Sarawak is shifting its startup development strategy from capacity building towards commercialisation, investment and market access, following several years of digital ecosystem development.
The shift was outlined at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2026, where the state opened Startup Village as part of efforts to connect startups, researchers, investors and industry players.
Between 2021 and 2025, Sarawak established nine Digital Innovation Hubs, conducted more than 800 training programmes involving 28,000 participants and helped more than 33,000 small businesses move online. The state is now focusing on converting those initiatives into commercial outcomes.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the next phase would focus less on adding standalone programmes and more on producing outcomes such as prototypes, customers, investment and entry into new markets.
RM8.5 Million Invested In Startup Alumni
Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has facilitated about RM8.5 million in investment into startup alumni and established the Sarawak Business Angel Network in 2025 to connect startups with private investors.
Under the SDEC Technology Accelerator, 47 research teams have been accelerated, 38 organisations have undergone market and technology validation and seven external funding opportunities have been secured.
The Digital Village Accelerator and Sarawak SaaS Accelerator have supported 49 startup alumni. DiVA generated 41 jobs and RM376,000 in partnership value, while SaSAR’s first cohort generated US$182,000 in partnership value.
Startup Village has 78 startup exhibitors this year, compared with 54 exhibition booths previously.
Sarawak, Brunei Launch Startup Programme
SDEC and the Brunei Economic Development Board, through the Brunei Innovation Lab, will establish a Sarawak-Brunei Hackathon and Incubation Programme.
The programme will allow entrepreneurs from both markets to develop and validate products, work with mentors and industry partners, and potentially progress into SDEC’s existing accelerator programmes.
Roland said the state wants more Sarawak-based companies to generate revenue, attract investment and expand into markets outside the state while retaining intellectual property, skilled employment and business expertise in Sarawak.
