May this email reach you while you are in the best of health and Iman by the grace of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

 

The Department of Higher Education (JPT), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Start-up and Spin-Off Accelerator (SUSOA) Research Grant Scheme. This strategic initiative is designed to bridge the "valley of death" between research and commercialization by accelerating the establishment of university spin-off companies (SUSO).1

Strategic Objectives

The SUSOA grant aims to empower the university entrepreneurship ecosystem by:

• Accelerating Commercialization: Facilitating the transition of university intellectual property (IP) into sustainable and competitive start-ups or spin-offs.1
   
• Bridging the Gap: Providing structured entrepreneurial acceleration to move projects from research discoveries to market-ready products.1
   
• Driving Economic Impact: Creating high-skilled jobs and fostering technology-based economic growth in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).1

Grant Parameters

• Funding Ceiling: Maximum of RM400,000.00 per project.1
• Project Duration: 12 months (excluding final report preparation).1
• Funding Mechanism: Milestone-based disbursement in three tranches: Tranche 1 (30%), Tranche 2 (40%), and Tranche 3 (30%).1

Eligibility Criteria

1. Project Leadership: Open to permanent or contract Malaysian academic staff (Professors, Associate Professors, Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers).1
2. Required Team: Each team must include at least one permanent Malaysian researcher from the same institution to serve as the Next Appointed Leader (NAL).1
3. Technology Readiness: Applicants must possess existing IP/products at a minimum maturity level of TRL 6, verified by their institution's RMC or TTO.1
4. Entrepreneurial Commitment: Successful applicants must be prepared to undergo a 12-month entrepreneurial sabbatical leave to focus on project implementation.1

Priority Areas (BITARA RMK13)

Applications must align with high-growth, high-value industries, including:

• High-Value Electrical & Electronics, Aerospace, and Chemicals.1
• Digital & ICT, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Devices.1
• Palm Oil & Rubber-Based Products.1
• Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.1

Mandatory Targets & Outcomes

Successful projects are required to meet at least three (3) of the following targets:

• Establishment of a SUSO: Registration of a sustainable spin-off/start-up with SSM.1
• Product-Market Fit (PMF): Advancing the technology to TRL 8 or TRL 9. 1
• External Funding: Securing third-party investment to ensure long-term viability.1
• Commercial Success: Recording actual product sales or IP licensing from the institution.1

Application Procedure

1. Preparation: Complete the official SUSOA 2026 Application Form and include all required annexes:
• Detailed Product Marketing Plan (Appendix 5). 23
  
• Risk Management Document (Appendix 6). 24
• Evidence of TRL 6 and Patent Search Results. 12
  
2. Submit the document to tto@iium.edu.my by Tue, 23 June 2026. Please refer to the timeline below:

 

 

 

 

Please find the folder containing all the necessary documents HERE

 

Thank you.