This article appeared in Business Today on 12 January 2023.

MYStartup collaborates with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to launch a hackathon (MYStartup Hackathon 2022) targeted at solving DNB’s key corporate challenges. The joint hackathon is envisioned to bring technological advancements within the problem-solving space of corporates and commercial industries to encourage ideation activities between corporations, emerging startups, and public tech teams. 

Paving the way for future collaborative opportunities between startups and established corporations, MYStartup will provide a platform for startups to develop creative technological solutions for corporations in tackling their key challenges. This strategic collaboration strives to accelerate innovation within corporate by working closely with startups.

DNB, wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance, has been mandated by the Government of Malaysia to be the single neutral party to deploy the country’s 5G network and infrastructure nationwide. While the 5G rollout is still a work in progress, it is crucial to encourage activities that allow innovative solutions to be built on top of the 5 G’s infrastructure.

The MYStartup Hackathon 2022 will enable DNB to gain valuable insights using the startups’ ideation process on effectively incorporating 5G services that are accessible to all. The central theme around the hackathon is to objectively solve DNB’s areas of concern, which have been detailed in the following problem statements: 

1. Floating 5G deployment for a cost-effective 5G service for all palm oil plantations in Malaysia;
2. Developing a dynamic advertising engagement platform; and
3. Developing a factory of tomorrow with 5G-based AI Machine-Vision quality inspection tackling the Quality Assurance (QA) and Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) questions.

“We hope that this programme will act as a catalyst for even more strategic collaborations between startups and players from the corporate sectors in Malaysia and across the region as well”, said Ahmad Kashfi Alwi, Senior Vice President of Ecosystem Development, Cradle.

Starting on 6 January, the hackathon consisted of three days of hackathon, masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Shortlisted participants will undergo a boot camp to prepare them for the final pitching session on 14 January. Winners will receive RM10,000 for solving each problem statement and a partnership with DNB to help implement the winning solutions in its ecosystem.  

Eligible startups and entrepreneurs are invited to participate in this event to explore the endless possibilities of technological advancements that can assist corporate solutions in an increasingly digital age. For more information, visit www.mystartuphackathon.com.