proudly present
Johor Innovation Challenge
Transforming Johor Through Innovation
Register NowProgram Partners
About the Johor Innovation Challenge
The Johor Innovation Challenge brings together youth, industry, government and communities to explore how technology can address real-world challenges across Johor.
Open to teams of 3–5 members, the challenge combines online sessions and a 2-day boot camp in Johor Bahru, where participants work collaboratively to develop practical AI-enabled solutions that can be tested, piloted and implemented across Johor.
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
The challenge is open to Johoreans and anyone based in Johor who is 18 or above, including TVET and university students, innovators, changemakers and working adults.
Focus Areas
- Tourism
- Digital Economy
- Green Economy
- Social Impact
Problem Statements
SME Readiness for JS-SEZ Industries
Focus area:
SME Economic Participation: Digital & ESG Integration
Renewable Energy Adoption Pathway
Focus area:
Green Economy & Renewable Energy
Talent for JS-SEZ Industries
Focus area:
Talent, Jobs & Workforce
Connecting visitors in Johor
Focus area:
Tourism, Hospitality & MICE
Register Now
Form your team, pick a problem statement and register below. Submissions are open from 11 November to 15 December 2026.
Already applied? Submit your project video
Prize Pool
Up toRM50,000
in total is waiting for you
RM40,000
For 4 champions
RM10,000 for each champion per one problem statement. Released in stages as seed funding after Innovation Challenge
Up to RM10,000
In tools and tokens for the 20 finalist teams
Provided during the bootcamp to further improve participants’ project for the grand finale
Johor Innovation Challenge Programme
Participants will go through a series of practical training sessions designed to take their ideas from problem definition to a working AI-enabled solution and final pitch. With guidance from industry mentors and subject matter experts, participants will refine their concepts, build prototypes and prepare their solutions for potential real-world application.
01. Understand
Learn to shape your ideas around the problem and its root causes
02. Upskill
Learn to use AI tools to research and enhance idea through workshop
03. Build
Turning ideas into solutions using AI tools
04. Pitch & Implement
Pitching ideas into real-world implementation
Key Assessment Areas of Winning Teams
Johor Innovation Challenge Timeline
- 01
Open for Submissions
11 November - 15 December 2026
- 02
Technical & Design Thinking Workshops
November - December 2026
- 03
Selection Period
16 - 22 December 2026
- 04
Announcement of Top 20 Teams
23 December 2026
- 05
Online Bootcamp
9 January 2027
- 06
Physical Bootcamp
16 & 17 January 2027
- 07
Grand Finale
17 January 2027
Technical & Design Thinking Workshops
Workshop 1Explore the Innovation Challenge19 November 2026 (Thursday) | 8pm - 9pmBook on Mereka.io
Learn how the challenge works, who can join and what to submit.
Explore the Problems
Discover the 4 problem statements.
Judging Criteria
What makes a strong entry.
Optional: Find Team Members
Connect with your teammates.
Open Q&A
Ask us anything!
Workshop 2Design thinking for your problem21 November 2026 (Saturday) | 10am - 11amBook on Mereka.io
Learn how to turn real-world problems into practical ideas using design thinking.
Understand People
Identify who is affected and their needs.
Define the Problem
Clearly describe the challenge.
Brainstorm Solutions
Generate and choose ideas.
Sketch & Test
Create a rough prototype and get feedback.
Workshop 3Use AI to research and build28 November 2026 (Saturday) | 10am - 11amBook on Mereka.io
Learn how to use AI to research problems and build your idea, with or without coding skills.
AI Research
Find information and verify facts.
Build a Mockup
Create a digital prototype without coding.
Responsible AI Use
Protect data and check sources.
Real-World Application
Make sure your idea is practical for Johor.
Hands-On Practice
Build your first prototype during the session.
Workshop 4Tell a story that matters5 December 2026 (Saturday) | 10am - 11amBook on Mereka.io
Learn what matters in your submission so your idea and solution score well.
Judging Criteria
Understand the 4 assessment areas.
Key Points
Who is affected, your idea, why it works.
Feasibility
Learn what to avoid losing points.
Final Check
Ensure your video link works and is accessible.
Do you want to partner with us?
Let us know!
Expertise
Share your people’s knowledge as workshop speakers, judges or mentors
Prize contribution
Support the champions through prize contributions or milestone-based funding
In-kind
Food, vouchers, merchandise or media and communications support
