PENTASTIC Startup Month 2026 will take place throughout November, featuring a month-long series of activities focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.
Organised by Digital Penang, the initiative aims to connect startup founders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), investors, students, industry professionals and the public through practical learning and networking opportunities.
The programme will serve as a shared platform for independently organised events, encouraging collaboration and strengthening engagement within Penang’s startup ecosystem.
Participants of the event can look forward to gaining practical insights and actionable knowledge, building meaningful connections, exploring collaboration, taking concrete steps, and building a strong technology startup community in Penang.
To date, 21 organisers have been confirmed to contribute to the initiative, with at least 30 activities planned. Additional proposals are being considered ahead of the end of October.
The activities will include workshops, masterclasses, game jams, creative festivals, pitching sessions, exhibitions and networking sessions, covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, creativity and collaboration.
Venues will vary according to the activities scheduled and will include the HBA Training Centre, Digital Penang and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced the initiative at a press conference in Komtar today, highlighting the importance of digital exposure and emerging business models in helping startups and SMEs remain competitive.
“Startups need access to industry knowledge, experienced mentors, potential customers, investors and opportunities to test and commercialise their solutions. SMEs, likewise, require practical exposure to digital technologies and emerging business models to remain competitive,” he said.
Zairil also thanked the participating organisers for contributing programmes and activities to the initiative.
“Most importantly, I thank all 21 confirmed participating organisers who have come forward to contribute their programmes and activities.
“They include technology companies, startup founders, business advisory and corporate training providers, universities, associations and community organisations,” he said.
Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming, who was also present, said the initiative was expected to help participants discover relevant programmes and engage with Penang’s startup community.
“We want PENtastic Startup Month to give founders and SMEs practical opportunities to build their knowledge, explore digital tools, and connect with people who can support their next stage of growth.
“By bringing independently organised activities onto one shared platform, we are making it easier for participants to discover relevant programmes and engage with Penang’s startup community,” he said.
With at least 30 activities planned, PENtastic Startup Month 2026 aims to provide participants with opportunities to gain knowledge, establish connections and explore the potential of Penang’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Participating partners and organisers include the Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Business Angel Network, Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd, PGC Strategies Sdn Bhd, National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), International College Penang Sdn Bhd, Peninsula College Georgetown Sdn Bhd, Balik Pulau Polytechnic, Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Asia Real Estate Initiative, Exabytes Group of Companies Sdn Bhd, Entrepreneur Growth Hub Sdn Bhd, VeecoTech Solutions Sdn Bhd, Kode Digital Sdn Bhd, Operion Ecommerce & Software Sdn Bhd, Brand Culture Communications Sdn Bhd, Human Inc Sdn Bhd, Innovation Pte Ltd, RentMate Kampus Sdn Bhd, Growth. Pro Sdn Bhd, Big Domain Sdn Bhd, Kinetik Consulting Sdn Bhd, Google Developer Group – Universiti Sains Malaysia, Redbox Studio, Lit Digital Creators PLT, HBA Global Consultancy Sdn Bhd, Malaysia German Society, and Goethe-Institut Malaysia.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Law Suun Ting