The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) has played a pivotal role in empowering local innovators over the past year, propelling them to advance research and development (R&D) and explore new markets. In 2023, MRANTI’s National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) facilitated 27 Malaysian tech companies, resulting in the commercialization of 27 products and generating $18.6 million (RM87.2 million) in sales.
NTIS, led by MRANTI, serves as a platform for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with mature technical solutions to test their products in a live environment. The sandbox not only provides a testing ground but also connects innovators with a network of funding partners, industry experts, and ecosystem players.
Dr. Rais Hussin, CEO of MRANTI, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions in accelerating commercialization. Through 11 Sandbox programs since 2020, MRANTI has supported more than 191 companies in overcoming regulatory, technical, and funding challenges.
The NTIS has been instrumental in fostering regulatory improvements, especially in sectors like agriculture, where drones have been deployed. MRANTI is collaborating closely with the Medical Devices Association and the Ministry of Health to streamline the process for bringing innovative products to market safely and efficiently.
Reflecting on the past three years, MRANTI’s NTIS has stress-tested technologies across various sectors, including drones, robotics, and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. The sandbox has contributed to 129 solutions designed to enhance agriculture, medical and healthcare, and logistics.
Recognizing the need for more avenues for experimentation, MRANTI recently launched the Food Security Sandbox in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency. This initiative allows technology providers to test inventions in a live setting to improve crop yields for paddy and fruits.
Looking ahead to 2024, MRANTI aims to nurture more local innovators and bridge gaps in the innovation lifecycle. The agency plans to expand its existing developmental programs to ensure the effective transition of prototypes to proofs-of-concept. The target is to commercialize 100 products by 2025 under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Furthermore, MRANTI supports commercialized products and solutions through programs like the MRANTI Global-Market-Fit Programme (GMP). This program aids high-growth innovative companies in strengthening their market position in new international markets. Since its inception in 2020, GMP has supported 81 companies in reaching 11 international destinations, fostering global expansion and market insights.
One notable success story is Nomatech, an agritech company that commercialized new rice breeds and expanded its products internationally. Another example is GPS Fleet, a Malaysian company that opened operations in Indonesia after commercializing its fleet management and logistics solution.
The support provided by MRANTI underscores the agency’s commitment to driving innovation, commercialization, and international expansion for Malaysian tech companies, contributing to the nation’s growth in the technology and innovation landscape.
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