JAZRO Robotic Academy, a robotics education startup incubated by PETRONAS Innovation Garage (PING), has announced an investment of RM1.2 mil from Gobi Partners through the Khazanah Nasional Berhad-backed Gobi Dana Impak Ventures (GDIV) fund.
This strategic investment will enable JAZRO to expand its educational offerings and reach more young learners, nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy innovators.
Founded in 2020 by Ir. Dzulfarqeish Zainuddin, alongside co-founders Yasser Rabanie and Khoirun Nisah, JAZRO is dedicated to enabling inclusive education for all children through its specially curated robotic education programme.
The company’s inception was inspired by the lack of robotics programmes available when Dzulfarqeish sought to enrol his son while working as an engineer in Kerteh.
The absence of structured robotics education programmes in Malaysia presented a significant gap amid rising demand for technological advancement.
Since then, JAZRO has expanded its operations to Kerteh, Kuala Terengganu, Chukai, and Cyberjaya, providing robotic education to over 50,000 students.
The company’s engaging curriculum is designed to cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive in a technology-driven environment.
The programme emphasises hands-on experiences in robotics and coding to spark curiosity and ingenuity and has garnered awards from TERAJU SUPERB 2021 and CRADLE MYStartup MYHackathon 2022.
As part of its commitment to providing inclusive robotic education, JAZRO has expanded its business segment to include robotic education specifically tailored for autistic children, delivered by specially trained tutors in collaboration with occupational therapists, to help these children develop cognitive, communication, and social skills.
JAZRO is one of the four employee startups incubated under PING, PETRONAS’ internal incubator for employees to develop ideas into investible startups.
Established in 2023, PING provides selected employees with entrepreneurship development programmes, coaching, access to resources, and funding, supported by policies that allow them to build their businesses as founders of their own startups.
“We are deeply grateful for this significant investment, which validates our vision and empowers us to accelerate growth,” said Dzulfarqeish, JAZRO’s CEO and co-founder.
“This milestone is a testament to our team’s hard work and the trust our investors have placed in us. We are committed to driving innovation and creating value for the communities we serve.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, discover, and explore the exciting world of robotics.”
PING CEO Zafirah Bahiyyah Zulkifli applauded JAZRO’s achievements under Dzulfarqeish’s leadership and the positive impact the startup is making in education.
“As the incubator for employee-driven ventures, our role is to support innovative employees like Dzulfarqeish by providing him with the support he needs to build a thriving startup,” she added.
Meanwhile, Gobi Partners Managing Partner (Malaysia), Jamaludin Bujang said: “Our partnership with JAZRO reflects Gobi Partners’ dedication to nurturing startups that drive social impact through technology.
“We are confident that with our support, JAZRO will continue to expand its reach and inspire the next generation of innovators across the region.”
Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm that empowers underserved entrepreneurs who drive meaningful community impact and innovation in emerging markets.
The investment in JAZRO reflects Gobi’s mission to bridge the digital divide by supporting startups that provide access to quality education and essential tools for success in the digital economy.
The investment from Gobi Partners will enable JAZRO to expand its reach, enhance its educational programmes, and develop innovative robotics solutions.
By making robotics education more accessible, JAZRO aims to equip the younger generation with essential skills to thrive in the digital age and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth. – Oct 4, 2024
