INTRODUCTION
SemiconStart Malaysia is a national semiconductor incubator and accelerator programme designed to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor value chain by developing high-potential technology companies into commercially viable, globally competitive players.
Led by Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, the programme leverages the proven ChipStart UK and EU models, providing participants with structured access to global expertise, infrastructure, and market pathways.
The programme is delivered in two phases:
- Phase 1a: Incubation
- Phase 1b: Acceleration
Selected companies will form the inaugural 2026 cohort.
SemiconStart Malaysia addresses a critical gap in the national semiconductor ecosystem by supporting companies across the development spectrum – from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 through to commercial ready – enabling progression from prototype validation to commercial scaling and global market entry.
Focus areas include:
- Integrated Circuit (IC) Design
- Advanced Materials
- Photonics & Optics
- MEMS & Sensors
- Quantum Technologies
- Advanced Packaging
- Semiconductor Manufacturing & Automation
PROGRAMME SUPPORT
Participants will gain access to Silicon Catalyst’s global semiconductor ecosystem, including:
- Over 70 in-kind partners providing:
- Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools
- Simulation software
- Foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs)
- Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) runs
- A network of 400+ industry advisors and mentors
- Structured technical and commercialisation curriculum
- Regular training sessions, workshops, and advisory clinics
This integrated ecosystem is designed to Leverage, Amplify and Multiply ALL cohorts via an accelerating time-to-market, and enhancing investor readiness
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Incorporated in Malaysia with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under the Companies Act 2016
- Possess a technology with TRL 3/4 and above, based on Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation definitions
- Eligible entities include:
- Start Ups
- SMEs
- Joint ventures (including foreign participation)
- Subsidiaries of semiconductor companies
For companies with less than 51% Malaysian ownership, the following conditions apply:
- Minimum 1:3 foreign-to-local technical talent ratio
- Commitment to file intellectual property (IP) in Malaysia (MyIPO)
Funding Quantum
- Phase 1a (Incubation): Up to RM1.0 million per company
- Phase 1b (Acceleration): Up to RM10.0 million per company
(Applicable only to companies graduating from Phase 1a)
FUNDING DURATION
- Phase 1a: 12 months (June 2026 – June 2027)
- Phase 1b: Up to 36 months (>June 2027 – 2030)
FUNDING INSTRUMENT
- Phase 1a: Grant Convertible
- Phase 1b: Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares (RCPS)
HOW TO APPLY
Applications open from April 2026 via the Silicon Catalyst UK application portal.
To register your interest or submit an application, please visit:
https://forms.mtdc.com.my/semiconstart
CLOSING DATE
21 May 2026
SELECTION PROCESS
- 30-minute virtual assessment session
- 5-minute presentation (maximum 3 slides)
- 5-minute Q&A session
- 5-minute panel feedback and advisory
- ALL virtual