APU’s Startup Weekend: Where Ideas and Innovations Meet the SDGs

APU’s Startup Weekend participants developed innovative solutions for pressing global challenges, including technology, sustainable food, and cybersecurity; through workshops, mentorship, and a pitch competition, students gained valuable skills and showcased APU’s entrepreneurial talent.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) just wrapped up its exciting annual ‘Startup Weekend’, a high intensity bootcamp under APU Sandbox Enterprise programmes.

This programme transforms students into entrepreneurs, challenging them to spot real-world problems, craft innovative solutions, and test their ideas under the pressure of a fast-paced, immersive experience.

By the end of the weekend, participants pitch their refined startup concepts, showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurship.

Startup Weekend took place on 9th to 11th August 2024, brought together 60 aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts to turn ideas into reality.

The opening day kicked off with a powerful keynote by Dr NorAzmi Alias, Co-Founder and CEO of Scuttle Robotics.

His inspiring journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, set the tone for the event and he emphasised the importance of design thinking and real-world problem-solving, empowering participants to think outside the box.

Day two was a whirlwind of workshops and learning experiences. Mr Kabileish Iswaraan, CEO of Artiselite guided participants through the intricacies of the business model canvas, while Mr Sean Liew from Growth Charger honed their pitching and presentation skills.

As the weekend progressed, innovative startup ideas came to life. All teams worked tirelessly to develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

From assistive technology for the visually impaired to sustainable food solutions, the ideas were as diverse as they were inspiring.

The programme culminated in a pitch session whereby 11 teams pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges consisting of Tengku Mubiin Tengku Aziz (Reactor School), Mr Abdul Hakim Sahidi (Managing Director, Leave a Nest Malaysia) and Mr Bryan Chung (Executive Director, True Vine Capital Partners).

FutureMinds showcased Senseway offered a lifeline to those adjusting to vision loss, using ultrasonic sensors to provide directional feedback through vibrations, enhancing mobility and safety, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well-being.

In the realm of business, N&J simplified operations for micro-vendors with a digital invoicing solution, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Visionist tackled food waste with Last Bite, an app connecting users to discounted near-expiration foods, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

For event organisers, MyEventer offered a versatile platform with enhanced privacy and accessibility features, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Team ThreatPlay emerged as the champion of the Startup Weekend.

Quantum Supreme leveraged quantum computing and machine learning to improve e-commerce predictive analytics, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Hi Tea gamified cooking with Let's Plate to engage children in healthy eating habits, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education.

ThreatPlay revolutionised cybersecurity training with simulated real-world attacks, enhancing learning and security awareness, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education.

Newbies offered Device4U, a web app with AI-powered features for buying and selling second-hand items, contributing to SDG 1: No Poverty.

CTRL+SHIFT+HACKERS introduced FortressOps, a comprehensive red team solution for physical and network security assessments, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

RoboDeX Visionaries unveiled Dexterover, a highly advanced robotic arm designed for medical and military applications, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

The Game Changers demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel and fuels, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

In a thrilling finale, team ThreatPlay emerged as the champion of the Startup Weekend, impressing the judges with their innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness training.

Team Newbies secured the first runner-up spot with their budget-friendly tech solutions aimed at improving the lives of Malaysia’s B40 income group.

Team FutureMinds rounded out the top three with their IoT-enabled device designed to assist the elderly and visually impaired, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing safety and accessibility.

Lik Ken from Team ThreatPlay shared his enthusiasm for the Startup Weekend, saying, “It is like a rocket booster for aspiring entrepreneurs at APU. This event gives us a chance to take our startup ideas from the drawing board to the real world and see if they can fly. The insights from the experienced speakers and mentors are like fuel for our journey.”

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Prof Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, concluded the Startup Weekend with a powerful message: “This weekend has been a whirlwind of creativity and ambition. We have seen a diverse range of ideas, from cybersecurity breakthroughs to inclusive tech solutions, that reflect the dynamic spirit and potential of our entrepreneurial community.”

He emphasised that the Startup Weekend was not just about competition; it was a profound learning journey for everyone involved.

“As we celebrate the success of our teams today, let us continue to nurture these innovative sparks into sustainable ventures. Congratulations to all, and may your paths forward be as bold and inspiring as the ideas you have shared here.”

The Startup Weekend was not just a competition but a comprehensive experience that provided these budding entrepreneurs a platform to learn, innovate, and present their ideas, setting the stage for collaboration, mentorship, and students future endeavours.