Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation(MRanti)
Prof. Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman (Chairman)
Datuk Wira Dr. Hj Rais Hussin (CEO)
Zain Azrai Zainuddin (CFO)
Khalid Yashaiya (CSO)
Khairil Anuar Sadat Salleh (CIO)
A. Hadie Zakaria (COO)
Safuan Zairi (Chief Ecosystem Officer)
Sabrina Haris (Chief People Officer)
Muhundhan Kamarapullai (Chief Digital Officer)
Summary
The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) stands at the forefront of Malaysia’s innovation landscape, offering a dynamic platform for the rapid transformation of research into tangible societal benefits. Born from the merger of Technology Park Malaysia Corporation and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre, MRANTI embodies a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and societal impact.
At its expansive 686-acre MRANTI Park headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, MRANTI operates as a pivotal connector, incubator, and catalyst for early-stage ideation to mature entities, ushering innovations from conception to commercialisation. Through its strategic interventions, comprehensive programs, and extensive partnerships, MRANTI empowers innovators and industries to navigate the complex journey of bringing ideas to market, ensuring effective transitions in the commercialisation lifecycle.
MRANTI’s investment criteria prioritise projects with high scalability, market viability, and societal relevance across diverse sectors such as smart manufacturing, biotech, agritech, smart cities, green tech, and enabling technologies. Its commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond mere economic interests to encompass broader societal goals, driving economic growth while addressing pressing societal challenges.
Central to MRANTI’s mission is the seamless integration of academia, industry, and the public sector, fostering collaborative ecosystems that accelerate innovation diffusion and maximise societal impact. By bridging the gap between research and market needs, MRANTI expands Malaysia’s innovation funnel and unlocks new R&D value, driving sustainable economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
History
The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) traces its origins to the convergence of two pioneering entities in Malaysia's innovation landscape: Technology Park Malaysia Corporation and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC).
Technology Park Malaysia Corporation was established in 1996 by the Malaysian government with the vision of creating a conducive ecosystem to foster technological innovation and drive economic growth. TPM was designed as a hub for research, development, and commercialisation activities, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, research facilities, and support services to local and international innovators and businesses.
In 2014, the Malaysian government launched the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) as part of its efforts to catalyse the growth of the country's startup ecosystem. MaGIC aimed to nurture entrepreneurial talent, support early-stage startups, and promote innovation-driven economic development.
Recognising the synergies between TPM's focus on research commercialisation and MaGIC's emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, the Malaysian government initiated the merger of the two entities in 2022. This merger led to the creation of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), a comprehensive platform that integrates research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic growth.
With its formation, MRANTI articulated a bold vision to become Malaysia's premier research commercialisation agency, fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem that translates research into tangible societal benefits. Its mission encompassed fast-tracking technology innovations, fostering collaboration, and driving economic growth by translating research into impactful solutions.
Since its inception, MRANTI has experienced rapid growth and expansion, establishing itself as a central hub for research commercialisation and innovation in Malaysia. The organisation has expanded its reach and influence by forging strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, government agencies, and international organisations.
MRANTI's headquarters, known as MRANTI Park, serves as a sprawling 686-acre innovation hub located in Kuala Lumpur. MRANTI Park houses state-of-the-art research facilities, incubation centres, co-working spaces, and support services, providing innovators and entrepreneurs with the resources and infrastructure needed to accelerate their projects from ideation to commercialisation.
Over the years, MRANTI has made significant contributions to Malaysia's innovation ecosystem by supporting the growth of startups, fostering technology transfer, promoting industry-academia collaboration, and driving research-led economic development. The organisation's efforts have led to the creation of jobs, the development of new industries, and the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies, positioning Malaysia as a global player in the field of innovation.
Investment criteria
MRANTI operates as Malaysia's central research commercialisation agency, facilitating the transition of innovative research projects into commercially viable products and services. To effectively allocate resources and support projects with the highest potential for success, MRANTI adheres to a set of investment criteria that guide its decision-making process. The investment criteria of MRANTI typically include the following:
1. Innovation and Novelty: MRANTI seeks to invest in projects that demonstrate significant innovation and novelty in their approach, technology, or solution. Projects should offer unique value propositions and differentiate themselves from existing solutions in the market.
2. Market Potential: MRANTI evaluates the market potential of each project, considering factors such as market size, growth prospects, competition, and demand dynamics. Projects with large addressable markets and high growth potential are prioritised for investment.
3. Scalability: MRANTI looks for projects that have the potential to scale rapidly and achieve significant market penetration. Scalability is essential for maximising the impact of investments and generating sustainable returns over the long term.
4. Commercial Viability: MRANTI assesses the commercial viability of each project, including its ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability. Projects should have a clear path to commercialisation, with a well-defined business model and revenue-generating opportunities.
5. Technical Feasibility: MRANTI evaluates the technical feasibility of each project, considering factors such as technological readiness, development milestones, and resource requirements. Projects should demonstrate a realistic and achievable technical roadmap.
6. Team Capabilities: MRANTI considers the capabilities and experience of the project team in executing the proposed venture. Strong leadership, relevant expertise, and a track record of success are important factors in determining the likelihood of project success.
7. Societal Impact: MRANTI prioritises projects that have the potential to deliver positive societal impact, such as creating jobs, addressing social challenges, improving quality of life, or promoting sustainable development. Projects aligned with national priorities and development goals are given preference.
8. Intellectual Property: MRANTI assesses the intellectual property (IP) position of each project, including the strength of the IP portfolio, freedom to operate, and potential for IP protection. Projects with robust IP protection and a clear competitive advantage are more attractive for investment.
9. Alignment with Strategic Objectives: MRANTI considers the alignment of each project with its strategic objectives and focus areas. Projects that align with MRANTI's mission, vision, and investment priorities are more likely to receive funding and support.
Values
Win Together: MRANTI values collaboration and connection, finding passion in working together with stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes. The organisation believes that collective efforts lead to greater success and innovation.
Accelerate Impact: MRANTI is dedicated to delivering results efficiently and effectively without compromising quality. The organisation aims to maximise the Return of Ideas (ROI) by working with speed and synergy, ensuring that innovative ideas quickly transform into impactful solutions.
Be the Change: MRANTI embodies the belief that change begins within the organisation. It is committed to pursuing a better tomorrow with a fresh perspective, continually seeking improvements and embracing innovation to drive progress and positive transformation.
Mission
MRANTI is dedicated to accelerating the translation of research into tangible societal benefits, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and driving economic growth through innovation-led entrepreneurship. By supporting the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies, MRANTI aims to address pressing societal challenges, create jobs, and position Malaysia as a global leader in innovation and technology.
Portfolio
These ventures, supported by MRANTI's programs, represent cutting-edge innovations that address diverse market needs, drive economic growth, and promote sustainable development. Through strategic interventions and collaboration, MRANTI empowers these ventures to scale their operations, expand their market reach, and maximise their societal impact.
Anak2U: The EdTech System
Anak2U offers an easy all-inclusive solution for teachers and parents, facilitating the management of children's day-to-day activities while digitalising education. It aims to streamline communication, enhance learning experiences, and improve overall efficiency in educational settings.
Program: Global Market-Fit Programme
Hand Plus Robotic: Robotic Solutions
Hand Plus Robotic specialises in the design, development, integration, and installation of robotics and automation solutions for various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Their innovative technologies optimise processes, increase productivity, and improve safety in the workplace.
Program: VentureX Programme
Insect Feed Technologies: Sustainable Insect Protein
Insect Feed Technologies is dedicated to sustainable insect farming, particularly Black Soldier Flies, to produce high-quality nutrition for animal feed. Their innovative approach addresses the growing demand for environmentally friendly and nutritious animal feed alternatives, contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural industry.
Program: VentureX Programme
References
- About Us | Our Way of Work | MRanti
- About Us | Meet Our Directors | MRanti
- Solutions | Overview | MRanti
- Re-energising the Malaysia-China Science, Technology, and Innovation Ecosystem | MRanti
- Mosti launches AI Sandbox Pilot Programme | MRanti
- Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation Overview | Pitchbook
- Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation | Cbinsight
- MaGIC-TPM now MRANTI | Digital News Asia
- Soon-to-be-rebranded MRANTI to focus on DroneTech & robotics, HealthTech, Argitech, autonomous vehicle | TNGlobal
- Malaysian Startups Shine at Global Pitch Competition, Taking Home Top Awards in AgTech and DataTech | My Everyday Tech
- MRANTI addresses Malaysia’s shift to become a technology producer | The Malaysian Reserve
- Malaysia aims to create 900 startups by 2026 via AI Sandbox program | TNGlobal
- MRANTI to play key role in accelerating commercialisation of Malaysia’s technology and innovation (VIDEO) | Yahoo
- MRANTI Malaysia | Crunchbase
- Press Release MRANTI MoU with Beijing Zhongguancun | Portal Rasmi Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
- MRANTI Unveils MATCH to Boost Technology Innovation Ecosystem | SME & Entrepreneurship Magazine
- Mranti aims to be Malaysia’s first carbon neutral innovation park by 2035 | Digital News Asia
Prof. Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman (Chairman)
Datuk Wira Dr. Hj Rais Hussin (CEO)
Zain Azrai Zainuddin (CFO)
Khalid Yashaiya (CSO)
Khairil Anuar Sadat Salleh (CIO)
A. Hadie Zakaria (COO)
Safuan Zairi (Chief Ecosystem Officer)
Sabrina Haris (Chief People Officer)
Muhundhan Kamarapullai (Chief Digital Officer)