Frequently Asked Questions
The proposed project must be on a technology-based manufacturing/service sector from any of the technology clusters:
- Industrial technology
- Biotechnology
- Sea to space
- Science & technology core
- Information communications & technology
For further details on eligibility, please refer to the relevant fund under the ‘Fund Management’ tab above.
A company may apply for one of the funds by way of the following methods:
- Submitting the application by hand to MTDC (office hours: 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM);
- Submitting the application by email to MTDC – the physical copy must then be submitted to MTDC’s office within seven (7) days after the email submission; or
- Submitting the application by mail to MTDC – addressed to the ‘Chief Executive Officer’ and attention to the relevant department.
Please note that a company must apply directly to MTDC. A company may not engage a consultant to act and apply on its behalf.
MTDC has also never appointed any individual or company to act on its behalf.
For further details, please refer to the relevant application process under the ‘Fund Management’ tab above.
No, there is no deadline and companies may apply for a fund all year round. However, this is still subject to the availability of the funds.
In general, the process flow is as follows:
- Submission of application
- Pre-assessment of application to ensure fulfillment of basic eligibility criteria
- Evaluation of the merits of the application
- Submission to the Technical Committee
- Submission to the Approval Committee
- Signing of Agreement
For further details, refer to the relevant evaluation process under the ‘Fund Management’ tab above.
The processing period for an application is approximately 45 working days or three (3) months from the submission of a complete application until it is presented to the Approval Committee.
If an application is incomplete, it will be returned to the company. Any subsequent applications will be treated as a new application from the company.
The application should be submitted in the English language as per the format provided.
No, a company can only apply for one fund at a time.
If the company is a fund recipient, it can only apply for another fund after their current project has been closed successfully.
Yes, but this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
A dormant company may not apply for a fund. Only an active company may apply.
A dormant company is a company that has no active business or income-generating activities.
No, the company applying must be a private company (Sdn Bhd) as registered under the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
A company’s paid up capital should be reasonable and commensurate with the project cost.
Yes, MTDC provides consulting services through its Advisory & Value Added Services Division (AVAS). Companies may engage AVAS for assistance in the following areas:
- Business advisory
- Financial advisory
- Marketing advisory
- Technical advisory
A fund recipient company may have a non-Malaysian as CEO/Managing Director as long as the company’s local equity fulfils the requirement under the respective fund.
An applicant may include any supporting letter or document it deems necessary to support its application.
However, please note that the success of an application depends solely on the merits of said application.
Yes, MTDC does practice a no-gift policy.
For more details on MTDC’s no-gift policy, please click here.
- Crowdfunding is the use of small amount of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business venture.
- Crowdfunding makes use of the easy accessibility of vast networks of people through social media and crowdfunding websites, with the potential to increase entrepreneurship by expanding the pool of investors beyond the traditional circle of owners, relatives and venture capitalists.
pitchIN (Pitch Platforms Sdn Bhd). A Recognised Market Operator by the Securities Commission of Malaysia to offer an Equity Crowdfunding platform for companies to raise their funding from the public.
An equity crowdfunding programme aims to facilitate fundraising for local technology-based companies through crowdsourcing.
The programme will enable local technology-based companies to obtain capital through equity investment from a relatively large number of public investors, using an online platform.
MTDC will offer equity fund to eligible local technology-based companies that intend to raise fund through crowdfunding platform. Investment by MTDC in the crowdfunding campaign by the eligible local technology-based company (Issuer) would encourage many other investors to support and participate in the fundraising campaign to assist technology commercialisation and business expansion of local tech company.
Any local technology-based companies that is categorised as Series A (Early Stage).
Series A company is a startup who has gained some traction following a period of market research and product development. The company is ready to obtain further funding in exchange of their preferred stock during the seed or early stage investment round.
The basic eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Incorporated in Malaysia
- Majority owned by Malaysian
- Intellectual Property (IP)-backed technology
- Commercial ready prototype
- Qualified to launch fundraising campaign through equity crowdfunding platform
(i.e. pitchIN)
MTDC-pitchIN ECF programme provides funding up to 30% of fund to be raised or maximum RM900,000.00, whichever lower, per campaign. The remaining 70% of funding will be raised via crowdfunding in the ECF platform operated by pitchIN.
The investment tenure in a company is between 3 to 5 years
Equity investment via Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares (RCPS)
microLEAP (Microleap PLT). A Recognised Market Operator by the Securities Commission of Malaysia who operates a P2P financing platform that allows businesses to raise crowd-sourced funds in which the issuers (borrowers) may raise financing from as little as RM1,000 while P2P investors may invest in ‘Investment Notes’ issued by them from as little as RM50.
A social lending programme that aims to facilitate local technology-based companies to obtain financing directly from the mass public; either individual or organisation via crowdfunding platform.
The programme will enable companies to obtain capital through peer-to-peer (P2P) lending from a relatively large number of investors, using an online platform.
The programme will support eligible companies that want to raise fund through P2P platform, in a form of investment note. With MTDC participation as Investor in the P2P campaign by the eligible local technology-based company (Issuer), this would encourage many other investors to support and participate in the fundraising campaign to assist technology commercialisation and business expansion of local tech company.
Any local technology-based companies.
The basic eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Incorporated in Malaysia
- Majority owned by Malaysian
- Intellectual Property (IP)-backed technology
- Commercial ready prototype
- Qualified to launch P2P fundraising campaign through crowdfunding platform
(i.e. microLEAP)
MTDC-microLEAP P2P Financing Programme provides financing up to 30% of fund to be raised or maximum RM500,000.00, whichever lower, per campaign. The remaining 70% of funding will be raised via crowdfunding in the P2P platform operated by microLEAP.
Islamic Investment Note.
The profit rate for the financing depends on the profit rate determined by the P2P platform.
| MTDC Technology Centre | Location | Focus Industry |
| 1. UPM-MTDC | Serdang, Selangor | ICT & Biotechnology |
| 2. UKM-MTDC | Bangi, Selangor | Biotechnology |
| 3. UTM-MTDC | Skudai, Johor | Advanced Engineering & Life Sciences |
| 4. FRIM-MTDC | Kepong, Selangor | Life Sciences & Herbal Products |
UPM-MTDC Technology Centre is awarded with CyberCentre Status.
Yes, 100% generator set backup is available at UKM-MTDC and UPM-MTDC TIC1 Centre’s. We are planning to extend 100% generator set backup for the other Centre’s in the near future.
The Infrastructure and Project Unit of MTDC Technology Centre is responsible for the maintenance of common areas within the centre. However, tenants shall maintain their own premises at their own cost.
For feedback or complaints regarding maintenance issue, please log on to our website at www.mtdc.com.my or e-mail us at comms@mtdc.com.my for our immediate response.
MTDC Technology Centre engaged 24/7 security services to monitor the safety and security of the tenants within the centre. If you need further clarification on this or have specific safety requirements, kindly contact our staff at the respective Centre’s Management Office or e-mail us at comms@mtdc.com.my
All units are provided with basic finishes (painted walls, cement rendered floors and gypsum ceiling board) with lightings and power points in good working condition.
Internal renovation or installation of machinery and equipment (other than air-conditioning units) or outside of the office premises requires written consent from the management.
Upon termination of the tenancy agreement, the premise shall be returned to the Management office in its original condition. Demolition and dismantling works shall be borne by the tenant.
Among the services and facilities offered include meeting room, boardroom, training room and seminar hall of various sizes. Most of the rooms are equipped with LCD projector, writing board, flip charts and basic meeting room items.
Other specific requirements will be made available upon request at a minimal cost.
Facilities offered for office and lab may vary from one centre to the other.
Facilities provided include open spaces; wet lab and dry lab including cold room, chemical store, product store, dry store, wash area and lab bench.
Other facilities are cafeteria, free parking space, prayer room, gymnasium, resource centre, recreation area and auditorium.
Yes, one of the advantages being a tenant of MTDC Technology Centre is that we allow cross-usage of other facilities at any of our centres. This advantage shall prevail for as long as you are a partner of our centre.
Yes, there are minimal charges imposed. However, some facilities are complimentary. Consult any of our team at the Management Office to learn more about this.
Log on to www.mtdc.com.my or e-mail us at comms@mtdc.com.my to book any of the shared facilities. Facilities are available based on earliest booking made via our on-line booking maintenance system.
Yes, we do rent selected facilities to the public. However, tenants will be given first priority on usage rights. Please speak to our center Management team for more information or log on to www.mtdc.com.my or e-mail us at comms@mtdc.com.my for details.
| Details | UPM-MTDC | UKM-MTDC | UTM-MTDC | FRIM-MTDC |
| Type |
|
|
|
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| Details | UPM-MTDC | UKM-MTDC | UTM-MTDC | FRIM-MTDC |
| Size | From 540 sq ft | From 105 sq ft | From 520 sq ft | From 390 sq ft |
| Rate (RM/ sq ft) | From RM2.50 | From RM2.00 | From RM1.00 | From RM1.80 |
- Malaysian company incorporated under Companies Act 1965.
- A minimum paid up capital of RM20, 000.
- A technology-based company.
- To be in operation in the past three (3) months.
| Account | UPM-MTDC | UKM-MTDC | UTM-MTDC | FRIM-MTDC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental |
3 months
|
|||
| Electricity |
Min. RM300.00
|
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| Water |
Min. RM1, 000.00
|
Min. RM300.00 | ||
Please download the application form from MTDC website www.mtdc.com.my and submit with complete supporting documents to our management office at:
Block L, UPM-MTDC Technology Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan
Under the MTDC Technology Centre Graduation Policy, we offer smaller space at the Technology Garage (TG) for a maximum of three year for start-up or new companies,. At the end of the 3rd year, the companies will graduate to Enterprise Unit.
For medium-sized and matured companies residing at the enterprise lots, there is no specific time frame on the duration of occupancy.
Funding facilities are open to all, subject to Terms and Conditions, regardless whether the companies are tenants of the MTDC Technology Centres. Nevertheless, there are many other benefits offered to our tenants; such as value-added services, which can complement funding.
- Collaboration and Networking opportunities among SMEs, Universities, Research Institutions both locally and internationally.
- Usage of facilities at all MTDC Centres at a special rates
- Opportunity to use laboratories and scientific equipment at other Universities and Research Institution at special rates
- Opportunity to participate in internship or placement programmes by local or overseas universities students
- Access to advisory services on technology connection, fund raising and many more
The Advisory and Value Added Services (AVAS) Division of MTDC consists of 5 departments: Technology Advisory (TA), Marketing Advisory (MA), Financial Advisory (FA), Business Development (BD) and Special Projects (SPj).
AVAS departments provide advisory and/or various services that nurture client companies to develop and grow. The types of advisory and/or services provided will depend on the specific needs of each client company.
In principle, there are chargeable fees that both parties must agree to before services are rendered. These fees, which are minimal and affordable, differ according to the services required. Some fees are fixed and others are subject to negotiations. Client companies will be required to sign a mandate letter to formalize the provision of the services. Companies that are recipients of MTDC funding programmes may have some AVAS fees already included in the funding that they received.
The TA Department was established to capture the experience gained by MTDC in undertaking commercialization and technology development. This experience is translated into assistance, advisory and consultancy services to client companies undertaking technology commercialization and organizations developing technology development programmes.
TA would start with problem identification and/or needs requirement of the client organizations. For example, if a company require technology to improve existing or create new products/processes, TA will utilize its network to assist to find such technology or expertise from various technology providers available in the country, On the other hand, TA may also assist technology providers to find suitable industrial partners to commercialize their technologies. TA can also provide links to other agencies that provide regulatory, standards and other business services for client companies.
MA assists companies and organizations through provision of consultancy, training workshops and short courses.
Consultancy services provided by MA include business mentoring and coaching, business plan development, product and brand review (packaging and label review, advertising and promotions, traditional and new media advertising), distribution channels strategy, market validation and Intellectual property and legal matters
Training workshops provided by MA include entrepreneurship training for academicians and tertiary level students, commercialization for academicians and Technology Transfer Office personnel and entrepreneurship for startup companies/SME’s
Short courses provided by MA include Business Model Canvas (BMC), Business Plan Writing, Marketing for Start-up companies, Omni Channel Media (New and Traditional Media}, Finance and Accounting for Start-up companies, Managing IP (Technology Transfer and Licensing), Business Communication, Retail Environment, Regulatory and Certification, Manufacturing and Production, Professional Image, and resume writing for entrepreneurs
All our programmes are customized to the target audience. Please contact us for more details.
Please contact Cik Arni Balkish Mohamed Aris at arni@mtdc.com.my or 03-21726159
FA assists companies through provision of financial services. The two main scope of services provided by FA are Fund Raising (FR) and Financial Services (FS). In FR, we arrange for funding from financial institutions or investors to client companies.
The engagement includes structuring, evaluating and negotiating with the interested funders on the funding required. FS provides accounting services that include assurance work on proper bookkeeping and record keeping practice and mentoring/assistance in preparation of financial projection for companies in MTDC’s ecosystem. FS also provide audit and evaluation for Green Lane Policy
Presently, there are 5 financial institutions that have signed Memorandum of Understanding with MTDC such as MIDF, Bank Islam, RHB Islamic Bank, EXIM Bank and SME Bank.
In addition to these institutions, FA also have business relationship and access to all other banks as well as institutional and angel investors that can consider the funding requirements of FA’s client companies.
An initial discussion will be held to determine the actual needs and the scope of engagement will be clarified and agreed to by both parties. A letter of mandate on appointment of FA as the advisor will be issued which must accepted by the company before the service can commence.
BD assists client companies to access new markets, including overseas, by linking them to potential customers or partners through MTDC’s partners, collaborators and government connections In addition, where necessary, BD would assist client companies to obtain the necessary approvals and certifications in order to penetrate these markets.
In addition to this, BD is always on the lookout for potential business linkages that involve collaboration, research and development (R&D), technopreneurship programmes and commercialisation development.
In addition to the local market, BD is actively involved in assisting client companies in Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kazakhstan.
In addition, BD has some early initiatives in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea and Uganda,. Potential markets in the future include China, Turkey, Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Cambodia and Vietnam. BD is also looking into various emerging markets through the connections that MTDC has been making via its role as a training organization for many developing countries on behalf of organizations such the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC)
The SPj Department was set up to enable MTDC to quickly participate or provide input in industrial areas/sectors that are emerging as key strategic areas/sectors for the nation. SPj Department is currently collaborating with the Malaysian Robotics and Automation Society (MyRAS) to promote the use of robotics and automation in Malaysian SMEs.
AVAS in principle gives priority to MTDC-funded companies and tenants of MTDC’s technology development centres. Nevertheless, some AVAS services are provided to companies that are not yet in the MTDC ecosystem (e.g fund-raising), but the fee structure may be slightly higher than MTDC ecosystem companies.. In addition, AVAS will also give priority to assisting linkages and collaboration between industry and institutes of higher education/research institutes.
Once engaged, AVAS will provide assistance for client companies to the best of its capability and capacity. Nevertheless, MTDC would not be able to provide guarantees on the success of investment/funding and or commercialisation.
Please do contact us to initiate discussions and identify if there are AVAS services that are suitable for your company. Please contact Puan Norizah Atan, Executive Assistant of AVAS at norizah@mtdc.com.my or 03-21726096.