Northern Region Largest Startup Celebration
Connecting founders, investors, corporates, universities and ecosystem builders through a month of exciting startup events.
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Events
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Speakers
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Partners
About PENtastic
A Month. A Community. Limitless Opportunities.
PENtastic Startup Month is a community-driven initiative by Digital Penang that brings together the startup ecosystem through workshops, talks, networking sessions, hackathons, and more — organized independently by ecosystem builders.
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CTPR Masterclass 2026
by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
Date: 2-6 November 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Penang
Time: TBC
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Penang
The CTPR Masterclass 2026 is a five-day programme organised by MCMC, MMU and GSMA, bringing together telecommunications regulators, industry professionals and regional representatives to explore digital policy, emerging technologies and connectivity challenges across ASEAN. The programme includes knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities and industry visits in Penang.
Startup Financial Clarity Bootcamp (2-Day Physical Workshop)
by HBA Global Consultancy
Date: 4-5 November 2026
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Take control of your startup's finances at the Startup Financial Clarity Bootcamp! This practical 2-day workshop helps startups and entrepreneurs understand financial statements, manage cash flow and track key financial indicators. Learn how to turn financial data into smarter business decisions, improve financial planning and build a stronger foundation for sustainable business growth.
AI Startups and Urban Resilience: Penang Role in Southeast Asia's Tech Ecosystem
by MIT Asia Real Estate Initiative (AREI)
Date: 5 November 2026
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Training Room, Digital Penang
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Training Room, Digital Penang
Explore the future of AI startups and Penang’s digital economy through an exclusive focus group discussion with urban economists from MIT and the University of Southern California (USC). The session brings together invited AI and tech startups to exchange insights on funding, talent, market access, policy challenges and opportunities for growth, while contributing perspectives to help shape Penang’s digital economy priorities.
This is a closed-door session by invitation only. No public registration is available.
This is a closed-door session by invitation only. No public registration is available.
Startup Growth Masterclass Series
by HBA Global Consultancy
Date: 6,13 & 20 November 2026
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Turn your business ideas into actionable growth plans with the Startup Growth Masterclass Series! This practical 3-part program helps entrepreneurs strengthen their business fundamentals, improve strategic decision-making and develop effective growth strategies. Gain practical insights and learn how to turn ideas into clear action plans for sustainable business growth.
AI Future Makers Bootcamp 2026 (Final Pitch Day)
by Operion/PDX
Date: 7 November 2026
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
Venue: To Be Confirmed
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
Venue: To Be Confirmed
Turn your creative ideas into innovative AI solutions with AI Future Makers Bootcamp 2026! Designed for students from both tech and non-tech backgrounds, this bootcamp offers hands-on learning, expert guidance and pitching opportunities to help participants develop their ideas and strengthen their innovation skills. Gain valuable experience, build confidence and compete for a spot among the Top 20 finalists at the Final Pitch Day in Penang on 7 November 2026!
AI Business Tools: Startup Glow-Up
by School of Digital Technology, WOU
Date: 11 November 2026
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Give your business a smart upgrade with Startup Glow-Up: Transform Your Business with AI! Discover how AI can help turn your ideas into actionable business strategies in just 10 minutes. Through an interactive AI Business Profiler, develop your own Business Model Canvas, identify growth opportunities, explore useful AI tools and strengthen your business pitch. Walk away with a personalized AI-generated business profile, practical recommendations and fresh ideas to take your business to the next level!
Reverse-Engineer What Actually Converts
by Kode Digital
Date: 12 November 2026
Time: 1:45pm - 4:45pm
Venue: Digital Penang Event Space
Time: 1:45pm - 4:45pm
Venue: Digital Penang Event Space
This hands-on workshop helps startup founders and business owners use AI to create effective, conversion-focused advertisements for their businesses. Participants will learn how to develop ad strategies, generate engaging marketing visuals and copy, refine creatives to match their brand identity, and set up audience targeting and budgets. By the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to publish a live Meta ad campaign for their business.
Penang Green Summit 2026
by Penang Green Council
Date: 12-13 November 2026
Time: 08:30am - 5:00pm
Venue: Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC)
Time: 08:30am - 5:00pm
Venue: Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC)
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive sustainability and green innovation at Penang Green Summit 2026! Through conferences, exhibitions and networking opportunities, connect with industry experts, explore innovative green technologies and gain practical insights into how AI can support more sustainable business practices and a greener future.
PitchPenang 2026: Startup & Investor Connect
by RentMate Kampus
Date: 14 November 2026
Time: 9:00am- 5:00pm
Venue: Seminar Hall, International office, USM, Penang
Time: 9:00am- 5:00pm
Venue: Seminar Hall, International office, USM, Penang
Get insider insights into the world of startup pitching at Pitch Penang 2026! Through an interactive podcast-style session, hear directly from founders, investors and industry experts on how to craft a winning pitch, understand what investors look for and avoid common pitching mistakes. Join the Q&A session to ask questions, gain practical entrepreneurship advice and connect with Penang's startup ecosystem.
Hack Club Haven Penang
by Hack Club
Date: 14-15 November 2026
Time: 8:00am- 6:00pm
Venue: Disted College, Penang
Time: 8:00am- 6:00pm
Venue: Disted College, Penang
Calling all young game creators! Join Hack Club Haven Penang, a FREE, beginner-friendly game development jam for teenagers aged 13–18. Learn the basics of game development, bring your ideas to life by creating your own video games, and explore your creativity through hands-on activities. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity, make new friends and discover the exciting world of technology and game design!
AI Executive Transformation Accelerator Bootcamp
by Lit Digital Creators
Date: 17 November 2026
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
As AI continues to reshape the way businesses operate, the challenge is no longer just about accessing AI tools. It is about identifying meaningful opportunities, understanding implementation costs, and preparing organizations to adopt AI effectively.
Business owners and senior leaders are invited to explore these questions at the LITVenture Executive Preview: AI to Action. Seeing the Opportunities Others Miss.
Organized by LIT Digital Creators, this 4 hours executive session will introduce practical perspectives on AI adoption, business transformation, enterprise AI economics, and organizational readiness.
2-Day Design Thinking Fundamentals Open Course
by Human Inc
Date: 17-18 November 2026
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Turn ideas into real solutions with the 2-Day Design Thinking Fundamentals Open Course! This hands-on workshop helps founders, startup teams and innovators better understand customer needs, challenge assumptions and validate ideas through practical exercises. Learn design thinking techniques, rapid prototyping and testing to develop solutions that customers actually want. Participants will receive a certificate and LinkedIn badge upon completion. 100% HRD Corp claimable for eligible participants.
AI for SME Growth
by Exabytes Sdn Bhd
Date: 18 November 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Venue: Auditorium@Exabytes Penang
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Venue: Auditorium@Exabytes Penang
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can unlock new growth opportunities for SMEs at AI for SME Growth! Explore practical AI strategies, digital tools and innovative solutions to strengthen your online presence, improve business efficiency and accelerate digital transformation. Gain insights from industry experts on how businesses can embrace AI, enhance productivity and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Startup Tax Awareness Workshop (“Understanding Business Tax Fundamentals for Startups & Young Entrepreneurs”)
by HBA Global Consultancy
Date: 19 November 2026
Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Venue: HBA Training Center, Penang
Build a stronger foundation in Malaysian business taxation with the Startup Tax Awareness Workshop! Designed for startups and young entrepreneurs, this practical session helps you understand key tax obligations, avoid common compliance mistakes, identify deductible business expenses and gain essential tax planning knowledge. Learn how to manage your tax responsibilities confidently and avoid unnecessary costs as your business grows.
Fractional C-suite Workshop 2: Talent in the Age of AI
by Kinetik Hiring
Date: 19 November 2026
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Discover smarter ways to build and scale your team in the age of AI! Explore how fractional leadership can help businesses access experienced talent without permanent executive hires, and how Talent Engine, an AI-powered solution, can help founders identify business challenges, define the skills they need and make better hiring decisions. Gain practical insights into building agile, future-ready teams and scaling your business more effectively.
How to get AI Platforms to recommend your Business
by Growth Pro
Date: 20 November 2026
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Want your business to be discovered and recommended by AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews? Join this practical half-day session to understand how AI-powered search identifies and recommends businesses, and discover strategies to improve your brand's visibility in the age of AI. Gain actionable insights to strengthen your online presence, reach potential customers and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.
Kinofest-German Film Festival
by Geothe Institut, Malaysian German Society Penang & GSC
Date: 20-22 November 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: Malaysian German Society, Penang
Time: TBC
Venue: Malaysian German Society, Penang
Experience the best of contemporary German cinema at KinoFest Malaysia 2026! Discover a diverse selection of films, from family-friendly stories to award-winning productions, exploring themes of friendship, identity, resilience and everyday life. Organized by Goethe-Institut Malaysia in collaboration with GSC International Screens and the Malaysian-German Society, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience German culture, discover fresh perspectives and connect through the universal language of film.
The Big Timer™ Business Strategy Simulation: Unlock Your Startup's Growth Potential
by Redbox Studio
Date: 21 November 2026
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Unlock your startup's growth potential with Big Timer™ Business Strategy Simulation! Experience an interactive, game-based workshop where founders and entrepreneurs learn essential business strategies through hands-on challenges and decision-making. Discover how to overcome business challenges, make smarter use of resources and leverage opportunities to drive sustainable growth. Move beyond theory and experience how your strategic choices can shape business success. Limited to 30 participants!
AI & Content Marketing for Startup Growth in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism
by Brand Culture
Date: 23 November 2026
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Discover how AI and content marketing are transforming the tourism and hospitality industry! This practical 1-day workshop explores AI-powered travel discovery, content creation, influencer collaborations and strategies to increase destination and brand visibility. Learn how to leverage Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and creator partnerships to reach wider audiences. Through hands-on activities and real-world case studies, develop engaging, AI-powered marketing campaigns that drive audience engagement and business growth.
From Programs to Platforms: How Ecosystems Can Run 24/7 by Innovnation
by Innovation.ai
Date: 24 November 2026
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Venue: Event Space, Digital Penang
Discover how startup ecosystems can provide 24/7 innovation and entrepreneurship support beyond traditional incubators and accelerator programs! Join Neelesh Bhatia, Founder of InnovNation.ai, as he explores how AI-powered, always-on support systems can help ecosystem builders overcome fragmented communication, maintain founder engagement beyond demo day and deliver continuous support at scale. Gain insights into building more connected, efficient and sustainable startup ecosystems that support thousands of founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Founders & Funders
by Entrepreneur Growth Hub, Exabytes & Rakan Sales
Date: 26 November 2026
Time: 12:00pm-9:00pm
Venue: Harris Hotel & Convention Sunshine Penang
Time: 12:00pm-9:00pm
Venue: Harris Hotel & Convention Sunshine Penang
Connect, collaborate and unlock new opportunities at Founders & Funders 2026 – Exclusively Penang Founders! Bringing together entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors and business leaders, this event offers an opportunity to expand your professional network, exchange business insights and build meaningful connections within Penang's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Meet like-minded individuals, explore potential collaborations and enjoy a networking cocktail dinner.
Gamefest: Tetrio Showdown
by Google Developer Group on Campus USM
Date: 28 November 2026
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Venue: Dewan Utama Desasiswa M08 RST, USM
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Venue: Dewan Utama Desasiswa M08 RST, USM
Get ready for Gamefest: Tetrio Showdown! Organized by GDGoC USM, this competitive gaming tournament brings together players from across Malaysia to battle it out in TETR.IO, a fast-paced online stacking game. Starting with nationwide online qualifiers, the competition leads to an exciting live final at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Enjoy thrilling matches, cheer on the finalists and explore interactive side booths for a fun gaming experience for both players and spectators!
Benefits of PENtastic Startup Month
For Founders
- Meet Investors
- Gain Exposure
- Find Partners
For Partners
- Build Community
- Showcase expertise
- Generate Leads
For Students
- Career Opportunities
- Internships
- Build Your Network
Ecosystem Partners
READY TO BE A PART OF THE
PENTASTIC STARTUP MONTH
Whether you’re attending, hosting, partnering or supporting the ecosystem-there’s a place for you this November.
Disclaimer
Programme details, schedules, venues, speakers, and participating partners are subject to change without prior notice. Selected activities may require separate registration, application, or eligibility criteria.
PENtastic Startup Month features programmes, events, and activities organised by various ecosystem partners and participating organisations. Any views, opinions, statements, advice, or information expressed or shared by speakers, organisers, partners, or participants during these programmes and activities are solely those of the respective individuals or organisations and do not necessarily represent the views of Digital Penang. Digital Penang shall not be held responsible for such content, statements, or representations.
Participants are encouraged to refer to the respective programme organisers for the latest information, registration requirements, and event-specific enquiries.