In a world increasingly driven by the need for sustainable solutions, the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), in partnership with the Asia School of Business (ASB), has launched the 2024 Global Accelerator Programme (GAP). The event launched at ASB not only convened leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the future of sustainability and technology, but also extended an invitation to participate in this transformative initiative.
With the theme “Tech for Impact,” GAP 2024 aims to support innovative companies developing solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program focuses on Zero Hunger (Food Security & Sustainability), Good Health and Well-being (Healthcare), and Affordable and Clean Energy (Renewable Energy). Participants, from both local and global spheres, will gain expedited access to Malaysia’s National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) and have the chance to be nominated for Earthshot Prize Prize, a global environmental award established by Prince William in 2020. Each year, five Earthshot Prize winners receive £1 million (approximately RM23.8 million) to scale their solutions, benefiting from financial support, a global platform, extensive networking opportunities, and mentorship.
Sanjay Sarma, CEO, President, and Dean of ASB, kicked off the event, emphasizing the importance of applied research and innovation. He commended ASB’s faculty for their pioneering work in supply chain and artificial intelligence, as well as the collaborative spirit fostered by MIT’s entrepreneurial mindset. “Our mission at ASB is not just to educate but to empower our students and faculty to be agents of change. By leveraging cutting-edge research, we aim to solve real-world problems. The vibrant ecosystem we create through collaboration with MIT and our local partners enables us to push the boundaries of innovation and impact,” he stated.
Safuan Zafri, Chief Ecosystem Officer of MRANTI, outlined GAP 2024’s focus on critical SDG areas. He shared success stories from previous cycles, such as V-Farm’s vertical gardening solution, illustrating the program’s transformative potential. “GAP is about empowerment and problem-solving. It serves as a catalyst for companies, providing resources and networks to navigate growth complexities. We aim to help participants maximize these resources for national development and the benefit of the rakyat,” he explained.
Sarah Cragg, Head of Asia Pacific at The Earthshot Prize (UK), encouraged participants to see themselves as catalysts for change. “The Earthshot Prize seeks to inspire and accelerate solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we aim to empower a new generation of leaders committed to repairing and regenerating our planet,” Cragg noted.
The event featured a panel session titled “Driving Impact & Addressing Global Challenges Through Innovative Solutions,” moderated by Redza Shahid from ASB. Panelists included Sarah Cragg, Hassan Alsagoff of Grab, Dato’ Dr Nick Boden of KLEAN, and Jarod Ho of POS Malaysia. They discussed integrating sustainability into business models, stressing the importance of long-term thinking, impact measurement, and public-private partnerships.
The GAP 2024 program will be hosted at ASBhive under the oversight of ASB’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), a pivotal hub in Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing strategic oversight, mentorship, and module development. With contributions from ASB’s distinguished faculty in AI, sustainability, and organizational behavior, the program aims to cultivate entrepreneur-leaders who challenge the status quo with agility and creativity.
Scheduled to begin in the first week of September, classes for GAP 2024 will be delivered in a hybrid format that combines online and in-person sessions. Running through November, the program will feature guidance from ASB’s faculty, including Sanjay Sarma; Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor II of Economics and Deputy Dean of Research at ASB & Research Affiliate at MIT Sloan School of Management; Sylvia Ng, Associate Professor I of Marketing and Faculty Head for Action Learning; and Yi-Ren Wang, Associate Professor I of Organizational Behavior. These experts, among others, will bring their extensive knowledge and insights to guide participants throughout the program.
The launch of GAP 2024 underscored the essential role of innovation and collaboration in addressing global challenges. By equipping participants with resources, mentorship, and access to a global network, the program aims to expedite the development of impactful solutions. Supported by MRANTI, ASB, and The Earthshot Prize, this year’s program promises to drive significant advancements in sustainability and technology, empowering entrepreneur-leaders to create meaningful change on a global scale.