Digital Penang Announces PENtastic Startup Month 2026 with 30 Activities Across Penang
PENANG, 15 October 2026 – Digital Penang officially announced PENtastic Startup Month 2026, a month-long celebration of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation taking place throughout November 2026.
Bringing together 21 confirmed organisers and 30 activities across Penang, the initiative aims to connect startup founders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), investors, students, industry professionals and the wider community through learning, networking and collaboration opportunities.
More than just a series of events, PENtastic Startup Month serves as a shared platform where ecosystem partners and organisations can independently host programmes, exchange knowledge and contribute towards building a stronger startup ecosystem in Penang.
Strengthening Penang's Startup and Digital Economy Ecosystem
PENtastic Startup Month 2026 reflects Digital Penang’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, encouraging digital adoption and creating meaningful connections between businesses, industry and academia.
Speaking at the press conference, YB Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital and Chairman of Digital Penang, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the state’s digital economy.
“PENtastic Startup Month reflects the collaborative spirit needed to advance Penang’s digital economy. By creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, industry and academia to learn from one another, we can help more businesses participate in the digital economy and contribute to the ambitions of the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan 2025–2030 and Penang2030,” said YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari.
Through this initiative, Digital Penang hopes to make entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities more accessible, while encouraging greater participation from startups, SMEs and the wider community.
“We want PENtastic Startup Month to give founders and SMEs practical opportunities to build their knowledge, explore digital tools and connect with people who can support their next stage of growth. By bringing independently organised activities onto one shared platform, we are making it easier for participants to discover relevant programmes and engage with Penang’s startup community,” said Ts. Ng Kwang Ming.
30 Activities Throughout November 2026
Throughout November, participants can look forward to a diverse calendar of programmes designed to inspire new ideas, develop practical skills and encourage collaboration.
Activities will cover various areas, including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation – Exploring emerging technologies, AI adoption and digital solutions.
- Startup Growth and Entrepreneurship – Workshops, masterclasses and practical sessions to help founders develop and scale their businesses.
- Finance and Investment – Opportunities to strengthen financial knowledge and connect with investors.
- Creative Industries and Content Development – Photography, creative festivals, film-related activities and content marketing. (CRM)
- Talent Development and Digital Skills – Programmes focusing on future-ready capabilities and professional development.
- Networking and Ecosystem Collaboration – Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry professionals and ecosystem partners.
With activities taking place at different venues across Penang, PENtastic Startup Month offers opportunities for participants from various industries and backgrounds to get involved.
Key Highlights of PENtastic Startup Month 2026
Among the featured programmes is Startup Venture Vibes (SVV) 2026, happening on 19 November 2026.
Organised by the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) in collaboration with Digital Penang, SVV will bring together founders, investors and industry practitioners through interactive Huddle Pods, Angel Pods, pitching sessions and networking opportunities. The programme aims to provide startups with practical feedback, valuable connections and potential business opportunities.
Another highlight is the Creative Content AI One-Person Company (OPC) Showcase, demonstrating how individuals and small teams can leverage artificial intelligence to create digital content, develop products and build businesses. The showcase is supported by Google Cloud, TusStar Malaysia, SCWL and Loomi Entertainment Group.
Meanwhile, the Culture of Startups Photography Exhibition, supported by Canon Marketing Sdn. Bhd., will offer a different perspective on entrepreneurship by showcasing the people, teamwork and everyday moments behind Malaysia’s startup community.
Other activities include startup finance bootcamps, business growth masterclasses, AI adoption workshops, content marketing sessions, design thinking courses, sustainability discussions, talent development programmes and a game festival.
Together, these programmes aim to make November a month filled with learning, creativity, innovation and meaningful connections.
Events can be discovered or register at Here
Building a Stronger Startup Community Through Collaboration
Spearheaded by Digital Penang, with Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. as ecosystem partner, PENtastic Startup Month 2026 brings together 21 confirmed organisers, including businesses, universities, training providers, startup communities, clubs and associations.
The community-driven approach encourages ecosystem players to contribute their expertise, organise activities and create opportunities that benefit the wider entrepreneurial community.
By connecting independently organised programmes under one shared platform, PENtastic Startup Month also supports the objectives of the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan 2025–2030 and Penang2030, particularly in strengthening entrepreneurship, innovation and digital adoption.
Be Part of PENtastic Startup Month 2026!
Whether you are a startup founder looking to grow your business, an SME exploring digital solutions, a student interested in entrepreneurship or an industry professional hoping to expand your network, PENtastic Startup Month 2026 has something for you.
With 30 activities planned throughout November, this is an opportunity to learn new skills, exchange ideas, discover emerging technologies and connect with Penang’s growing startup ecosystem.
Through these platforms and strategic industry collaborations, Digital Penang aims to reduce barriers between businesses and technology, organisers and audiences, and communities and opportunities.
Explore the full event calendar and register for activities:
Click here for more information about Digital Penang.