mission in Silicon Valley, where they will network with top accelerators, pitch to investors worldwide, and look into business collaborations.

The deadline for Deep-X applications is July 20, 2025. Additionally, startups will participate in the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2025 as exhibitors and pitchers.

Concurrently, Retail-X provides support to high-potential business-to-consumer (B2C) SMEs in the health, beauty, wellness, food and beverage, fashion, lifestyle, and home living sectors.

AI-powered marketing, intelligent inventory management, and omnichannel expansion tactics are the program’s main topics.

Top SMEs will make their pitches to investors on the final demo day of Retail-X.

In addition to brand exposure and a fully sponsored Sidec World Stage Venture trip to ByteDance, where they will get an up-close look at TikTok Shop’s commerce innovation, the winners will also receive $10,600 in cash and benefits.

The deadline for Retail-X applications is July 13, 2025.

A network of academic institutions, technology enablers, and capital providers support the Selangor twin accelerator, helping participants move from ideation to market expansion. Artem Ventures, Gobi Partners, Gen AI Fund, 500 Global, Venture Rock, Ignite, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad, and First Move Fund are among the confirmed venture capital partners.

PitchIN, Ata Plus, and MyStartr are confirmed equity crowdfunding platforms; Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and BytePlus are confirmed technology partners offering digital infrastructure, cloud credits, and platform support.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate access to research expertise, technical validation, and talent development, the program will collaborate closely with academic institutions and universities.

Additional market connections, strategic alliances, investor access, and regional and global networking opportunities are supported by Sidec’s broader network of ecosystem partners.

The twin accelerator is being launched at the same time as Sidec’s tenth anniversary.

In addition to helping MYR 203 million ($47.89 million) in collective fundraising, the agency claimed to have supported over 320 startups and given founders regional exposure through overseas missions.

In keeping with Selangor and Malaysia’s larger agenda for the transformation of the digital economy, Sidec stated that the twin accelerator is a key component of its plan to support 500 startups by 2030.