[Written in partnership with Cradle Fund, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
The long-awaited Expo 2025 in Osaka has been many years in the making, with the last one having been held during the pandemic era. Now back after four years, the six-month Expo has all eyes on them.
Which is why it’s extra exciting to hear that Cradle is bringing eight Malaysian startups to be featured on this coveted stage.
From agritech to AI, healthtech to sustainable innovation, these startups will be leveraging this incredible platform to possibly strike up valuable global collaborations.
Here’s who those eight startups are.
1. Qarbotech
Not a stranger to Vulcan Post, Qarbotech is a nanotech and agritech company specialising in manufacturing photosynthesis enhancers.
The startup was founded by CEO Chor Chee Hoe, Chief Scientist Prof. Dr. Suraya Abdul Rashid, and COO Amirul Merican.
This innovative company developed groundbreaking patented biocompatible nanotechnology, which is the first of its kind in the market. What they’ve created is something that “unleashes the true potential of photosynthesis,” which accelerates crop cycles.
This technology is vital in our current world, where food security is more concerning than ever, especially with climate change.
2. Pomen Autodata
Pomen Autodata is all about revolutionising mobility through SaaS (software as a service) solutions.
Founded in 2018, the company considers itself to be a pioneer in automotive data technology. The co-founders, Syed Zulhilmi Tuan Sharif and Nazmi Najib, have both had tech backgrounds.
Focusing on automotive solutions, they have a range of solutions for automotive workshops, dealerships, and for fleet management. They also have developed software for aviation, terminal, and ports.
With a goal to make automotive management smooth-sailing, they might just be able to help mobility companies overseas optimise their operations.
3. Ever AI Technologies
Of course, we need some AI representation in the house, right?
Ever AI Technologies is a company that covers all things AI, blockchain, cloud, and data by way of education, shedding light on their businesses.
They offer various AI training, webinars, and bootcamps.
Founded in 2020, they’ve gone on to receive a bunch of recognition from institutions such as Cradle, having participated in the MyStartup Accelerator and obtained the Cradle CIP Spark grant.
In this day and age, talking about AI is non-negotiable, and we’re glad there’s a Malaysian representative for our growing AI industry.
4. HealthMetrics
Healthtech is as relevant as ever, which is why HealthMetrics’ solution is vital.
With a noble goal of optimising healthcare costs for all, HealthMetrics’ solution lies in simplifying healthcare administration for insurers, corporates, and members across Southeast Asia.
Essentially, they help to streamline paper work like claims and guarantee letter issuance, all while connecting over 15,000 healthcare providers across Southeast Asia. They also manage benefits with real-time insights and advanced automation.
They offer tailored platforms to manage employee health benefits and wellness programmes in specific industries from F&B and retail to manufacturing and property.
The homegrown company was co-founded by Alvin Yuan and Advent Phang in 2015, and 10 years in, they remain unwavering in their commitment to improving healthcare everywhere.
5. Ultimeat
The Vulcan Post team has actually tried Ultimeat ourselves, which you can read more about here. We’re glad to hear that they’re bringing their innovative meat alternative to Japan, and can’t wait to see what’s next in the pipeline for them.
Having spoken to the Ultimeat team before, founder Edwin Lee shared to us that the business isn’t just another plant-based meat alternative, but is a biotech startup focusing on mycoprotein.
Mycoprotein (mycelium-based protein) is essentially protein derived from fungus. Or to make things even easier, it’s mushroom protein.
It’s awesome to see them bringing their unique protein abroad. Maybe they’ll be mushrooming (pun intended) everywhere globally one day!
6. Neuon AI
Not every business has sufficient resources to digitise their business, monetise their data, or leverage smart technology in general.
That’s where Neuon AI comes in.
Neuon is all about making AI solutions accessible to everyone, creating tailored solutions to various businesses.
The business was founded by Dr. Chai KC, a Sarawakian who received his Ph.D. degree and completed his postdoctoral research in 2016 and 2017.
Speaking to Vulcan Post in 2020, he shared, “Much of our distinguished research is always kept in the library, laboratory, or archived. It is not being publicly introduced and delivered to the industry as most researchers focus on academic publication rather than real industry applications.”
Seeing that gap, he has developed novel AI models over eight years, resulting in over ten scientific publications in collaboration with a team member at Deakin University and University Malaysia Sarawak.
Based in Sarawak, this business will now get a chance to reach out to global industry players to offer their services.
7. Synxsoft
Another software company on the list is Synxsoft, which describes itself as a “software artisan company.”
Essentially, this means they’re all about crafting bespoke digital solutions, complete with passion and creativity.
This approach stems from the belief that one size never fits all. “Every business dilemma is frustratingly unique, demanding a considered and tailor-made approach to ensure success,” their website shared.
Founded by Mazrie Mahat, services at Synxsoft range from software engineering and generative AI to data analytics and cloud computing.
A unique service they’ve been in the news for is their solution to help businesses apply for halal certification.
8. Materials In Works
Another familiar name to us, Materials In Works is a company revolutionising the packaging industry by upcycling hard-to-recycle items into materials for new applications.
Something they’ve been working on is transforming leftover paper liner from the packaging industry into something called recovered cellulose pulp.
Founded by John Ooi, an industry veteran in the label packaging sector, the startup’s solutions benefit the environment while addressing raw material needs of local paper manufacturers.
Hopefully, their environmentally conscious solution will wow investors and other stakeholders in Japan.
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We hope the eight startups will be able to fully immerse themselves in Expo 2025 and make powerful connections that can lift up not just their own businesses, but Malaysia’s startup ecosystem as a whole.
It’s always heartening to see how agencies and institutions like Cradle are empowering local players to tap into the global economy.
Featured Image Credit: Qarbotech / Pomen Autodata / HealthMetrics