In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April 2026, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to demonstrate its leadership in innovation and commercialisation through impactful sports technologies developed at the Sport Innovation Technology Centre (SITC) UTM. Aligning with this year’s global theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”, UTM highlights how intellectual property (IP) plays a vital role in transforming research into inclusive, high-impact solutions for the sports ecosystem.

Leading this effort is Ts. Dr. Jaysuman Pusppanathan, whose portfolio of innovations exemplifies the integration of engineering, inclusivity, and IP-driven commercialisation. His work reflects UTM’s aspiration under the UTM ASCEND 2030 strategic agenda, particularly in strengthening research excellence, innovation impact, and societal value creation.

Among his notable innovations is NeonKumite: Visual Voice of Deaf Karate, a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 system designed to replace auditory referee signals with visual cues for Deaf karate athletes protected under Copyright (LY2025J08994). The system utilises high-visibility LED light towers positioned strategically around the competition area, enabling athletes to receive commands instantly and safely without relying on sound.

This innovation enhances fairness, safety, and compliance with competition standards, while promoting inclusivity in martial arts. This innovation has been used during the 2nd World Deaf Karate Championship, held from 15 – 20 December 2024 at Dewan Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru. In addition, it has won several awards nationally and internationally, such as in the 27th Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition & Competition (INATEX) 2025, the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2025 and the Special Award for Innovation from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

Complementing his achievement is the Wireless & Modular Visual Signal Device (VSD 3.0), a TRL 8 innovation developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf). The innovation is protected under Copyright (LY2023J01547). Designed for track events such as sprinting, the system enables Deaf athletes to respond to visual or vibrational signals, significantly improving reaction time and eliminating disadvantages associated with conventional auditory starting systems. The innovation has gained international recognition, including a Gold Medal Award in INATEX 2024.

Expanding beyond assistive sports technology, Dr. Jaysuman also leads the Drone Edu Challenge IR 4.0 (DEC4IR), a TRL 8 initiative focused on digital literacy and talent development among students. Drone Edu Challenge IR 4.0 (DEC4IR) is an inclusive program that equips participants with digital literacy and drone technology skills through interactive modules in Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision and it’s protected under Copyright and Integrated Circuit. DEC4IR is a collaboration between UTM, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), aiming to develop future-ready talent in the rapidly growing field of drone technology. By bridging the gap between education and Industry 4.0 demands, DEC4IR contributes to building a future-ready workforce while fostering innovation at the grassroots level. The program has engaged over 100,000 participants, fostering innovation and global collaboration in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The innovation has received a Gold Medal and Special Award (Community) in 26th INATEX 2024.

Central to these innovations is the strategic use of intellectual property. The technologies developed by Dr. Jaysuman are supported by IP protection mechanisms, ensuring that their originality is safeguarded while enabling structured pathways for commercialisation, collaboration, and scaling.

In line with the World IP Day theme, these innovations demonstrate how intellectual property (IP) empowers creators in the sports domain, not only by protecting their ideas but also by amplifying their societal and economic impact. By leveraging IP, UTM strengthens its position as a key player in translating research into market-ready solutions that benefit both industry and community. These achievements align with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as they foster innovation and build resilient infrastructure in the sports sector.

Moreover, these accomplishments are closely linked to UTM ASCEND 2030, particularly in advancing the university’s pillars of Leap in Niche Excellence, Humanity and Well-being, Global Talent, and Sustainability. The development of high-impact, research-driven sports innovations reflects UTM’s commitment to niche excellence and the commercialisation of research outputs, positioning the university as a leader in both innovation and inclusive development. At the same time, these technologies promote humanity-centred values by enhancing inclusivity and ensuring equitable participation for Deaf athletes. Through initiatives like DEC4IR, the effort also contributes to nurturing global talent equipped with future-ready digital skills. Collectively, these innovations demonstrate sustainable and scalable solutions that generate long-term societal impact, reinforcing UTM’s aspiration to drive meaningful innovation for the benefit of mankind.

Beyond his achievements in research and innovation, Ts. Dr. Jaysuman Pusppanathan is also an accomplished athlete who has represented Malaysia on the international stage. He competed in the World Taekwondo Championship in 2003, 2004, and 2005, held in Italy, Greece, and Australia, respectively, as well as the 2nd Asia Taekwondo Championship in 2006. Continuing his commitment to sports excellence, he is set to represent Malaysia once again at the 11th Asia Taekwondo Championship 2026 in Mongolia in August. In addition to his role as an athlete, Dr. Jaysuman also contributes to the broader sports ecosystem, having served as Team Manager for the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) World Drone Racing Championship 2024 in China. His dual experience as both a high-performance athlete and a technologist further enriches his perspective in developing impactful sports innovations.

As UTM celebrates World IP Day 2026, the work of Dr. Jaysuman underscores the importance of integrating technology, inclusivity, and intellectual property in shaping the future of sports. His innovations not only enhance athletic performance and accessibility but also reinforce the role of universities as catalysts for societal transformation.

“Innovation in sports must go beyond performance—it must create equitable opportunities and real-world impact. Intellectual property ensures that these innovations can grow, scale, and benefit a wider community.” — Ts. Dr. Jaysuman Pusppanathan

Beyond technology and research excellence, Dr. Jaysuman emphasises that passion is a fundamental criterion in driving innovation, particularly in the field of sports. His journey reflects a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges faced by athletes, especially within underserved communities such as Deaf sports practitioners. This passion not only fuels creativity but also sustains the long-term dedication required to translate ideas into impactful solutions. Through continuous advancement in research and commercialisation, UTM remains committed to driving innovation that matters—in the field, in society, and beyond.

Authors: Ts. Dr. Norhayati Mohamed Noor, Associate Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (AMIChemE), United Kingdom (Chief Strategic Officer) and Dr. Ma Kalthum Ishak, Deputy Director, UTM Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (UTM ICC)