The Setia AI & PropTech Innovation Challenge is a real-world innovation program launched by S P Setia, one of Malaysia’s largest real estate developers, in partnership with Antler Ibex, the corporate innovation arm of global early-stage investor Antler. The initiative invites startups and scaleups to develop AI and digital solutions that address pressing challenges in the real estate sector. Selected teams will collaborate with S P Setia’s business units through funded feasibility studies and pilots, with the potential to scale solutions across Setia’s property portfolio.
About the Organizers
S P Setia
- Leading Malaysian real estate developer with over five decades of experience
- Recognized for award-winning townships and master-planned communities
- Operates across Malaysia and Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable living
Antler Ibex
- Corporate innovation arm of Antler, a global early-stage startup and AI investor
- Facilitates open innovation programs and proof-of-concept partnerships
- Leverages a global network of startups, investors, and AI leaders to accelerate solution deployment
Why This Challenge Is Launched
- Part of Malaysia’s BIG (Bengkel Inovasi GLC) initiative, supported by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and Cradle Fund
- Aims to co-develop and pilot commercially viable solutions, not just theoretical ideas
- Seeks innovative startups and scaleups capable of transforming the built environment
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a startup or scaleup with a deployable solution in PropTech, FinTech, ConTech, Smart Living, or AI
- Have a functional MVP (deployable in a real-world pilot within months)
- Be incorporated or planning to incorporate
- Be able to deploy pilots in Malaysia
- Not be employees of S P Setia, Antler, or affiliated judging organizations
Challenge Focus Areas
- AI-Powered Sales & Innovative Financing
- Transform the home-buying journey with AI for personalization, streamlined processes, and scalable sales
- Unlock homeownership for underserved buyers via flexible financing models complementing traditional banking
- Construction Quality & Defect Reduction
- Reduce defects and enhance build quality by integrating AI and digital tools across the construction value chain
Selection Criteria
Startups will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to challenge statements
- Readiness for deployment (MVP or beyond)
- Innovation and technical differentiation
- Business model and scalability potential
- Team capabilities and domain expertise
Support for Selected Teams
- Funded feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts (non-dilutive funding)
- Direct collaboration with S P Setia teams
- Mentorship from S P Setia and Antler experts
- Exposure to investors and government partners at Demo Day
- Opportunities to scale across Setia’s development portfolio
Funding and Investment Opportunities
- Funding amounts depend on the scope of the proposed pilot and are finalized upon selection
- Funding is equity-free and non-dilutive
- Exposure to Antler’s venture team and other investors at Demo Day
- No guaranteed follow-on funding beyond the pilot phase
Application Process
- Deadline: 31 August 2025, 00:01 MYT
- Applications open from 4 August 2025, 00:01 MYT
- Solutions addressing both challenge areas may be submitted, with clear explanations for each fit
The Setia AI & PropTech Innovation Challenge provides startups with an opportunity to co-create and pilot practical AI and digital solutions for the real estate industry. With direct collaboration, mentorship, and exposure to investors, the program aims to accelerate the deployment of impactful innovations. All application submissions are handled directly through the program’s official channels.