The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has officially launched the 2025 edition of its Selangor twin accelerator program, a dual-track initiative aimed at scaling Malaysia’s most promising startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across deep tech and consumer-focused industries.
The company said in a statement on Monday taht the twin accelerator comprises the Selangor deep tech Xccelerator program (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 program is further strengthened through partnerships with leading organizations 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, Chief Executive Officer of Sidec.
He added that the program is designed to produce global-ready entrepreneurs with the right tools, networks, and mindset.
Deep-X targets artificial intelligence (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 $64,000 in program 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 July 20, 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 business to consumer (B2C) SMEs in fashion, lifestyle, food and beverage, home living, health, beauty, and wellness.
The program focuses on AI-powered marketing, smart inventory systems, and omnichannel growth strategies.
Meanwhile, Retail-X will culminate in a final demo day, with top SMEs pitching to investors.
Winners stand to receive $10,600 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 July 13, 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 said it has supported over 320 startups, facilitated MYR 203 million ($47.89 million) in collective fundraising, and provided regional exposure to founders through international missions.
Looking ahead, Sidec said 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.