U Mobile and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd are strengthening their collaboration to help Malaysian startups develop and test 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for real-world business applications, as demand for emerging technologies grows.
U Mobile said in a statement on Friday that the firm, through its Enterprise Innovation Platform (EIP), is strengthening its collaboration with Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle), to support Malaysian startups in developing and validating 5G-A and AI solutions for real-world business applications.
Through a series of startup engagements and innovation activities, including the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Demo Day hosted at U Mobile’s EIP Hub, and Cradle LIVE! Summit 2026, the collaboration is bringing innovators closer to the technical capabilities, industry expertise and ecosystem connections needed to advance their solutions.
The collaboration combines Cradle’s startup ecosystem, programs and potential funding pathways with U Mobile’s EIP technical capabilities, 5G-A and AI sandbox environment and industry connections. It provides opportunities for startups to explore solution development, assess technical feasibility and demonstrate potential applications to industry stakeholders, while better understanding real business needs.
Access to specific sandbox capabilities and support is subject to relevant engagement and technical requirements; funding and commercial opportunities are not guaranteed.
U Mobile’s EIP connects startups, enterprises, technology companies, academia and ecosystem partners to explore and validate 5G-A and AI solutions. Its EIP Hub provides a dedicated environment for eligible innovation activities, including technical testing and demonstrations.
U Mobile’s network has been recognized by Ookla as Malaysia’s Fastest 5G Network, by Opensignal as a joint winner for Best Mobile Network for Reliability, and by the Malaysia Book of Records for the fastest 5G network rollout.
“Malaysia has no shortage of bold ideas and talented innovators. Startups need the right environment to test their solutions and understand how they can address real business needs,
“Through our partnership with Cradle, we can connect more innovators with EIP’s 5G- A and AI capabilities, technical expertise and industry engagement opportunities. This can help startups strengthen their solutions and demonstrate their potential to businesses,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, said that at Cradle, the firm’s focus is on building a startup ecosystem that enables Malaysian companies to grow beyond domestic markets.
“Partnerships with industry players such as U Mobile are important in bridging startups with the wider business ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration, market access and commercial growth. Ultimately, we want to see more Malaysian startups develop the scale and competitiveness to succeed regionally and globally,” he added.
Since September 2026, the collaboration has been supported through startup and ecosystem engagements, including the Cradle Roadshow in Sarawak and the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Demo Day hosted at the EIP Hub on 28 October 2026.