KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) played host to a high-level delegation from the Russian Venture Company (RVC) from October 28 to 30, 2024, as part of RVC’s four-day academic and industry tour across Malaysia. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening international ties between Malaysia and Russia in the fields of research, innovation, and technology.
The delegation, comprising representatives from Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Kazan Federal University (KFU), and Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU), engaged with UTM’s leadership and researchers to explore potential collaborations in technology, entrepreneurship, and education. RVC, a state-owned fund of funds established in 2006, is a major player in Russia’s innovation ecosystem, driving venture capital investments in high-tech industries. The visit began with a warm reception by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Nur Azaliah Abu Bakar, Associate Director of UTM International Kuala Lumpur. In her opening address, she highlighted UTM’s vision of leveraging international partnerships to advance research and innovation.
A highlight of the visit was a presentation titled “Innovation Technology: UTM Experience” by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad @ Salleh, showcasing UTM’s achievements in research commercialization and entrepreneurship. The presentation emphasized UTM’s commitment to transforming academic discoveries into impactful solutions, resonating with RVC’s mission to foster high-tech entrepreneurship.
Discussions focused on creating synergies between UTM and RVC, including opportunities for startup development, technology co-creation, and educational exchange programs. RVC shared insights into their co-investment model under the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which supports Russian technology companies in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and the digital economy.
On the second day, the delegation toured UTM’s state-of-the-art innovation facilities. Visits to the Act Lab, Innovation Centre 5G (IC5G), and i-Cube Incubator provided a firsthand look at UTM’s capabilities in advancing research and nurturing startups. The Act Lab showcased multidisciplinary research projects, while the IC5G demonstrated UTM’s expertise in next-generation connectivity technologies. The i-Cube Incubator highlighted UTM’s role in accelerating entrepreneurial ventures, supporting startups from ideation to commercialization. The tour reinforced UTM’s position as a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology with practical solutions, aligning with RVC’s focus on supporting high-impact innovations. The visit concluded with a moderated session to consolidate outcomes and define future directions for collaboration.
Discussions centered on three key areas, including Global Startup Ecosystem Integration by developing programs to connect Malaysian and Russian startups with international markets and investors, Technology Co-Development through exploring joint research in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and biotechnology, as well as Educational Partnerships to strengthening ties between UTM and Russian institutions to nurture high-tech talent.
The RVC, a state-owned entity, has played a pivotal role in advancing Russia’s venture capital market. Since becoming part of the RDIF in 2021, RVC has focused on a co-investment model, ensuring strategic investments in technology companies. This approach has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Russia, making RVC a key partner for international collaborations. UTM’s partnership with RVC underscores its growing influence in the global research and innovation landscape. With its world-class facilities and strong emphasis on commercialization, UTM continues to drive impactful research that addresses global challenges. This collaboration aligns with UTM’s mission to “Bring UTM to the World and the World to UTM,” further solidifying its role as a bridge between academia and industry on a global scale. The visit concluded on a high note, setting the foundation for transformative collaborations that will redefine the innovation landscape. By building strong international partnerships, UTM and RVC have demonstrated their shared vision for driving progress and excellence in research, education, and technology.