Digital Tourism Innovation Lab

Let your creation define the future of tourism in Malaysia!

Digital Tourism Innovation Lab

Application Cohort 2 is closed. Cohort 3 application opens July 2024.

Tourism Tech Reimagined

Digital Tourism Innovation Lab is a collaborative effort between MDEC and 1337 Ventures intended as a platform to support the innovation of tourism tech solutions by start-ups and tourism related companies, aiming to minimise gaps in local tourism operations, products, services, and destinations to meet the demand from industry players.

Our Goals

Boost the supply of future-driven tourism tech solutions.

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Align tourism innovations directly with the demands of the industry.

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Enabling a vibrant tourism tech startup community in Malaysia for sustained industry growth.

Boost the supply of future-driven tourism tech solutions.
Align tourism innovations directly with the demands of the industry.
Enabling a vibrant tourism tech startup community in Malaysia for sustained industry growth.

Tourism Industry Problem Statement

Industry Facing

Client Facing

Tourism Industry Problem Statement

Industry Facing

Client Facing

Current manual check-in processes result in inefficiencies and delays, leading to suboptimal staff utilization.

Existing workforce administration practices lack a systematic approach to customer data retention and financial recording, hindering operational efficiency.

The fragmented nature of booking processes among consumers, businesses, and providers leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for integration.

Limited access to affordable innovative revenue automation and property management systems hampers productivity and profitability in the hospitality sector.

Programme Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with us through 3 IMMERSIVE COHORTS throughout 2024 to shape the future of tourism tech solutions.

Cohort 1

Jan – Mar 2024

Cohort 2

May – July 2024

Cohort 3

Sep – Nov 2024

Cohort 1

Jan – Mar 2024

Cohort 2

May – July 2024

Cohort 3

Sep – Nov 2024

Application Cohort 2 is closed. Cohort 3 application opens July 2024

Programme Module

The Digital Tourism Innovation Lab features a comprehensive set of modules aimed at prepping tourism tech startups to manoeuvre the digital tourism landscape, addressing industry challenges while driving growth. These modules encompass online learning, mentorship, office hours, industry-led sessions and Demo Day.

Total 28 days within 3 months duration

Who Should Apply?

Registered companies with Innovative ideas and scalable business models.
Local and global tech companies eager to shape the future.
In the verticals of tourism or adjacent verticals.
Adaptable Innovators, capable of adjusting their products/services during or after the programme.
Ready to commit to a flexible 6 to 8-week programme.

Why You Should Join?

Calling for innovative local and global tourism tech startups to take this opportunity!

Business Opportunities

Forge meaningful connections and test your solutions with industry partners, potentially initiating Proof of Concept collaborations.

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Acceleration of Growth

Fast-track your startup's development, reaching a real Proof of Concept before the program concludes, catapulting your progress.

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Access to Markets

Successfully piloting your idea in Malaysia could unlock doors to new market access, propelling your startup to greater heights.

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Fundraising Support

Connect with 1337 Ventures to expand your network within the investor community, unlocking the potential for VC funding.

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Networking and Community

Expand your network, connecting with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering valuable connections in the tourism ecosystem.

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Potential Investment

Secure potential investment for the top ideas from 1337 Ventures and various other investors.

Business Opportunities
Forge meaningful connections and test your solutions with industry partners, potentially initiating Proof of Concept collaborations.
Acceleration of Growth
Fast-track your startup's development, reaching a real Proof of Concept before the program concludes, catapulting your progress.
Access to Markets
Successfully piloting your idea in Malaysia could unlock doors to new market access, propelling your startup to greater heights.
Fundraising Support
Connect with 1337 Ventures to expand your network within the investor community, unlocking the potential for VC funding.
Networking and Community
Expand your network, connecting with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering valuable connections in the tourism ecosystem.
Potential Investment
Secure potential investment for the top ideas from 1337 Ventures and various other investors.

Mentor

We engage and get input from industry players to advice and guide the start-ups.

Bikesh Lakhmichand

Founding Partner

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Ruo Ni Eng

Programme Associate

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Max Teh

Senior Associate

Bikesh Lakhmichand
Founding Partner
Ruo Ni Eng
Programme Associate
Max Teh
Senior Associate

Official Programme Partner

Tourism Malaysia is the national tourism organization tasked with promoting Malaysia as a top tourist destination worldwide. Through marketing campaigns and partnerships with industry stakeholders, Tourism Malaysia showcases Malaysia's diverse attractions, including its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities, to attract visitors and drive economic growth in the tourism sector.

Industry Partners

Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" Very well organised and collaborative. Through the programme, I connected my past experience to its relevance in this project. I was able to break down the financial potential into a manageable story. I received insight from industry partners and improved my pitch."
Leroy Lawrence from Pigee
@ Pigee
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" Very well organised and collaborative. Through the programme, I connected my past experience to its relevance in this project. I was able to break down the financial potential into a manageable story. I received insight from industry partners and improved my pitch."
Leroy Lawrence from Pigee
@ Pigee
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" We would recommend this programme to others for its exceptional support, industry connections, and exposure opportunities. The support provided by mentors was instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving milestones. The network of industry partners facilitated meaningful collaborations and opened doors to new opportunities. The exposure gained through the program was invaluable for enhancing our visibility. "
Shaun from OceanBuddy
@ OceanBuddy
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" We would recommend this programme to others for its exceptional support, industry connections, and exposure opportunities. The support provided by mentors was instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving milestones. The network of industry partners facilitated meaningful collaborations and opened doors to new opportunities. The exposure gained through the program was invaluable for enhancing our visibility. "
Shaun from OceanBuddy
@ OceanBuddy
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace

Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" Very well organised and collaborative. Through the programme, I connected my past experience to its relevance in this project. I was able to break down the financial potential into a manageable story. I received insight from industry partners and improved my pitch."
Leroy Lawrence from Pigee
@ Pigee
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" Very well organised and collaborative. Through the programme, I connected my past experience to its relevance in this project. I was able to break down the financial potential into a manageable story. I received insight from industry partners and improved my pitch."
Leroy Lawrence from Pigee
@ Pigee
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" We would recommend this programme to others for its exceptional support, industry connections, and exposure opportunities. The support provided by mentors was instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving milestones. The network of industry partners facilitated meaningful collaborations and opened doors to new opportunities. The exposure gained through the program was invaluable for enhancing our visibility. "
Shaun from OceanBuddy
@ OceanBuddy
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" We would recommend this programme to others for its exceptional support, industry connections, and exposure opportunities. The support provided by mentors was instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving milestones. The network of industry partners facilitated meaningful collaborations and opened doors to new opportunities. The exposure gained through the program was invaluable for enhancing our visibility. "
Shaun from OceanBuddy
@ OceanBuddy
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I had a mentor! Did not really have this at the other programmes I had been in. This was good also sharing views with other participants. This one you should keep. The networking is also great, met other like minded individuals different from other programmes. Because we are in a similar industry. "
Zainal Abidin from MyRehat
@ MyRehat
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace
Feedback
From Cohort 1 Participants
" I would recommend to early-stage startup who are in their pre-revenue or just got started as they provide great insights on the industry. But for company who are post-revenue might find this too basic and would prefer the connection rather than the courses itself. "
Lincoln from Filmplace
@ Filmplace