TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11 Bridges the Journey from Prototyping to Listing

Leave a Nest will host TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11: From Prototyping to Listing on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at the Center of Garage Malaysia, Cyberjaya, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Under the theme “From Prototyping to Listing,” this edition of TECH GARAGE explores the startup growth journey, from developing a functional prototype and securing venture capital to scaling the business and preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The event brings together startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, manufacturers, investors and industry partners under one roof, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, technology showcasing, investment insights and new collaborations.

Throughout the day, participants will experience four key components: the KOBASHI Monozukuri Seminar, 144 Startup Showcase, Fireside Chat Session | Gateway to Growth: From Venture Capital to IPO, and a booth exhibition and networking session.

Building Products That Create Lasting Value: KOBASHI Monozukuri Seminar

The morning will begin with the KOBASHI Monozukuri Seminar, inviting founders and innovators to discover what it truly takes to transform an idea into a product that can reach society at scale.

Through the Japanese spirit of monozukuri, the session goes beyond manufacturing techniques to explore the care, discipline, responsibility and commitment behind creating products of lasting value. Participants will gain perspectives on the journey from prototyping to manufacturing and develop a stronger foundation for working with manufacturing partners as their technologies progress towards commercialization.

The seminar will feature Mr. Ambrose Chia, Director of 144 Ventures, together with special guest speaker Dr. Shian Lee, who will share their knowledge and perspectives with participants.

Speaker

Mr. Ambrose Chia, Director, 144 Ventures Pte. Ltd.

Ambrose graduated with a Master degree in Technopreneurship and Innovation from Nanyang Technological University. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Human Factors in Safety from Singapore University of Social Sciences and a Diploma in Marine Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic. He is passionate about community building and ecosystem nurturing. During his master’s degree studies, he was an active member of his program’s student committee, proposing and executing various student-led activities. As a member of Leave a Nest Frontier Development Division and previously Human Development Division, Ambrose hopes to strengthen the science and deep technology startup ecosystem through partnership with Institutes of Higher Learning and other Innovation Ecosystem partners, working with researchers and founders to bring their innovation from ideation to the wider community. Creating a sustainable business model for the benefit of society.

Special Guest

Dr. Shian Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Alphaswift Industries Sdn. Bhd.

Dr. Shian Lee serves as the CEO of Alphaswift Industries, an aerospace company with Malaysia Digital (MD) status. He holds a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering and is recognized as a pioneer in UAV control, with over 10 years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems. His expertise includes AI, flight simulation, SLAM, and battery technology. Dr. Lee is deeply committed to electrical flight development, envisioning a greener future for air transportation. He leads Alphaswift with the mission to create the world’s most advanced self-flying technologies to move people and goods swiftly and safely.

Nine Startups Take the Stage at the 144 Startup Showcase

Following the manufacturing seminar, the 144 Startup Showcase will provide a platform for selected startups to pitch their businesses, technologies and growth journeys.

Nine startups will take the stage:

• Qarbotech
• Move Robotic
• Entomal
• Rymba
• TEASK
• Life Origin
• Fly Lab
• ProfilePrint
• ImpacFat

 

During the showcase, each startup pitch will be evaluated and followed by comments and feedback from Dr. Maru Yukihiro and Dr. Kengo Suzuki, the founders of 144 Ventures. Their perspectives will provide the participating startups with valuable insights on their technology, business positioning, growth potential and readiness for future investment and expansion.

Panel Commentators

Dr. Yukihiro Maru, Founder, 144 Ventures Pte., Ltd. 

Dr. Maru is the founder and group CEO of Leave a Nest, a company he established in 2002 together with several university and postgraduate students to tackle the issue of unemployment among science graduates as well as the declining interest in science. Armed with the vision of “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness”, Leave a Nest has built a vast collaborative network comprising over leading Japanese corporations, investors & multi-disciplinary technologists globally. Dr. Maru holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture, and is also technical advisor to leading biotech firm Euglena Co.,Ltd., where he supported them from establishment to IPO. Through Germi8, Dr Maru aims to help budding innovators solve global food issues & build enduring firms.

Dr. Kengo Suzuki, Founder, 144 Ventures Pte., Ltd. 

Dr. Kengo Suzuki is one of the co-founders of Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Euglena Co., Ltd., Japan’s leading biotech company that engages in the research, development, production and distribution of microalgae products across sectors such as Healthcare, Energy and Environment. A graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo and has a BSc in system engineering, he leads the company’s R&D and has been engaged in the production and development of Euglena-derived biofuels. Dr. Suzuki is also the co-author of Bisaisorui no Tairyoseisan, Jigyoka ni muketa Baio-gijyutsu (in Japanese, “Culture Technology toward the Mass Production and Commercialization of Microalgae”) (Johokiko Co., Ltd.).

Through the showcase, participants will have an opportunity to discover emerging technologies and businesses, while the presenting startups gain greater exposure to investors, manufacturers, corporates and potential ecosystem partners.

Gateway to Growth: From Venture Capital to IPO

The afternoon will shift the conversation from technology development towards capital, business growth and the public market through the Fireside Chat Session, “Gateway to Growth: From Venture Capital to IPO.”

The session will explore the startup growth and investment journey—from attracting venture capital and building productive relationships with investors to scaling the business and preparing for a potential listing on Bursa Malaysia.

The Fireside Chat will bring together speakers and panellists representing different stages of the funding and capital market ecosystem:

• Leave a Nest Capital
• Cradle Seed Ventures
• UntroD Capital Asia
• Bursa Malaysia

Meet Our Speakers and Panelists

Dr. Shuichiro Takahashi, Representative Director, Leave a Nest Capital Co., Ltd. 

Dr. Shuichiro Takahashi obtained a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. He co-founded Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. in 2002 and has since played a key role in building its research platform and driving new business development. As President and COO from 2010, he led business growth through organizational development and talent cultivation. In 2026, he was appointed Representative Director and CSO, overseeing the Group’s  strategy and advancing cross-border and cross-sector initiatives to address societal challenges.

Ms. Farah Wahidah Ab Rafik, Head, Cradle Seed Ventures 

Farah Wahidah Ab Rafik is an investment professional with extensive experience across venture capital, equity investment, strategic planning and business development. As Head of Cradle Seed Ventures, the equity investment arm of Cradle, Farah leads investment activities focused on identifying and backing high-potential technology startups, while supporting founders in building scalable and sustainable businesses. With a career spanning Maybank, Cradle and the private sector, she brings a distinctive combination of investment discipline, strategic thinking and hands-on experience in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Her experience covers equity investing, portfolio management, investment analysis, startup mentoring and business strategy. Farah has played a key role in evaluating investment opportunities, supporting portfolio companies and strengthening connections between entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem partners. She is passionate about building the next generation of technology companies and creating pathways for Malaysian startups to scale regionally and globally. By bringing together perspectives from venture capital, startup investment and the public market, the session aims to help entrepreneurs better understand how their funding strategies and business priorities may evolve as their companies grow.

Mr. Daiki Kumamoto, Executive Director, UntroD Capital Asia Pte. Ltd.

Daiki Kumamoto is Director of UntroD Capital Asia, where he leads deep-tech investments across Southeast Asia and the firm’s second Global Fund. Since joining UntroD in 2019, he has played a key role in building the firm’s regional investment platform and expanding its presence across Southeast Asia. He has been involved in approximately 20 deep-tech investments across Japan and Southeast Asia, primarily in healthcare, energy, and advanced materials. In addition to investment execution, he supports portfolio companies through strategic partnerships, research collaborations, and market expansion initiatives connecting Southeast Asia and Japan. Beyond his investment activities, he has served as a non-executive director and startup founder in the healthcare and social welfare sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Policy Management from Keio University, is a former President of AIESEC in Japan, and a Fund Management Representative recognized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Ms. Harizah Kamarudin, Vice President, Emerging Markets Development, Securities Market, Bursa Malaysia 

Harizah Kamarudin is Vice President in Bursa Malaysia’s Emerging Markets Development  Department, where she plays a role in advancing Bursa Malaysia’s position as a preferred listing destination for local and foreign companies across the Main Market, ACE Market and LEAP Market. Drawing on more than 16 years of experience across Malaysian capital and money markets regulatory bodies, complemented by audit firm experience in accounting, advisory and assurance, Harizah brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to corporate governance and regulatory expectations. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in the review of approximately 30 IPOs and has supported assurance and advisory engagements for both listed and non-listed entities. This breadth of experience has shaped her appreciation of the opportunities, challenges and governance considerations that companies encounter as they scale, mature and prepare for the public markets.

Mr. Muhd Farrish bin Ishak, Head, Emerging Markets Development, Securities Market, Bursa Malaysia

Farrish is Head of Bursa Malaysia’s Emerging Markets Development Department, where he leads efforts to position the exchange as the preferred listing destination for local and foreign companies across its Main, ACE and LEAP Markets. With over 20 years in the financial industry, including more than 11 in investment banking across IPOs, corporate finance, M&A and fundraising, he has been involved in every stage of the IPO process, from pre-IPO assessment to deal execution. A frequent speaker on IPOs, he regularly addresses industry forums, government agencies and intermediaries.

The session will also provide an opportunity for the audience to engage directly with the speakers through discussion and Q&A.

Connecting the Innovation Ecosystem Beyond the Stage

TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11 will conclude with a dedicated Networking & Booth Session, creating further opportunities for participants to meet exhibiting startups and companies, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships.

The exhibition complements the seminar, startup showcase and investment discussion by creating a space where conversations can develop into potential technology commercialization, manufacturing, investment and business collaboration opportunities.

Through this combination of manufacturing knowledge, startup exposure, investment perspectives and ecosystem networking, TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11 aims to connect the different capabilities required to move an innovation forward—from prototype to product, investment, scale and ultimately listing.

Program Timeline

08:00 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration

09:30 AM – 09:35 AM
Opening Remarks

09:35 AM – 11:30 AM
KOBASHI Monozukuri Seminar

11:30 AM – 01:00 PM
144 Startup Showcase

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Lunch Break & Networking

02:00 PM – 03:20 PM
Fireside Chat Session | Gateway to Growth: From Venture Capital to IPO

03:20 PM – 03:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Photo Session

03:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Networking & Booth Session

Event Information

Event: TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11: From Prototyping to Listing
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MYT)
Registration: 8:00 AM onwards (https://global.lne.st/TGSVol11_Registration)
Venue: Center of Garage Malaysia, Cyberjaya, Selangor

TECH GARAGE Seminar Vol. 11 welcomes members of the innovation ecosystem who are interested in learning, connecting and exploring opportunities across the journey from prototyping to listing.