PitchIN and Universiti Malaysia Innovations partner to support UM research-based startups

• Collaboration allows startups to raise funds on pitchIN 
• Agreement introduces the Fundraising Accelerator to support UMI startups

UM Innovations Sdn. Bhd. (UMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universiti Malaya (UM) has signed a partnership agreement with Pitch Platforms Sdn. Bhd. (pitchIN) to support startups originating from research by UM lecturers and students.

In a joint statement, the parties announced that this collaboration enables startups to raise funds via the pitchIN platform, while receiving guidance throughout their fundraising journey.

Saiful Khairi Zainuddin, COO of UMI, said, “UMI’s primary objective is to commercialise UM’s R&D and innovation output by establishing spin-off companies and incubatees within the UM ecosystem. As a venture builder, UMI identifies and develops business and investment opportunities to ensure the growth and sustainability of UM’s commercial ventures. This partnership with pitchIN is an example of such an opportunity.”

To harness the wealth of innovations and intellectual assets being generated, UMI is uniquely positioned to support startups by providing them with valuable opportunities. Through this partnership agreement with pitchIN, UMI can now not only secure funding but also engage the public in supporting these ventures through crowdfunding. This partnership opens new avenues for UMI spinoffs to thrive and fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

pitchIN, a digital fundraising and investment hub registered as a Recognized Market Operator with the Securities Commission Malaysia, offers both an Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) and Token Crowdfunding (TCF) platform. The company claims to have completed over 182 successful ECF and TCF campaigns and raised more than US$78 million (RM348 million). pitchIN continues to reach new milestones and set records through its platform.

Sam Shafie, CEO of pitchIN, said, “We are pleased to partner with UMI to support the development of startups arising from its research. We see this collaboration expanding access to alternative financing for UMI startups and aiding in the commercialisation of existing intellectual assets.”

UMI’s first spinoff to raise funds on pitchIN will be Xcess Pressure. The founder, Dr. Iswadi Jauhari, developed the Super Butterfly hydropower system that harnesses excess water pressure in pipes to generate clean electricity. The company has engaged with water operators across most states in Malaysia, with the most prominent being Air Selangor, which recently completed a successful pilot project, as well as Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad, the custodian of Malaysia’s national water infrastructure.

Lastly, this agreement also introduces an initiative to assist UMI startup companies: the Fundraising Accelerator, an entrepreneurship programme launched by pitchIN Academy. This initiative will provide the necessary guidance on the knowledge and skills required for founders to successfully raise funds for their businesses.