Grants to help your business automate
Malaysian SME grants that buy equipment and systems that cut manual work — sorted by what you can apply for now.
Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF)
A 50:50 matching grant from MIDA for Malaysian-owned manufacturing and services companies moving into higher value-added, high-technology, knowledge-intensive and innovation-based activities. DISF is a RM1 billion fund introduced in July 2012 under the Domestic Direct Investment Initiatives, and it reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenditure — technology and machinery acquisition, technology upgrading, outsourcing opportunities created by MNCs operating here, and obtaining international standards or certifications. It is not an outright grant: awards are contingent on your own investment and are decided case by case on the merits of each request, so there is no published per-company ceiling. Open to new companies in manufacturing and services with at least 60% Malaysian equity, and to existing companies with at least 60% Malaysian equity that are reinvesting — expansion, modernisation or diversification.
Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS-i 5.0)
Government-guaranteed financing for green-technology projects — producers, users, ESCOs, green housing and low-carbon mobility. You need a Green Project Certificate from MGTC and at least 60% Malaysian ownership. The government guarantees 60–80% of the green-component cost (corporation charge 0.40% p.a.); the bank sets the financing rate. Available until 31 Dec 2026 or until the RM1bil allocation is used up.
Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant (MDAG)
Growth grant for digital/tech companies adopting or building emerging technology (AI, blockchain, IoT, quantum). Funding varies by track — the AI track (MDAG-AI) funds up to 70% of cost or RM5 million, whichever is lower, over up to 3 years. Generally needs Malaysia Digital status and some operating history. Runs in call windows.
SUPERB (Skim Usahawan Permulaan Bumiputera)
Conditional grant for young Bumiputera founders aged 21–40 starting a new company (3 years old or less, 51%+ Bumiputera), offering RM100,000 at idea stage and up to RM500,000 at commercial stage. Historically run in pitch windows about four times a year. TERAJU's SUPERB portal is currently unreachable — it fails to load in a normal browser, not just for automated checks — so there is no working application page to link to at the moment. TERAJU has not announced that the scheme has ended; contact TERAJU directly if you want to apply.
Business Accelerator Programme (BAP)
SME Corp programme for business growth with two financing types under BAP 2.0: a matching grant and a soft loan. As confirmed on the live SME Corp page (Jul 2026), NEW matching-grant applications are temporarily suspended until further notice, while loan applications can still be submitted directly to SME Bank. Covers advisory, capacity building, machinery and equipment, certifications and ICT adoption for established SMEs ready to scale.
Commercialisation of R&D Fund (CRDF)
Hybrid grant + loan to commercialise completed R&D into a market-ready product. MTDC has retired CRDF — its application page is gone and the Developmental Fund is now delivered as Dana MySTI, made up of Dana Mudahcara MySTI (70% of project cost or up to RM1 million) and Dana Uji Beli MySTI, both aimed at local R&D products headed for government procurement. Listed here for reference only; check Dana MySTI instead.
High Tech and Green Facility (HTG)
A BNM financing facility — accessed through a participating bank — for SMEs and innovative start-ups investing in strategic, high-technology and green fields: digital technology, green technology and biotechnology. It is designed to help technology-driven firms grow and invest in these areas. Financing you repay; apply through a participating financial institution. The facility has a fixed allocation, so confirm it is still available.
Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF)
BNM financing — taken through a participating bank — to help SMEs in any sector adopt sustainable, low-carbon practices. It funds working capital or capital expenditure (energy-efficient equipment, solar, sustainability certification, etc.), up to RM10mil per SME, tenure up to 10 years, at a rate up to 5% p.a. inclusive of the guarantee fee. This is financing you repay; you apply at a participating financial institution. Allocations run in tranches — confirm availability before applying.
Smart Automation Grant (SAG)
SAG MADANI is a matching grant from MIDA to help SMEs and mid-tier companies automate and digitalise — machinery, equipment, software and systems that raise productivity. It is given on a 70:30 matching basis up to RM1 million, and the company must have been in operation for at least three years with at least 51% Malaysian equity. A non-refundable evaluation fee (RM3,000) applies and costs incurred before MIDA's acknowledgement letter are not claimable. It runs in application windows — the last opened 10 Nov–31 Dec 2023, so there is no open intake right now; confirm the current cycle with MIDA before planning.
Technology Development Fund (TeD)
A MOSTI grant to develop and commercialise local technology. TeD1 funds early-stage R&D (Technology Readiness Level 2–3) up to RM1mil at 90–100%. TeD2 helps you commercialise a proven prototype (TRL 4+) — SMEs get up to 65% of project cost and co-fund the rest (at least 35% in cash). Your company must be SSM-registered, majority Malaysian-owned, and (for TeD2) in operation between 1 and 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
What grants help Malaysian SMEs automate?
Grants that help you buy equipment and systems that cut manual work include Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF), Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS-i 5.0), Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant (MDAG), SUPERB (Skim Usahawan Permulaan Bumiputera), Business Accelerator Programme (BAP). Each has its own eligibility and intake window, so check the details before applying.
Is this a grant I have to pay back?
It depends on the scheme. A grant is money you do not repay; a matching grant pays a share while you co-fund the rest; financing is a loan you repay. Each grant page states which type it is and how the money is disbursed.
Do I need to apply before I spend the money?
For matching grants and reimbursement schemes, yes — you generally must get approval before committing any spending, or the cost may not be claimable. Always confirm the rules on the official portal before you buy anything.