Sunway Innovation Labs (Sunway iLabs), the innovation lab and corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Sunway Group, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur, have concluded the J-StarX Malaysia Deep Tech Program (MYTech) 2025 to accelerate four Japanese startups’ expansion into Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

Marking its seventh year of collaboration, this year’s program deepened its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech innovation, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a launchpad for Japanese innovators seeking regional growth opportunities, the duo said in a statement on last Thursday.

Running from August to October 2025, the accelerator program served as a fast-track platform for market entry and potential Proof of Concept development, leveraging Sunway living laboratory for market access and JETRO’s extensive support network.

Over the course of three months, four participating startups took part in immersion visits to key ecosystem partners such as MRANTI and InvestKL, alongside mentorship sessions, business introductions, and networking opportunities with potential investors and collaborators.

Through these engagements, the startups gained a sharper understanding of Malaysia’s business and cultural landscape, from navigating local regulatory frameworks to building partnerships with corporate and government agencies.

They learned how to adapt their products and business models to better fit regional needs, refine their market-entry strategies with local insight, and strengthen their approach to cross-border collaboration.

By the end of the program, the startups emerged better equipped to translate their technologies into commercially viable solutions and pursue sustainable growth opportunities in Malaysia and across ASEAN.

The 2025 cohort featured Buddy Cloud Inc., FiberCraze Co., Ltd., BioPhenolics Inc., and I.W.G Inc. each showcasing a distinct application of AI and deep tech innovation.

From smart pet health diagnostics and nanotech fiber materials to bio-based industrial compounds and AI-driven healthcare platforms, the startups reflected the diverse potential of technology to create meaningful, sustainable impact.

Their solutions ranged from Buddy Cloud’s mobile-enabled veterinary diagnostics and FiberCraze’s sustainable nanofiber textiles, to BioPhenolics’ bio-based phenolic
compounds as sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals and I.W.G’s interoperable healthcare data platform, DoCloud — each representing a step forward in how innovation can be applied across industries and markets.

The participating startups gained practical insight into Malaysia’s business and cultural landscape, learning how to adapt their solutions to local market strategies, and build the relationships needed to explore partnerships and future operations in the region.

Throughout the program, participants shared that the hands-on engagement, mentorship, and exposure to Malaysia’s business ecosystem were instrumental in shaping their growth and helping them plan their operations in Malaysia.

“We are pleased that our seven-year cross-border partnership with JETRO has created a reliable pathway for Japanese startups to work with Malaysian partners and validate their solutions in real environments,

“It has also enabled meaningful collaborations with Sunway Group’s business units and research and development (R&D) projects with Sunway University, demonstrating how deep tech innovation delivers real impact when ecosystems work together.” said Matt van Leeuwen, Chief Innovation Officer of Sunway Group and Chief Executive Officer of Sunway iLabs.

Culminating these efforts, at Sunway iLabs’ flagship event, FutureX Connect 2025, the four startups presented their innovations to Malaysian corporates, investors, and
ecosystem partners — highlighting the growing collaboration between Japan and Malaysia in driving regional innovation in AI and deep tech.

Representing JETRO’s leadership at the event, Takashima Tomohiro, Executive Vice President of JETRO, commended the ongoing partnership and the tangible results it has produced over the years.

“Since 2019, we’ve accelerated 30 Japanese startups through programs with Sunway iLabs — and about nine have successfully continued their business operations here in Malaysia,” he added.

This continued success is reflected in standout alumni such as AeroSense, the drone-technology spin-out from Sony–ZMP that has progressed from pilot testing to large-scale deployment, conducting environmental mapping projects in collaboration with Sunway University’s HUMAC Centre.

Today, AeroSense serves as a drone- technology partner to the Malaysian government, showcasing how research collaboration can translate into commercial and national impact.

PT Bio represents another success case emerging from this partnership.

In collaboration with Sunway Property, Facilities Management, and Sunway University, the biotechnology company is co-developing genomic solutions to reduce carbon
emissions through Sunway South Quay’s microbiome ecosystem.

The project reflects the growing role of deep tech and sustainability-driven research within the JETRO–Sunway iLabs collaboration.

The partnership between Sunway iLabs and JETRO reflects the value of long-term collaboration in strengthening innovation linkages between Japan and Malaysia.

Through shared initiatives like the J-StarX Malaysia Deep Tech Program, both organizations continue to advance their common goal of fostering impactful innovation and sustainable growth across the region, said the statement.

Sunway iLabs and Cradle launch deep tech ventures lab to accelerate Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem