Digital tourism Innovation Lab Cohort 3: MDEC paves the way for a tech-driven tourism future

24 companies selected for an eight-week programme
Programme received 117 applications over three cohort
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) celebrated the success of Cohort 3 of its Digital Tourism Innovation Lab (DTIL), a programme designed to accelerate the digital transformation of Malaysia’s tourism sector. In a statement, the agency highlighted that this year’s DTIL featured a series of pitches from travel and tourism technology startups, each presenting solutions aimed at reshaping the future of tourism in Malaysia.
The event aligns with the Ministry of Digital’s vision to position Malaysia as a digital leader in the region, it added.
According to MDEC, DTIL is more than just a programme; it is a platform that builds and supports a thriving tourism tech ecosystem, catalysing new innovations to meet industry needs, drive digitalisation, and elevate Malaysia’s tourism offerings. Since its launch, the programme has received an encouraging response, with 117 applications over three cohorts. Of these, 24 companies were selected for an intensive eight-week programme that included mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Through this collaborative environment, participants worked alongside industry experts to develop innovative solutions that could significantly impact Malaysia’s tourism industry and local communities.
Held at Common Ground Bukit Bintang, the event marked a successful collaboration between MDEC and accelerator partner 1337 Ventures, drawing the attendance of leaders and key figures within Malaysia’s tourism and digital sectors. A representative from the Ministry of Digital presented certificates to the 24 participating companies and highlighted the programme’s impact. Several DTIL participants have already attracted funding from angel investors and VCs, while others have reported increased revenues and successful expansions into regional markets.
Tourism is a vital pillar of Malaysia’s economy, with substantial potential to further boost the nation’s GDP. Global forecasts indicate that travel and tourism’s total GDP contribution will reach US$16 trillion (RM71 trillion) by 2034, or 11.4% of the global economy, according to Statista. Key technology investments in travel and mobility between 2018 and 2024 have included AI, IoT, Immersive Tech, Blockchain, Web3, and Quantum Computing – areas where Malaysia is poised to make its mark. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, MDEC noted that its DTIL initiative is a timely step in transforming Malaysia’s tourism sector into a model for digital innovation in the region.