The ASEAN Data Startup Accelerator (ADSA), a programme by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in partnership with the Open Data Institute (ODI), saw to the graduation of its first 19 data driven startups, solidifying MDEC’s commitment towards the growth of big data in Malaysia and the region.
ADSA is a six-month accelerator programme designed to help startups in the ASEAN region to cultivate network, business and data skills; through a series of intensive boot camps conducted in ASEAN Data Analytics Exchange (ADAX). Participants will be able to work in a community of startups that allows for peer learning and support, access a global network of mentors and previous ODI startups, as well as exposure to a wide curriculum of startup trainings. ADSA startups will also receive hands-on support on the area of business development and get a head start on building valuable relationships with MDEC and ODI at the early phases of their careers.
“I am excited that more startups are now looking at Data Technologies as a way to move their businesses forward. A lot has been invested in Malaysia and the ASEAN region in opening data at a government level, but not many startups are utilizing the data made available. We believe that this platform will be a great launch pad to promote data literacy and also nurture relevant skills on Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence that is crucial to local and regional digital economy growth.” said Dato Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer of MDEC.
ADSA received over 110 applications from regional and international startups during the intake of two cohorts in 2017 and had shortlisted 10 Malaysian and 10 ASEAN startups to participate in the programme. Notably, several startups from the two cohorts have already attracted the attention of large institutions such as Allianz Malaysia Berhad, Axiata Business Services Sdn Bhd, and Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), University Malaya.
The startups from the two cohorts who are graduating include Ankring, Bildeco, Cityplan, CropBase, Edukasyon, Floodsensed, Groundwork, ImpacThor, Katsana, Lorax AI, Missionready, POD, Rentguard, Tunemap, Urbanetic, VNiaga, Vase.AI, WRZIT, and YConnecta.
“Malaysia, and more generally ASEAN is a fertile ground for data-enabled innovation, and we are delighted to contribute to the strong data literacy, growing tech community, and entrepreneurial mindset in the region. The idea that data could enable innovation if it were more widely shared was a new concept, and we are delighted that startups on the programme are taking steps to place BDA at the heart of their business.” said Orsola de Marco, Head of Startups at the ODI.