Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has opened the applications for Cohort 2 of Digital Tourism program until the end of April 2024, inviting startups in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industry to participate in the transformative journey.
MDEC in partnership with 1337 Ventures, has commenced its inaugural Digital Tourism Innovation Lab Cohort 1 on January 16, 2024, aiming to revolutionise Tourism Tech in Malaysia. The initiative seeks to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the tourism and hospitality industries.
MDEC CEO, Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, highlighted the significance of digital tourism as one of the nine promoted sectors in Malaysia Digital. He emphasiSed MDEC’s commitment to nurturing and expanding tourism tech companies by facilitating funding and export opportunities.
The initiative aims to accelerate the digitalization of the tourism industry by engaging stakeholders and fostering the development of home-grown tourism tech solutions.
The Digital Tourism Innovation Lab will conduct three cohorts in 2024. The first cohort, which received 55 applications, is currently in session with nine exceptional startups from Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. These startups, including Ocean Buddy, MyRehat, DoctorOnCall, and others, will undergo mentorship and guidance to refine their products and go-to-market strategies.
1337 Ventures Founding Partner and CEO, Bikesh Lakhmichand, expressed excitement about the potential of the new accelerator cohort, likening it to the anticipation of previous successful programs. Leveraging 1337 Ventures’ extensive network, the accelerator aims to discover innovative ideas in tourism that can drive significant change within the industry.
Tourism Malaysia is also supporting the Digital Tourism Innovation Lab, providing subject matter expertise and validation for the participating startups. The eight-week virtual accelerator will conclude with a demo day, where startups will pitch their ideas to a select audience of investors and industry leaders.
