Malaysia today marked a significant milestone in regional innovation with the official launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, a unified digital gateway aimed at connecting and empowering startups across Southeast Asia. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the launch positions Malaysia at the forefront of ASEAN’s innovation agenda as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The platform, now fully operational following its pre-launch phase in 2024, is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub offering startups direct access to regional markets, funding opportunities, investor networks, talent development programs, and real-time ecosystem insights.
“Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem,” said YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI. “Startup ASEAN is more than a digital platform—it is a strategic enabler developed in collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to markets, capital, talent, and data.”
The platform’s launch is the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, a region-wide initiative to enhance innovation-driven growth. Cradle Fund, Malaysia’s early-stage startup agency, has been appointed to lead this initiative under MOSTI’s directive.
“Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN’s growth through innovation,” said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle. “This platform is about creating opportunity, strengthening regional partnerships, and unlocking the collective potential of ASEAN’s startup ecosystem.”
The launch event included remarks from H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, who underscored the initiative’s role in deepening ASEAN’s regional integration.
“Startup ASEAN is a transformative platform that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders across the region. It reflects ASEAN’s unwavering commitment to regional cooperation through innovation and technology,” Dr. Kao said.
Beyond offering access to a regional database and insights, Startup ASEAN will host cross-border programs, including partnerships with dialogue partners such as South Korea and China. Key initiatives include ASEAN CrossConnect, a regional market access programme that debuted at the launch event, pairing 10 global mentors with emerging startups from across ASEAN.
The Startup ASEAN initiative follows a multi-phase rollout:
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Phase 1 (2024): Platform development and pre-launch
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Phase 2 (2025): Full platform launch, regional startup programs, and Startup ASEAN Summit
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Phase 3 (2026 onwards): Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Early-Stage Startups
Startups, investors, and ecosystem partners interested in joining this regional movement can now access the platform at:
👉 www.startup-asean.org