KUCHING: Applications are now open for the TEGAS Pre-Accelerator Bootcamp (TPAB) 2026 Cohort 8, targeting entrepreneurs and early-stage startups in Sarawak. The application period will close on June 15, 2026.

The five-day intensive programme will be held from July 6 to 10, 2026, at TEGAS Digital Village, Kuching, with the aim of empowering local startups through training, mentorship and exposure to business development and investment opportunities.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, who is also TEGAS chairman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the programme reflects TEGAS’ continued commitment to empowering youth and entrepreneurs in Sarawak.

“Beyond simply launching new companies, this initiative focuses on nurturing a new generation of bold thinkers and problem-solvers capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities while supporting the state’s goal of achieving a prosperous and inclusive digital economy by 2030,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that equipping early-stage founders with the necessary skills, knowledge and support is crucial in strengthening the innovation ecosystem and enhancing the competitiveness of local talent at both national and international levels.

Meanwhile, Growth Through Innovation founder Ken Lau said that for this cohort, TEGAS has partnered with his organisation to help produce more courageous and competitive startup founders.

According to him, the programme provides participants with the opportunity to transform ideas into viable businesses through innovation-driven approaches, strategic execution and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered entrepreneurship.

The programme is specifically designed for local innovators, students, corporate leaders and founders who have business ideas but require guidance, market validation and support to develop sustainable business models.

Throughout the programme, participants will undergo modules covering business fundamentals, problem identification and solution development, marketing strategies, the use of generative AI for idea validation, digital marketing, product development, and the creation of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) using rapid prototyping and no-code technologies.

In addition, participants will gain exposure to startup finance, investor expectations and the development of data-driven pitch decks before delivering their final presentations during the Demo Day session.

During the session, participants will present their ideas and projects to investors, corporate partners and mentors in attendance.

To participate in the programme, each team must have at least one founder or co-founder from Sarawak.

The programme is open to startups at the ideation or early growth stage that have proposed solutions with the potential to address real-world problems.

Each team may comprise a maximum of four co-founders and must be fully committed throughout the duration of the programme. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng