LaunchX

The University Startup
Accelerator Programme

Turns ideas into fundable startups

Cohort 4

October 2025 – April 2026

Application Closed!

(Deadline: 12pm, 6 October 2025)

30+ Startups

Launched & Funded

For the Next Generation of

Innovators & Entrepreneurs

LaunchX is a university startup accelerator programme that turns validated ideas into fundable startups. It is an equity-free, no-string attached programme for budding entrepreneurs, with one goal: to help them succeed.

2025 Programme

Overview

Next Cohort

Join our upcoming cohort from
October 2025 to April 2026.

Programme Structure

Experience a hybrid format that
seamlessly blends in-person and
virtual sessions.

Eligibility

Open to all student startups
across Malaysia.*

What

We Look For

We seek innovative solution that

Address a real & impactful problem

Addressing a problem with potential benefits to society or the economy in Malaysia

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problem they are addressing and provide evidence that their solution has been validated to effectively tackle this issue

Have at least a basic prototype

Prototype that illustrates the functionality and feasibility of the
solution, where teams are expected to work towards completing a fully functional MVP by the programme’s midpoint, enabling real customer piloting

Demonstrate USP

Have a unique selling point and clear differentiation from existing solutions/competitors in the market

Have a viable business model

Present a well-justified business model with a clear Go-To-Market strategy and demonstrate potential for scalability, along with roadmap for future development

Who We Look For

Dedicated individuals and teams that are passionate and committed to achieving LaunchX outcomes and willing to actively engage in all programme activities

Eligibility Requirements:

Solopreneur

• Must be a current student (undergraduate or postgraduate) enrolled in any Higher Education Institution
across Malaysia, or
• A recent graduate (within 6 months of the programme start date) from any Higher Education Institution across
Malaysia

Team (up to 3 members)

• At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education
Institution across Malaysia
• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each
member
• The primary driver of the startup must be a current student in
any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

Programme

Timeline

9 April – 6 October 2025

Application Period

25 & 26 October 2025

Kickstart & Opening at Sunway University

November – December 2025

Virtual Workshops, Clinics, Mentoring

January 2026

Pre-Demo Day

February – March 2026

Virtual Workshops, Clinics, Mentoring

April 2026

Demo Day

Post Programme Support

Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t end here. After completing LaunchX, participants gain access to
ongoing support through:

Continuous Mentorship

Stay connected with mentors & Sunway iLabs for guidance and feedback on your progress.

Alumni Community

Join a growing network of entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators. Tap into exclusive events, peer support, and potential collaborations to keep your momentum going.

Eligibility

Explore further growth with Sunway iLabs or our partners’ programmes such as Venture Labs & more.

Programme

Benefits

Equity Free

We don’t take equity in your startup

Mentorship

Gain insights and guidance from seasoned VCs and industry mentors

Networking

Connect with a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, partners, and investors

Certificate

Earn Micro-Credentials while building your startup*

Workshop

Build practical and essential skills through hands-on workshops

Co-Working Spaces

At Sunway FutureX lobby and or ecosystem partners’ offices*

Startup Perks

Worth more than RM100,000 from Deloitte, Stripe, Microsoft for Startups, and Altomate

Startup Community

Immerse in a community of young entrepreneurs across Malaysia

Frequently

Asked Questions

What is LaunchX?

LaunchX – The University Startup Accelerator Programme empowers students to transform their validated ideas into market-ready startups. Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and dedicated support, participants will develop their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), demonstrate early tractions, and pitch their ideas to industry professionals and the startup ecosystem.

Who is eligible to apply for LaunchX 2025?

LaunchX is open to university students and recent graduates across Malaysia with an innovative business idea or startup. Applicants must be committed to achieving LaunchX outcomes and willing to actively engage in all programme activities.

Proposed solution should meet the following criteria:
● Address a real & impactful problem
● Have at least an alpha prototype
● Demonstrate USP
● Have a viable business model

Applicant may either apply as a solopreneur, or a team of up to three co-founders with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

Requirement for teams:
● The primary driver of the startup must be a current student in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia,
● At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

Please note: Applicants who have received funding in a previous cohort of LaunchX are not eligible to reapply.

What industries does LaunchX focus on?

LaunchX is industry-agnostic, student startups from any sector or industry are welcome to apply. However, the proposed solution must address a real problem and demonstrate a meaningful impact.

Is there a programme fee to join LaunchX?

No, participation in LaunchX is free. Selected participants will receive access to mentorship, workshops, resources, funding opportunities, and networking events at no cost.

However, participants are expected to cover their travel expenses for any physical events.

How can I apply for LaunchX 2025?

You can apply by filling out the application form on our website.
Include a pitch deck about your startup idea, problem-solution fit, prototype, and business plan.
Applications close on 6 October 2025.

What are the key dates for LaunchX 2025?

●. Application Deadline: 6 October 2025
●. Announcement of Results: By 15 October 2025
●. Kickstart & Opening at Sunway University: 25 October 2025
●. Pre-Demo Day: January 2026
●. Demo Day: April 2026
*Exact dates will be updated.

How are applicants selected?

Applicants are selected based on the innovativeness of their solution, market potential, sustainability focus, and team commitment. A rigorous selection process ensures only high-potential student startups are admitted.

What can I expect from LaunchX 2025?

LaunchX includes:
● Expert mentorship tailored to your startup’s needs.
● Workshops on product development, pitching, fundraising, and more.
● Networking opportunities with startup ecosystem and industry leaders.
● Access to resources like coworking spaces and perks from partners.

Participants are expected to:
● Develop a working MVP by the midpoint of the programme (Pre-Demo Day)
● Complete at least one round of pilot testing and demonstrate traction by the end of the programme (Demo Day)
● Fully commit to the programme by dedicating at least 8 hours per week to attend workshops, mentoring sessions, and complete programme deliverables.

Is attendance mandatory for the entire programme?

Yes, participants must attend all sessions unless prior notice is given with a valid reason.

Certification will only be provided upon full completion of the programme, with a minimum 80% attendance, with all three physical events being mandatory.

What happens on Pre-Demo Day and Demo Day?

Pre-Demo Day: Teams pitch their solution to a panel of judges, who select the top teams to proceed to the rest of the programme.

Demo Day: Final pitches are made to potential investors, partners, and industry experts, with opportunities for funding and strategic collaborations.

What happens after the programme ends?

Your journey doesn’t end here – Graduates will receive continuous mentorship, and join the Sunway Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, gaining access to ongoing support, networking opportunities, and potential roles as guest speakers or mentors in future programmes.

Can I withdraw from the program after being selected?

Withdrawals are discouraged as your absence may affect your team and the fairness of the program. Withdrawal from the program must be communicated in writing at least one week in advance. Participants who withdraw without prior notice or valid reason may be blacklisted from future Sunway iLabs’ programme.

What if I don’t have all the required components (e.g., prototype, business plan)?

To be considered for LaunchX, your application must include at least an alpha prototype that demonstrates your understanding of how to build your product.

Only complete application with all the required components (including the prototype and business plan), will be considered for the programme. If any of the required components are missing, your application will not be reviewed.

I have more than 3 team members, am I eligible to apply?

We are open to considering special requests for teams exceeding this size, provided that:
●. All team members are committed to fully participating in the programme.
●. Each member has clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
●. At least 50% of the team must be current active students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia.

Please note that only complete applications, including all required components, will be considered. If your team exceeds the recommended size, we encourage you to provide a detailed explanation of how your team structure will contribute to the success of your startup during the application process.

My question is not listed

You can reach us at launchx@sunway.edu.my.

The University Startup Accelerator Programme

(Deadline: 12pm, 6 October 2025)

30+ Startups

Launched & Funded

For the Next Generation of

Innovators & Entrepreneurs

2025 Programme

Overview

Next Cohort

Programme Structure

Eligibility

What

We Look For

We seek innovative solution that

Address a real & impactful problem

Addressing a problem with potential benefits to society or the economy in MalaysiaApplicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problem they are addressing and provide evidence that their solution has been validated to effectively tackle this issue

Have at least a basic prototype

Prototype that illustrates the functionality and feasibility of thesolution, where teams are expected to work towards completing a fully functional MVP by the programme’s midpoint, enabling real customer piloting

Demonstrate USP

Have a unique selling point and clear differentiation from existing solutions/competitors in the market

Have a viable business model

Present a well-justified business model with a clear Go-To-Market strategy and demonstrate potential for scalability, along with roadmap for future development

Who We Look For

Dedicated individuals and teams that are passionate and committed to achieving LaunchX outcomes and willing to actively engage in all programme activities

Eligibility Requirements:

Solopreneur

• Must be a current student (undergraduate or postgraduate) enrolled in any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia, or• A recent graduate (within 6 months of the programme start date) from any Higher Education Institution across Malaysia

Team (up to 3 members)

Programme

Timeline

9 April – 6 October 2025

25 & 26 October 2025

November – December 2025

January 2026

February – March 2026

April 2026

Post Programme Support

Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t end here. After completing LaunchX, participants gain access to ongoing support through:

Continuous Mentorship

Alumni Community

Eligibility

Programme

Benefits

Equity Free

Mentorship

Networking

Certificate

Workshop

Co-Working Spaces

Startup Perks

Startup Community

Frequently

Asked Questions

2024

Watch the 2024 recap video, explore the highlights, and hear what our past cohort has to say about LaunchX.

Interested to be part of

LaunchX?

Explore opportunities to collaborate, contribute, and grow with us!

Be Our Mentor

Join us to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and give back to the ecosystem. Fill out the form to register your interest.

Be Our Partner

Collaborate with us to shape the future of innovation. Email us to explore partnership opportunities.

Be Our Participants

Application for LaunchX opens from 9 April – 24 September 2025. Apply now!

Resources

LaunchX Info Session

Our Partners

Programme Co-Organiser

A Programme By

Ecosystem Partners

Venture Partners

Venture Partners

Media Partner

The University Startup
Accelerator Programme

Addressing a problem with potential benefits to society or the economy in Malaysia

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problem they are addressing and provide evidence that their solution has been validated to effectively tackle this issue

Prototype that illustrates the functionality and feasibility of the
solution, where teams are expected to work towards completing a fully functional MVP by the programme’s midpoint, enabling real customer piloting

• Must be a current student (undergraduate or postgraduate) enrolled in any Higher Education Institution
across Malaysia, or
• A recent graduate (within 6 months of the programme start date) from any Higher Education Institution across
Malaysia

Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t end here. After completing LaunchX, participants gain access to
ongoing support through:

Watch the 2024 recap video, explore the highlights, and hear what our past cohort has to say about
LaunchX.