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MYChipStart

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MYChipStart

MYChipStart is a national programme to accelerate Malaysia’s integrated circuit (IC) design journey by supporting companies progressing from architecture-ready development toward silicon prototype realisation. More than a funding programme, MYChipStart supports technically grounded and execution-ready IC development through prototype realisation, validation and ecosystem enablement. Support is guided by each project’s technical readiness, defined scope, and key development milestones.

MYChipStart Launching Ceremony and Northern Region Roadshow

10 April 2026
sains@USM, Penang

MYChipStart & ETSI

Central Region Roadshow

20 April 2026
Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia, Cyberjaya

MYChipStart & ETSI

Sarawak State Roadshow

23 April 2026
SMD Semiconductor, Sarawak

MYChipStart & ETSI

Southern Region Roadshow

MYChipStart Supports Execution Critical Stages Through:

01

Design Enablement Access & Prototype Realization Pathways

Start Here

02

Validation and Readiness
Join at This Stage

03

Ecosystem and Commercialization Linkages

Continue From Here

04

Execution-Linked Talent Support

Explore This Phase

What You Unlock with MYChipStart

EDA Tool Platform Access

 

Access pathways to design environments and execution support

Prototype Realization Support

 

MPW/Shuttle participation and milestone-linked prototype build support

Post Silicon Validation Support

 

Pathways to validation, qualification and readiness activities

Execution Linked Graduate Talent Support

Support for eligible Malaysia fresh graduates in technical delivery roles

Mentor & Technical Guidance

 

Support project execution needs

Commercialization Pathway

 

Industry and ecosystem linkages to support commercialization opportunity

MYChipStart

MYChipStart is intended for commercial entities with the capability and intent to design and commercialize IC products from Malaysia:

      • Malaysian-registered commercial entities
      • Startups/ Sdn Bhd/ eligible commercial entities
      • Companies with local ownership or strategic local capability footprint
      • Minimum 6 months operational track record
      • Projects with defined architecture and execution readiness
      • Teams with technical execution capability
      • Credible commercial intent and prototype outcome

 

Eligible Use of Funds

      • Talent Enablement
      • Software, Tools & Infrastructure
      • MPE/NRE & Prototype Realization
      • Local Ecosystem Support
      • Validation, Certification & Qualification

Please find below the grant guidelines for reference.

A. Eligibility

 

No. Guidelines Details
1. Who can apply? MYChipStart is open to eligible commercial entities involved in IC design activity, including startups and established companies with the capability and intent to develop and commercialize IC products from Malaysia.
2. Can university apply? Applications must be submitted through a commercial entity. University-originated projects may apply if structured through an eligible company.
3. Do I need to be at a specific design stage to apply? No. Projects may apply from different stages of design maturity, provided they demonstrate:

  • defined architecture
  • execution readiness
  • credible commercial intent

B. Scope and Support

 

No. Guidelines Details
1. What support does MYChipStart provide? Depending on project scope and approval, MYChipStart may support:

  • EDA tool platform access
  • prototype realization pathways
  • post-silicon validation support
  • execution-linked graduate talent support
  • ecosystem and commercialization pathways
2. Does MYChipStart provide direct IP blocks? MYChipStart does not operate as a fixed public IP catalogue provider. Access to design building blocks or ecosystem resources depends on project needs, partner arrangements and applicable licensing terms.
3. Does MYChipStart guarantee commercialization or customer contracts? No. MYChipStart supports ecosystem and commercialization pathways, but does not guarantee customer contracts or market adoption.

C. Funding

 

No. Guidelines Details
1. What can the funding be used for? Funding is intended for approved, execution-critical activities such as:

  • technical talent enablement
  • software, tools and infrastructure
  • prototype realization
  • validation and qualification
  • eligible local technical subcontracting
2. What is not covered? Examples of non-covered items include:

  • consulting and legal fees
  • travel, conferences and training
  • maintenance and repair
  • general overhead and administration
3. Can the same cost item be claimed under another grant? No. The same cost item cannot be duplicated across multiple funding programmes

D. Fresh Graduate Hiring Incentive

 

No. Guidelines Details
1. Does MYChipStart support fresh graduate hiring? Yes, eligible projects may receive execution-linked graduate talent support for Malaysian fresh graduates (with a minimum Bachelor’s degree) in technical delivery roles, subject to programme terms and approved scope.
2. What is considered a “fresh graduate” under MYChipStart? For MYChipStart, a fresh graduate generally refers to a Malaysian graduate hired into a relevant technical role within an early post-graduation period, subject to programme terms, verification and approved scope.
3. How much fresh graduate hiring support is available? Support is subject to applicant profile, approved scope and programme terms. Further details are provided in the application materials and relevant programme guidance.

E. IP Ownership

 

No. Guidelines Details
1. Who owns the IP developed under MYChipStart? The applicant company is expected to retain ownership of the IP it develops, subject to programme terms and conditions.
2. Will MYChipStart require public return or national value commitments from supported projects? Yes, where appropriate. As MYChipStart is publicly supported, applicants may be required to demonstrate how their project contributes to Malaysia’s broader national value creation.

Where relevant, appropriate value-sharing arrangements may be considered, aligned with the nature of the project and structured in a commercially reasonable and programme-appropriate manner.

Please find below the application guidelines for reference.
No. Guidelines Details
1. How do I apply? Applicants may:

    1. Register interest
    2. Download and complete the application pack
    3. Submit the required documents for evaluation
2. How are projects evaluated? Projects are assessed through an independent evaluation process, based on factors such as:

  • technical feasibility
  • execution readiness
  • commercial potential
  • national value contribution
3. When is the application deadline? Apply by 30 April ’26 for Cohort 1 (2026).  Late submissions will be considered for Cohort 2 (2027).
4. Is there a maximum funding amount per project? There is no single preset funding cap per project. Support is assessed based on the approved project scope, eligible cost categories and evaluation outcome. Funding may support up to 50% of approved eligible costs, while Talent Enablement is subject to the applicable tier structure.The final approved amount and support duration will depend on technical and financial review.
5. Can a company submit more than one application? Yes. A company may submit multiple applications for different projects.
However, only up to one (1) project may be approved per company in each cohort, subject to evaluation outcome, technical readiness and funding availability.

Documents in this section will be made available in due course.

For Application Process

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PDPA Form
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ABAC Compliance Declaration Form

Enquiry for MYChipStart

Email Your Enquiries to mychipstart@crest.my for more information

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