Aspiring technology entrepreneurs are being given a clearer pathway to turn early-stage ideas into investor-ready ventures through the Techpreneur Catalyst IT Seminar 2026.
Organised by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT) in collaboration with the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Federal Territory State Office, the full-day seminar held on 11 June introduced participants to technology development, business planning, funding opportunities and investor pitching.
The programme brought together UniKL MIIT students and staff, entrepreneurs under the MARA network, UniKL alumni entrepreneurs, industry representatives and strategic partners.
In her welcoming address, UniKL MIIT Deputy Dean of International, Industry and Institutional Partnership, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Bazilah A. Talip, emphasised the importance of resilience among technology entrepreneurs.
She said resilience enables entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their businesses amid rapid technological changes, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, business operations and consumer behaviour.
MARA Federal Territory State Office Director, Tuan Syed Saifuddin Syed Ahmad, also presented MARA’s entrepreneurial development roadmap and the support available to help technology-based businesses grow.
The initiative reflects the national direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which places greater emphasis on strengthening digital ecosystems, encouraging value-driven innovation and positioning Malaysia as a regional artificial intelligence hub.
The seminar also introduced MARA’s three-phase development framework for aspiring technology entrepreneurs.
The first phase, scheduled from June to July 2026, focuses on Design Thinking, business model development and relevant local innovation certifications, including MySTI.
The second phase, from August to September 2026, will be conducted in partnership with the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation. It will include pitch training and early evaluation sessions involving private funders.
The final phase in October 2026 will conclude with a Techpreneur Pitch Demo Day conducted by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation.
Selected entrepreneurs will have opportunities to present their ideas and connect directly with angel investors and venture capital firms. They may also explore international market opportunities through the Gate to Global initiative.
MARA’s financing schemes were also presented during the seminar, ranging from the PUTRA scheme, which offers financing of up to RM10,000 at zero per cent interest for eligible youth below the age of 40, to PUTEK and SPIM financing of up to RM500,000.
The funding may support business needs such as the purchase of high-technology machinery and commercial premises.
Throughout the seminar, industry specialists shared how artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things are being used to improve business operations and create new products and services.
Nurul Wahida Azhari from Cisco Networking Academy highlighted the importance of data science, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things in building secure and reliable AI systems, while Asyur Anwar from Nervesis Sdn. Bhd. explained how automated technology can manage routine tasks and provide more personalised services.
Adlil Hafiz from CEDAR, SME Bank, shared examples of businesses using AI to improve efficiency, quality control and reduce waste. Ezra Ismail from UniKL MIIT also guided participants on how technology ideas can be developed into businesses, starting with a basic product and improving it based on customer needs and feedback.
