Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MTDC does practice a no-gift policy.
For more details on MTDC’s no-gift policy, please click here.
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
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.
A company’s paid up capital should be reasonable and commensurate with the project cost.
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.
No, the company applying must be a private company (Sdn Bhd) as registered under the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
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.
Yes, but this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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.
The application should be submitted in the English language as per the format provided.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a processing fee for an application for CRDF 2, CRDF 3 and TAF only. The application for the respective fund must be submitted along with a cheque of RM3,500. The cheque will only be processed if the application passes the pre-assessment stage.
In the event that the application does not pass the pre-assessment stage, the cheque will not be processed and it will be returned to the applicant.
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.
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.
The ability of entrepreneur him/herself, the business model, the environment as well as the financial aspect. MTDC however would provide nurturing and value added services to the companies and assist them with the companies’ objective so they can become independent and able to achieve the set goals and milestones within certain time frame.
The technology that will be commercialized are from various universities and research institutions throughout Malaysia.
It can be either one of the above subject to fund availability.
Funding and its quantum is not guaranteed by MTDC, however this depends very much on the final business proposal since fund is strategically tailored towards the need to commercialise such product or technology.
Participants will be paid some basic allowance throughout the programme and participants would also be provided accommodations during the Training phase.
Symbiosis Programme is a comprehensive programme.
The duration of the programme is seven (7) months, which begins with the selection of participants until the formation of start-up companies.
Participants will undergo four (4) months full-time training at UPM-MTDC Technology Center.
The main criterias are:-
- Malaysian;
- Have at least a Diploma in any field;
- Below 30 years of age;
- Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia; and
- Good health condition
MTDC would advertise in the leading newspapers, social media such as MTDC Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Candidates must register via Symbiosis Online Registration only. Please click here to register.
The fund recipient company must repay 50% of the total approved amount.
The zero interest payment will begin in the third year on instalment basis for a period of not more than 24 months.
The payment may be made in cash or in kind (in the form of CSR activities, provision of training etc. to be agreed upon with MTDC).
The payback scheme is part of the new policy instituted by the government under RMKe-11.
The duration of the funding is four (4) years:
- two (2) years for implementation and monitoring; and
- two (2) years for the payback scheme.
The eligible expenses under CRDF 3 are as follows:
- Equipment
- Technology acquisition
- Advertising, marketing, and promotion
- Intellectual property and standards compliance
- Value added services
For further details on eligible expenses, click here.
MTDC will monitor the fund recipient company’s project closely to ensure successful commercialisation in accordance with the commercialisation plan submitted by the company.
However, if the project fails, MTDC has the right to revoke and retrieve the amount disbursed to the company through legal means.
The fund recipient company must repay 12.5% of the total approved amount.
The zero interest payment will begin in the third year on instalment basis for a period of not more than 24 months.
The payment may be made in cash or in kind (in the form of CSR activities, provision of training etc. to be agreed upon with MTDC).
The payback scheme is part of the new policy instituted by the government under RMKe-11.
The duration of the funding is four (4) years:
- two (2) years for implementation and monitoring; and
- two (2) years for a payback scheme.
The eligible expenses under CRDF 2 are as follows:
- Equipment
- Technology acquisition
- Administration and overheads
- Production
- Advertising, marketing, and promotion
- Intellectual property and standards compliance
- Value added services
For further details on eligible expenses, click here.
CRDF 2 provides funding in the form of a partial grant with a maximum of RM 4.0 million or 70% of the eligible expenses (whichever is lower). The remaining 30% of funding must be sourced by the applicant.
CRDF 2 is a grant for the commercialisation of any local R&D by an SME.
An SME is defined as below:
- Manufacturing Sector – a company with annual turnover not exceeding RM 50.0 million OR having employees not exceeding 200.
- Services sector and other sectors – a company with annual turnover not exceeding RM 20.0 million OR having employees not exceeding 75.
For further details on eligibility, click here.
There are two (2) milestones under CRDF 1:
- Evidence of technology readiness – that the technology is commercial-ready
- Evidence of market acceptance – that the technology is well-received by consumers as indicated by enquiries, orders, and sales
MTDC will monitor the fund recipient company’s project closely to ensure the achievement of the commercialisation milestones.
The duration of the funding is not more than 12 months.
The eligible expenses under CRDF 1 are as follows:
- Technology consultation fees
- Administration and overheads
- Product registration
- Cost of outsourcing production
- Advertising, marketing, and promotion
- Value added services
- Legal and secretarial costs
For further details on eligible expenses, click here.
CRDF 1 provides funding in the form of a partial grant with a maximum of RM 500,000 or 70% of the eligible expenses (whichever is lower). The remaining 30% of funding must be sourced by the applicant.
CRDF 1 is a grant to enable spin-off and start-up companies to prove their technology’s readiness and to gauge market acceptance before receiving additional funding.
A spin-off company, otherwise known as a Syarikat Terbitan Universiti (STU):
- is defined as a company with local Public or Private University/Government Research Institution ownership.
- is required to operate their business from any recognised Technology Centre locally.
A start-up company:
- is a newly set up Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) established specifically as the vehicle for the commercialisation activities of a specific project.
- is recommended to operate their business from any recognised Technology Centre.
For further details on eligibility, click here.
CRDF was established to fund the commercialisation of locally developed technologies by Malaysian-owned companies. The technologies can be those developed by the public sector or they can also be the output of in-house research and development (R&D) activities by the companies.
In order to apply for CRDF, companies must ensure that R&D has been completed successfully and that a commercial-ready prototype is available. CRDF does not cover R&D activities.
MTDC will monitor the fund recipient company’s project closely to ensure successful acquisition in accordance with the business plan submitted by the company.
However, if the project fails, MTDC has the right to revoke and retrieve the amount disbursed to the company through legal means.
The fund recipient company must repay 50% of the total approved amount.
The zero interest payment will begin in the third year on instalment basis for a period of not more than 24 months.
The payment may be made in cash or in kind (in the form of CSR activities, provision of training etc. to be agreed upon with MTDC).
The payback scheme is part of the new policy instituted by the government under RMKe-11.
The duration of the funding is four (4) years:
- two (2) years for implementation and monitoring; and
- two (2) years for the payback scheme.
TAF provides funding in the form of partial grants with a maximum of RM 4 million:
- For licensing of technology: RM 2.8 million or 70% of the eligible expenses (whichever is lower). The remaining 30% of funding must be sourced by the applicant.
- For purchase of equipment: RM 1.2 million or 50% of the eligible expenses (whichever is lower). The remaining 50% of funding must be sourced by the applicant.
TAF is provided for the acquisition of proven foreign technology by an SME.
An SME is defined as below:
- Manufacturing sector – a company with annual turnover not exceeding RM 50.0 million OR having employees not exceeding 200.
- Services sector and other sectors – a company with annual turnover not exceeding RM 20.0 million OR having employees not exceeding 75.
For further details on eligibility, click here.
TAF was established to facilitate eligible Malaysian companies in the acquisition of proven foreign technologies for immediate incorporation into said companies’ manufacturing activities. The partial grant under TAF enables companies to avoid expensive and often risky technology development stages.
Before applying for TAF, it is mandatory for the company to have a draft agreement outlaying clearly the clauses to be agreed upon between the Technology Provider and the company (Technology Recipient).
For more information on TAF, click here.
- 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
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.
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.
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
| Account | UPM-MTDC | UKM-MTDC | UTM-MTDC | FRIM-MTDC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental |
3 months
|
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| Electricity |
Min. RM300.00
|
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| Water |
Min. RM1, 000.00
|
Min. RM300.00 | ||
- 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.
| 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 |
| Details | UPM-MTDC | UKM-MTDC | UTM-MTDC | FRIM-MTDC |
| Type |
|
|
|
|
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.
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, there are minimal charges imposed. However, some facilities are complimentary. Consult any of our team at the Management Office to learn more about this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
UPM-MTDC Technology Centre is awarded with CyberCentre Status.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
Please contact Cik Arni Balkish Mohamed Aris at arni@mtdc.com.my or 03-21726159
All our programmes are customized to the target audience. Please contact us for more details.
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
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
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
MA assists companies and organizations through provision of consultancy, training workshops and short courses.
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.
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.
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.
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).