07/11/2023 (Malaysia) - Deep tech startup Aphelia Sdn Bhd had been chosen as the regional champion for Malaysia, representing the country at the Startup World Cup's Grand Finale in San Francisco on Dec 1. Aphelia's innovative wireless charging stations in space promised to revolutionize space missions by reducing satellite launch costs by up to 90% and extending satellite lifespans, addressing the growing issue of space debris.
The Malaysia Regional Finals, organized globally by Pegasus Tech Ventures, took place in October, hosted by Sunway Innovation Labs (iLabs), MRANTI, Cradle Fund, Hong Leong Bank, and Maxis. Aphelia competed with over 70 startups worldwide for a chance to win a US$1 million (RM4.64 million) investment and connect with global entrepreneurs and investors.
Mohd Safuan Zairi, MRANTI Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, highlighted the potential and innovation within Malaysia's startup ecosystem, emphasizing the need for events like this to support local entrepreneurs. Ahmad Kashfi Abdullah, Cradle's senior vice president of ecosystem development, expressed support for Aphelia's representation on the international stage.
Matt van Leeuwen, chief innovation officer of Sunway Group and director of Sunway iLabs, emphasized the importance of connecting Malaysian startups with global markets. He praised Aphelia's success in the Malaysia Regional Finals. The judging panel included representatives from Hong Leong Bank, Maxis, and Cradle, evaluating startups on various criteria.
Maxis Chief Marketing Officer Loh Keh Jiat expressed their commitment to fostering innovation within the tech ecosystem. Shailesh Grover, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer of Hong Leong Bank, congratulated Aphelia on their remarkable achievement and believed in the company's potential to positively impact the aerospace industry and the ASEAN region.