SEDA
INNOVATION
CHALLENGE
2026
(Last update: 27 April 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
Sustainability
Collaborative Spirit
Scalability
CATEGORY A
Focus on idea development, early stage concept and creative thinking
EXPECTED OUTPUT
Clear explanation of the problem, solution, and potential impact.
CATEGORY B
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.
- REGISTRATION30 Dec 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 (Extended to 30 April 2026)Online registration via Google Form
- VIDEO SUBMISSION11 May - 17 May 20263 minutes video pitch via Youtube
- DOCUMENT SUBMISSION29 June - 5 July 2026Full documentation via Google Form
- INNOVATION EXHIBITION11 Aug 2026Final presentation of shortlisted teams
- AWARD CEREMONY12 Aug 2026The Winner
COMPETITION PRIZES
Big ideas deserve big rewards. Win cash prizes, certificates, and medals — your innovation, your recognition!
Best Video Award
For the team whose video sparked ideas for a better future! This award celebrates creative storytelling that clearly shows how their innovation makes the world more sustainable while keeping us hooked start to finish.
Best Presenter Award
For the changemakers who brought their sustainable idea to life through their presentation! This award goes to the presenter(s) who explained their innovation with confidence, passion, and a clear vision for a greener future.
Best Poster Award
For the poster that made sustainability look cool! This award recognizes eye-catching design and smart visuals that clearly communicate an innovative solution for a more sustainable world.
Access the documents below for guidance on the application:
| No. | Document | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | FAQ |  |
| 2. | Guideline (Last update: 27 April 2026) | |
| 3. | Stage 2 – Proposal Template | |
| 4. | Scoring Rubric | Coming Soon |
Stage 1 Shortlisted Teams Announced
🏆 SEDA Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2026
Stage 1 Shortlisted Teams Announced
We are excited to announce the shortlisted teams for Stage 1 (Video Submission) of the SEDA Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2026. The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence, appeal, or dispute will be entertained.
🎉 Congratulations to all teams that have successfully advanced to the next stage of the challenge. We would also like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication throughout this stage.
📋 Below is the list of teams shortlisted for the next stage of the challenge:
| Category A | Category B |
| · 3335 + 1 | · 4 Salted Fish |
| · 4G | · ABC’S |
| · A+ Sisters | · Aerovolt (Wind-Excited Combined Energy Harvester) |
| · AAAY Battery | · Aether-Net |
| · Acrux | · AI-GTO |
| · AeroVolt (Integrated Wind Turbine Architecture) | · Aquaverde |
| · AGARNOVA | · AquaVolt |
| · Beanlist | · AuraTech |
| · BioFoam SyNergy | · Binary |
| · Charmers | · BlueEngineering |
| · C-iv | · Borneo Agroventurers |
| · ELECSYN | · Bridging Academic and Sustainability through Applied Learning and Technology (BASALT) |
| · EnerGIS | · CodeCraft |
| · ENTROSION | · Curtin IOT 1 |
| · FAASupercap | · Da House |
| · FLOODGUARD AI | · Duri Duri |
| · Fourmula | · Element Nova |
| · GenCore Diagnostics | · EzCharge Innovators |
| · Green Alchemists | · Ghost Volt |
| · GreenFlux | · HazyHorlick |
| · Group Greenbun | · Iktbn bm |
| · HELIOSHIELD | · Leaf2Energy |
| · HydroVolt | · LepahLab |
| · IgnitionX | · LIM ZING |
| · InnovateZ | · LOAD SHEDDER |
| · InnoVolt | · NaaN |
| · Kinetic Vision | · NextGen ThermoPower |
| · MistStep Not Mistake | · Phyto-ANN |
| · Nananito | · SEPD |
| · NexGen Horizon | · Sunfix Tech |
| · NextGen | · SunSync |
| · NOVA INNOVATORS | · TARUMT |
| · OhMyEngineer | · TECH TITANS |
| · PadiPulse | · TechNova UTeM |
| · PADI-VOLT | · TEMFORT |
| · Phoenix | · The Co-Stars |
| · PhosTech | · Xenon |
| · POWER PUFF’s FOUR | |
| · Predicta | |
| · Re-Ignite | |
| · ReLume | |
| · RESILION | |
| · RyuGen | |
| · SolarVein | |
| · Solis | |
| · Team Imut | |
| · Team Vertical | |
| · Tenra | |
| · Terra Nova Energy | |
| · THE BLACKOUT BREAKERS | |
| · THE ENERGIZER | |
| · The Vanguard | |
| · ThermoAlgae | |
| · ToBe | |
| · UTMian | |
| · VOLTARA | |
| · VoltEdge | |
| · W.A.T.T.S.T.R.E.A.M | |
| · Yoda |
We look forward to seeing the shortlisted teams continue their innovation journey and showcase their innovative ideas in the next phase of SIC 2026.
Good news!
The registration deadline has been extended to 30 April 2026. Don’t miss your chance—register now and be part of SIC 2026!
SIC 2026
Open for registration!