KUCHING: Applications are now open for Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) Startup Lab (TSL).
This programme is being organised in line with the state government’s mission of increasing the number of successful technopreneurs and promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tegas will be working closely with strategic partner, Satu Creative for the programme’s second cohort for the period starting this May till May next year across SMA-Tegas Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri.
TSL is a one-year structured incubation programme that aims to equip local Sarawak entrepreneurs with the tools to sustain and accelerate their business growth and builds on the Sarawak government’s digital economy blueprint.
Participants selected for TSL will enjoy one-year business coaching, mentoring and facilitation, knowledge sharing by industry experts, access to DIH facilities and Digital Village Ecosystem Network, and opportunity to participate in international conferences and trade fairs.
Startups will be mentored by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts, covering topics such as strategy, finance, operations, talent management, marketing, branding, intellectual property (IP) and fundraising.
TSL has produced a number of notable alumni which include startups such as Trifold X, The Tuyang Initiative, Menur, The 381 Hub and Thirst. The participants will also gain first-hand account from some of these leading founders on their road to success in their startup journeys.
“TSL is our investment to produce high-growth startups for the Digital Village, and towards empowering young entrepreneurs in Sarawak,” said Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister and Tegas chairman.
The programme is supported by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and is one of the key programmes in the Sarawak Digital Village Ecosystem. Tegas is also collaborating with SMA in operating the DIH in Kuching, Miri and Bintulu.
DIH serves as an inclusive platform to nurture talents, support entrepreneurs and create innovators for Sarawak. DIH offers access to co-working space and shared amenities, funding opportunities and facilitation, incubation and acceleration programmes as well as an entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem.
“Together with all our partners within the digital ecosystem, we know that this initiative will create success stories that will be the pride of our state, and our nation,” said SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak.
TSL is open to Sarawak-based startups focused on the key sectors identified in the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2025 with at least 51 per cent Sarawakian shareholding, in operation for at least six months and not more than two years with proof of market traction in the form of revenue or customer acquisition.
To apply for the Tegas TSL, interested individuals are to log into http://bit.ly/tegasstartuplab2019
