Lift-Off with PSD@5KM+: 12 Penang-Based IC Design Firms Take Flight Towards Global Markets
Source: InvestPenang
PENANG, 27 AUGUST 2025 – Penang marked a milestone today with the curated launch of Lift-Off with PSD@5KM+, an exclusive event connecting 12 Penang-based IC design companies with 6 Venture Capital (VC) and Private Equity (PE) firms, 3 government agencies/government linked investment companies (GLICs) and over 30 multinational corporations (MNCs) to unlock funding, business opportunities, and strategic collaborations.
Organised under the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ (PSD@5KM+) initiative, the event provides a first-of-its-kind business matching platform aimed at connecting Penang’s IC design startups with global investors and strategic partners. The programme aims to give startups direct connection to potential investors and partners, accelerating their path to funding, unlock market access, and explore global expansion.
The participating IC design companies — Experior Technology, Filpal, Hanic, IC Carrier Technologies, Infinecs Systems, Oppstar, Silicon X, SkyeChip, Sophic Automation, Tenasic Technology, Tessolve Semiconductor and Walcomtech— represent Penang’s rising strength in IC design, with solutions ranging from advanced chip architecture to specialised design services.
The event was also joined by VC and PE firms including, Gobi Partners, Granite Asia, Qualgro Partners, Star Capital, Strategic Year and 500 Global; GLICs namely Khazanah and Malaysia Technology Development Corporation as well as global MNCs exploring collaborative opportunities. 11 PSD@5km+ technology collaborators also showcased their latest innovations, underscoring the growing depth of Penang’s semiconductor ecosystem. Alongside, MDEC was also present at the event to share about their funding facilitation support to the startups.
Adding to today’s milestone, a new sub-pillar under the Silicon Research & Incubation @GBS Techspace – the “InnoChamps” with PSD@5KM+ was announced. This programme will connect IC design startup leaders with successful leaders and technopreneurs to catalyse innovation, unlock new markets, and scale both business and technology capabilities.
The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Penang, Mr. Chow Kon Yeow stated, “It is encouraging to witness our companies scaling right here in Penang—reinforcing that Penang is truly a state to thrive and grow.” He then added, “To realise the vision to produce the first generation of “Made by Malaysia” chip – designed, developed and driven from Penang, the “InnoChamps” with PSD@5KM+ gives startups access to experienced mentors and well-connected industry figures, providing the strategic technology roadmap and networks needed to fast-track their growth and competitiveness.”
Since its launch in December 2024, the PSD@5KM+ initiative has achieved key milestones — from building hybrid engineering and lab campuses at GBS By The Sea and GBS TechSpace, to attracting world-class design houses like AMD and Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. The initiative also rolled out the Penang Silicon Research & Incubation Space housing local startups preparing product IPs, launched the Penang Chip Design Academy which has already trained 30 engineering graduates with over 90% job placements since its inception in June 2025, and forged technology collaborations that strengthen Penang’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain. Together, these efforts reinforce the shared commitment to nurture the next generation of “Made by Malaysia” chips — designed, developed, and driven from Penang.
