PENtastic Startup Month To Strengthen Penang’s Startup Ecosystem
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Penang will hold the PENtastic Startup Month 2026 in November, bringing together startup, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation activities under a common platform.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the month-long initiative, spearheaded by Digital Penang, has secured the participation of 21 organisers, with 30 activities confirmed so far.
“The Penang startup ecosystem is the second largest in the country, consisting of 354 companies, which are estimated to collectively contribute more than RM340 million in revenue and create 2,600 high-income jobs in the state.
"PENtastic was conceived to bring programmes initiated and delivered by different organisations together under one platform rather than organising another standalone conference," he said at the PENtastic Startup Month 2026 press conference here today.
Zairil said participating organisers comprise Penang-based founders and startups, startups from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, corporate training providers, universities and associations.
The activities will cover a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), business digitalisation, startup financing, investment readiness, marketing, talent development, sustainability, business strategy and creative entrepreneurship.
Highlights include the Startup Venture Vibes 2026 on Nov 19, organised by the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) in collaboration with Digital Penang, as well as the Creative Content AI One-Person Company Showcase and the Culture of Startups Photography Exhibition.
Zairil said PENtastic Startup Month complements the state government’s efforts under the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan 2025-2030 and the Penang2030 Vision by connecting startups and businesses with programmes, expertise and communities that can support their growth.
He said the initiative also seeks to strengthen collaboration within the ecosystem beyond November, with the relationships established during the programme expected to translate into more opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and businesses across Penang.
He added that PENtastic’s success should ultimately be measured not merely by the number of programmes conducted, but also by the connections forged, knowledge shared and opportunities created beyond the campaign.
-- BERNAMA