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Grant Applied Innovation Fund

AIF Grant is designed to support businesses, researchers, and startups in advancing innovative solutions from conceptual stages to commercialization. This fund focuses on projects with high market potential, particularly in technology-driven sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. A key criterion for funding eligibility is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which assesses the maturity of a technology from initial research to deployment. Applicants must demonstrate their innovation's feasibility, scalability, and readiness for market adoption, ensuring that Malaysia continues to foster a competitive and sustainable innovation ecosystem

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Scope of Grant AIF

  1. Grant Name: MOSTI Applied Innovation Fund

  2. Agency Name: Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)

  3. Amount: Up to RM500,000

  4. Type: Matching Grant

  5. Category: R&D, Startup, SME

  6. Sector: Agnostic / All Sectors

OBJECTIVES OF SMART AUTOMATION GRANT (SAG)

Purpose:
 

​Innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, driving economic growth, and improving societal well-being. It can involve the fusion, integration, or refinement of technologies to create new products, processes, systems, or services. Additionally, innovation can enhance existing technologies by increasing their value or reducing costs, making them more efficient and accessible.

Securing Grant & How SMI FUNDING HELPS:

Securing funding for innovation can be challenging, especially when navigating complex grant applications. SMI FUNDING stands out as the leading financial advisory firm in Malaysia, offering expert assistance for the Grant Applied Innovation Fund (GAIF). Whether you're a startup, researcher, or business looking to bring cutting-edge solutions to market, our team ensures your grant application process is seamless and successful.

Why Choose SMI FUNDING for GAIF Grant Applications?

At SMI FUNDING, we understand that securing government grants requires more than just filling out forms. Our Senior Financial Consultants provide end-to-end support, making sure your application is well-prepared, persuasive, and aligned with the necessary Technology Readiness Level (TRL) requirements.

Our Comprehensive Grant Application Services:

✅ Expert Documentation Assistance – We ensure all required documents are properly structured and complete.
✅ Compelling Proposal Writing – Our consultants craft winning proposals that highlight your innovation’s potential.
✅ Seamless Application Submission – We handle the submission process, ensuring compliance with all guidelines.
✅ Process Management – From department to department, we monitor your application’s journey to approval.
✅ Funding Disbursement Support – We assist in securing timely grant disbursements for your project.

Tailored Consultation Packages for Your Business

We recognize that every business has unique funding needs. That’s why SMI FUNDING offers bespoke consultation packages, customized to provide the best possible support for your grant application. Whether you need full-service assistance or guidance on specific aspects, our team is here to help.

Eligibility and Requirements for Grant Applied Innovation Fund in Malaysia

Businesses and entrepreneurs in Malaysia looking to apply for the Grant Applied Innovation Fund (GAIF) must meet specific eligibility criteria and compliance requirements. Whether you're a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership engaged in technology and innovation, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

1. Business Registration Requirements

✅ Registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under the Registration of Businesses Act 1956 or Partnership Act 1961
✅ Sabah and Sarawak-based businesses must be registered with Local Authorities
✅ Professional service providers must be registered with the relevant statutory bodies

2. General Applicant Conditions

📌 Eligible applicants include associations, cooperatives, NGOs, start-ups, and SMEs, provided they are registered or recognized by the Malaysian government.
📌 Applicants must demonstrate financial capability to cover at least part of the project’s cost not funded by the grant. (Example: Latest three (3) months’ bank statements).
📌 Individual applicants must provide a letter of support from an authorized referee or relevant body.

3. Definition and Eligibility of Start-Ups

A start-up is defined as an early-stage business with a technology or innovation-driven model, high growth potential, and scalability. To qualify, a start-up must:

  • Be registered with SSM

  • Have Malaysian majority ownership (>50%)

  • Possess a paid-up capital of at least RM10,000

  • Have a minimum of two directors

  • Operate in a technology-based or technology-related sector

  • Be in operation for less than five years

4. Special Conditions for SMEs and Start-Ups with <50% Malaysian Ownership

For businesses where Malaysian ownership is below 50%, additional conditions apply:
✅ Proof of concept or a working prototype is required
✅ The company must operate in Malaysia
✅ At least 70% of employees must be Malaysian citizens

5. Matching Grant for SMEs

SMEs applying for this fund must co-fund at least 30% of the project cost, either in monetary terms or in-kind contributions.

6. Additional Key Requirements

✔️ All applicants must be registered in Malaysia
✔️ Only Malaysian citizens can apply and lead the project, while non-Malaysians (including expatriates or international organizations) may participate as team members
✔️ Applicants must have a clean record—neither the company nor any director should have been convicted of fraud, declared bankrupt, or be under liquidation/receivership
✔️ A Project Leader can only lead one approved project under MOSTI at a time
✔️ The project team must consist of technically qualified members, each submitting a resume outlining their experience and achievements
✔️ If team members are from different institutions, a letter of authorization from the head of the department must be submitted
✔️ Applicants may submit multiple applications for different projects, but only if they have sufficient human resources and financial strength to execute them
✔️ All projects must be implemented in Malaysia

Get Expert Assistance for Your Grant Application!

Navigating the grant application process can be overwhelming, but SMI FUNDING is here to help! Our Senior Financial Consultants ensure that your documentation, proposal, and application submission are seamless and successful.

📞 Contact SMI FUNDING today for a customized consultation package and maximize your chances of securing funding!

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