The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has officially launched the 2025 edition of its Selangor twin accelerator programme, a dual-track initiative aimed at scaling Malaysia’s most promising startups and SMEs across deep tech and consumer-focused industries.
In a statement, the company said the twin accelerator comprises the Selangor deep tech Xccelerator programme (Deep-X) and the Selangor retail tech Xccelerator programme (Retail-X), both developed to help high-potential ventures future-proof their growth and expand into global markets.
It added that this year’s programme is further strengthened through partnerships with leading organisations including Cradle, TikTok Shop, Xendit, BytePlus, AEON, DHL, and Shopline—showcasing 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, CEO of Sidec. He added that the programme is designed to produce global-ready entrepreneurs with the right tools, networks, and mindset.
Deep-X targets AI-driven deep tech startups across verticals such as agritech, biotech, healthtech, robotics, semiconductors, sustainability, and net-zero innovation. The twelve-week accelerator offers mentorship, market access, investor engagement, and over US$64,000 (RM300,000) in programme value.
Top-performing Deep-X startups will also be selected for an international innovation mission to Plug and Play in Silicon Valley, where they will pitch to global investors, connect with leading accelerators, and explore commercial partnerships.
Applications for Deep-X are open until 20 July 2025. Startups will also pitch and exhibit at the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2025.
Running in parallel, Retail-X supports high-potential B2C SMEs in fashion, lifestyle, food and beverage, home living, health, beauty, and wellness. The programme focuses on AI-powered marketing, smart inventory systems, and omnichannel growth strategies.
Retail-X will culminate in a final demo day, with top SMEs pitching to investors. Winners stand to receive US$10,600 (RM50,000) in cash and perks, brand exposure, and a fully sponsored Sidec World Stage Venture trip to ByteDance, where they will gain behind-the-scenes access to TikTok Shop’s commerce innovation. Applications for Retail-X close on 13 July 2025.
The Selangor twin accelerator is supported by a network of capital providers, technology enablers, and academic institutions to guide participants from ideation to market expansion. Confirmed venture capital partners include Artem Ventures, Gobi Partners, Gen AI Fund, 500 Global, Venture Rock, Ignite, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad, and First Move Fund.
Confirmed equity crowdfunding platforms include pitchIN, Ata Plus, and MyStartr, while confirmed technology partners providing digital infrastructure, cloud credits, and platform support include Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and BytePlus.
In addition, the programme will work closely with universities and academic institutions to provide access to research expertise, technical validation, and talent development.
Sidec’s wider network of ecosystem partners further supports market linkages, strategic collaborations, investor access, and regional and international networking opportunities.
The launch of the twin accelerator coincides with Sidec’s tenth anniversary. The agency claims to have supported over 320 startups, facilitated RM203 million in collective fundraising, and provided regional exposure to founders through international missions. Looking ahead, Sidec stated that the twin accelerator is a cornerstone of its roadmap to nurture 500 startups by 2030, in line with Selangor and Malaysia’s broader digital economy transformation agenda.
