Register Here : SEDA Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2026
The SEDA Innovation Challenge (SIC) is a competition held to unearth brilliant ideas and innovations in the field of today’s technology that are used to catalyze sustainabilty efforts in Malaysia. To make this programme a success, SEDA Malaysia will collaborate with academic partners, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) & Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Strategic partners will serve as advisors, implementers, and technical assessors, leveraging their subject-matter expertise and proven experience in organizing and evaluating similar competitions.
The competition will take place from January 2026 to August 2026 and is open to youth aged 18 to 30 who are enrolled in institutions registered with the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). Eligible participants include both Malaysian citizens and expatriates currently residing in Malaysia, provided they meet the specified age and institutional requirements. Participating institutions include public and private higher education institutions (IPTA and IPTS), polytechnics, and community colleges, encompassing diploma, pre-university, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.
Innovative Technologies
We are seeking cutting-edge conceptual solutions and innovation that harness the power of renewable energy that support sustainability efforts.
Sustainability
Embrace sustainability at the core of your innovations, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, enhancing efficiency, and promoting responsible resource management.
Collaborative Spirit
Foster collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges and unlock new opportunities in sustainability.
Scalability
Demonstrate the scalability and feasibility of your solutions, with the potential for widespread adoption.
CATEGORY A
“ INNOVATE THE FUTURE “
Focus on idea development, early stage concept and creative thinking
EXPECTED OUTPUT
Clear explanation of the problem, solution, and potential impact.
CATEGORY B
“ BUILD THE FUTURE “
Focus on early functional prototype, model, simulation or demonstrator
EXPECTED OUTPUT
A working prototype, model, or simulation that demonstrates the idea.
Evidence of testing and functionality.
Future Renewable Energy Concepts
- Next-generation solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal concepts
- Breakthrough ideas for new renewable energy materials or technologies
Circular Economy & Sustainable Resource Innovation
- Waste-to-Energy & Resource Recovery
- Battery Recycling & Life-Cycle Optimization
- Design for Circularity
Energy Access & Humanitarian Solutions
- Renewable energy technologies for disaster relief and emergency response
- Affordable and accessible energy solutions for low-income or remote communities
Urban & Built Environment Solutions
- Energy-efficient campus or institutional initiatives
- Urban planning models that integrate renewable energy systems
- Net-zero building concepts and sustainable architectural innovations
Food–Water–Energy Nexus
- Agrivoltaics and dual land-use concepts
- Solar-powered or renewable-powered agricultural systems
- Renewable-driven water purification, desalination, or treatment systems
Digital Intelligence & Smart Technologies for Renewable Energy
- Digital twins, GIS-based analysis, simulation, and modeling tools
- Artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics applications
- IoT, smart sensors, and intelligent monitoring technologies
Participant Eligibility
- Youth: aged 18 – 30 years
- Diploma, undergraduate & postgraduate students from MoHE-registered institutions (IPTA, IPTS, Polytechnics & Community College.
- International students residing in Malaysia are eligible, subject to proof of full-time registration at a Malaysian institution.
Team Composition
- Teams may have up to four (4) members.
- Members can be from any program or level from the same institution, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Each team must appoint a Team Leader (Malaysian)
- Each team must have at least one female member.
Category Selection
Each team may join only one category:
- Category A: Innovate the Future
OR
- Category B: Build the Future
Scope of Innovation Selection
Each team is required to select one of the six innovation scopes and then choose a specific focus area within that scope.
| CATEGORY | CATEGORY A: IDEATION | CATEGORY B : CONCEPTUAL PROTOTYPE |
|---|---|---|
| First Prize | RM 3,500 Certificate Medal | RM7,000 Certificate Medal |
| Second Prize | RM 2,500 Certificate Medal | RM5,000 Certificate Medal |
| Third Prize | RM 1,500 Certificate Medal | RM3,000 Certificate Medal |
| Consolation Prize (2 placement) | RM 500 Certificate Medal | RM 800 Certificate Medal |
You may download the guideline here:
