KUCHING – Dominic Mathew David, Co-Founder of KuCHARGE and a student at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, has emerged as the first runner-up in the Sunway LaunchX Accelerator Programme 2024 among 45 startups.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the KuCHARGE team, which is also co-founded by Shaktivell M Letchumanan from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
KuCHARGE, powered by Stratetics Expert Sdn Bhd, is a pioneering student start-up that aims to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in Malaysia. The team’s innovative approach to developing Malaysian-made EV chargers, which focus on eco-friendliness, clean energy harnessing and seamless integration, has garnered significant attention. Their solution not only addresses local energy challenges but also aligns closely with Sarawak’s green energy initiatives.
“We are committed to driving positive change with our scalable, affordable and environmentally sustainable solution. As a student start-up and a collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak and UTHM, KuCHARGE is driven by innovation and a deep understanding of the needs of our communities,” said Dominic.
The KuCHARGE team envisions scaling their solution by forming strategic partnerships with both private and government sectors. These collaborations will enable them to expand infrastructure, integrate cutting-edge technology and engage with grassroots communities to ensure the sustainability and local relevance of their solution. By fostering these relationships, KuCHARGE aims to contribute to Sarawak’s vision of becoming a leader in renewable energy.
The success of KuCHARGE is a testament to the entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtured by Swinburne Sarawak. Dominic attributes much of his success to the university’s entrepreneurship programs, which have been instrumental in shaping his journey.
“Swinburne Sarawak has provided me with the tools, knowledge and network needed to turn our ideas into impactful solutions,” he remarked.
Dr Gabriel Wee Wei En, Head of Department (Executive and Entrepreneurship) at Swinburne Sarawak’s School of Business, also shared his thoughts on Dominic’s achievement.
“When Dominic first approached me with the idea, I gave my vote of confidence as the idea was about simplifying the EV charging process, starting with the university community. This aligns with the Design Thinking process, where he empathised with the pain points of EV owners, clearly defined the problem and ideated an incremental solution with clear market validation.
“We hope that this achievement can showcase the burgeoning entrepreneurship movement at Swinburne. Congratulations to Dominic and the team, and we will continue to support his journey with KuCHARGE,” said Dr Wee.
KuCHARGE is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on Sarawak’s green energy landscape, contributing to the region’s ambitious renewable energy goals. By promoting sustainability and creating job opportunities for local talents, the team is not only driving economic growth but also fostering environmental stewardship.
With students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), i-CATS University College and Politeknik Kuching Sarawak already on board, KuCHARGE is providing real-world experience in this transformative sector, reinforcing its commitment to driving positive change.
The team expressed its heartfelt gratitude to TEGAS Digital Village for their invaluable support throughout this journey. Special thanks were also extended to the team’s mentors from Sunway iLabs and Swinburne Sarawak for their unwavering guidance.
As Sarawak moves towards a greener future, KuCHARGE stands as a key player in this transition, exemplifying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).