Gobi Partners has invested in NanoSkunkWorkX, a Malaysian deep tech startup focused on graphene-based solutions for clean energy, semiconductors, and diagnostics.

NanoSkunkWorkX, based in Malaysia, develops manufacturable graphene systems for applications such as green hydrogen production, semiconductors, and diagnostics.

The investment was made through the Gobi Dana Impak Ventures Fund, in line with Khazanah Nasional’s Malaysia investment strategy, with support from Khazanah Dana Impak.

NanoSkunkWorkX’s technology aims to improve hydrogen production, enhance chip performance, and support diagnostic platforms, according to the company.

NanoSkunkWorkX was founded by Dr. Amani Salim and Iqbal Shamsul.

🔗 Source: Gobi Partners

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Malaysia’s deep tech investment surge aligns with ambitious semiconductor goals

The nSWX investment comes at a pivotal moment as Malaysia experiences unprecedented semiconductor sector growth, having attracted RM63 billion in investments under its National Semiconductor Strategy 1.

This represents a significant escalation from Malaysia’s current 7% share of the global semiconductor market, with the country targeting to double this by 2029 2.

The timing reflects Malaysia’s strategic positioning amid global supply chain reshuffling, where major players like Nvidia have committed $4.3 billion and ARM has invested $250 million in Malaysian operations 3.

Malaysia’s electrical and electronics sector already contributes 5.8% to the country’s GDP, providing a strong foundation for deep tech ventures like nSWX to build upon 4.

The country’s neutral stance in global trade tensions has enhanced its attractiveness as a semiconductor manufacturing hub, creating favorable conditions for homegrown innovation 1.

2️⃣ Malaysia pushes beyond assembly toward high-value semiconductor innovation

nSWX’s graphene technology development represents Malaysia’s broader strategy to climb the semiconductor value chain from traditional assembly and packaging operations.

While Malaysia currently holds 13% of the global market for semiconductor packaging and testing, the country is now targeting advanced chip design and fabrication capabilities 4.