by ANIS HAZIM / pic by TMR FILE 

SUNWAY Innovation Labs (iLabs), the innovation arm of Sunway Group, has partnered with Carsome Sdn Bhd to launch Malaysia’s first auto ecosystem accelerator — Carsome Mobility Lab — slated in the third quarter of 2022.

The accelerator programme is expected to support global tech start-ups to deliver sustainable solutions in Carsome’s existing markets.

“The programme will provide a holistic platform for start-ups in the auto ecosystem to scale by providing mentorship, opportunities for funding and access to partnership opportunities through Sunway and Carsome’s network of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporates and industry experts,” they said in a joint statement last Friday.

Through the programme, selected start-ups will be offered the unique opportunity to connect with Sunway’s 13 business divisions and Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s (KL) thriving ecosystem as well as the group’s extensive funding funnel and ecosystem comprising Orbit Malaysia, SunSEA Capital, Gobi Partners and The HIVE SEA for further funding and investment opportunities.

“This is in line with Sunway’s vision to position Sunway City KL as a living laboratory bringing in experts to generate sustainable, real-world solutions for the future urban spaces towards the betterment of our environment and humankind,” the statement added.

Carsome co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng said the company is thrilled over the partnership.

“It is an honour for us to be supporting and boosting the entrepreneur and automotive communities through this unique programme.

“This is another huge step towards Carsome’s vision of creating the most trusted vehicle ownership ecosystem powered by technology and data,” Cheng said.

Sunway CIO and Sunway iLabs director Matt van Leeuwen also pleased to see the growth of partnership with Carsome from abroad-spectrum innovation platform covering research and development (R&D), tech talent development to a start-up accelerator programme.

“We believe that this first-of-its-kind auto ecosystem accelerator in Malaysia will help elevate start-ups to the next level by tapping the networks, market, mentors and funding offered by Carsome and Sunway,” van Leeuwen said.

He said that this unique opportunity should not to be missed by entrepreneurs who are looking to build a successful tech business in the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, Sunway CEO of digital and strategic investment Evan Cheah said the group has invested over RM200 million in start-ups and venture building over the last few years.

“We remain committed to equipping and enabling businesses in developing greater local innovations as part of our commitment to nation-building and advancing the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” Cheah said.

On the other hand, Carsome head of merger and acquisition and ecosystem strategy Digbijoy Shukla said the company is looking forward to teaming up with Sunway to work with start-ups across South-East Asia to bring cutting edge innovation that will benefit the entire auto ecosystem and ultimately add value to the vehicle ownership journey of all consumers.

Start-ups who are interested in the Carsome Mobility Lab may visit https://sunway.my/CarsomeMobilityLab.