JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 21 – The ICCubeX@ICON DAY 1/2024 and MRANTI Supercharger Johor Programme were celebrated in an event that underscores Malaysia’s commitment to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. The event, hailed as a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards technological advancement, marked the second collaboration between the organisers, further strengthening their shared vision. ICCubeX@ICON DAY 1/2024 brought together a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs, industry players, academics, and thought leaders to exchange ideas and network.
A key feature of the day was the demonstration of cutting-edge innovations and products from researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), with a focus on the critical areas of Sustainability and Autonomous Vehicles. UTM researchers notably showcased their groundbreaking innovations in these fields, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to addressing global challenges through research and development. These showcases underscored UTM’s dedication to advancing technology and finding solutions to global issues.
The event included talks by experts in Sustainability and Autonomous Vehicles, providing valuable insights into the future of these vital sectors. Ts. Dr. Afnizanfaizal Abdullah, Head of the Innovation Commercialisation Centre at Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), discussed the agency’s commercialisation initiatives in a presentation titled “Collaborative Innovation: Academia-Industry Alliances in Commercialisation.” Additionally, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md Din, Director of UTM Campus Sustainability (UTMCS), shared insights on innovation and sustainability practices at UTM, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Farid bin Muhamad Said presented on UTM’s research activities in automated driving. In the meantime, Manager of UTM Technovation Park, Assoc Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Razin bin Zainal Abidin also has presented the service offered by the park as a key platform for fostering research, development, and commercialisation of innovative technologies. The park is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing a collaborative environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners can work together to develop and commercialize new products and technologies.
The event also witnessed the Technology Licensing Agreement Exchange between UTM & Pure Aims Technologies Sdn. Bhd. The company was established in 2021 as a spin-off company from UTM. It started as a corporate vehicle to commercialise the intellectual properties from the research & development of new technologies and innovations.
Meanwhile, the Technology Licensing Agreement Exchange between UTM & Phyto Biznet Sdn. Bhd. (PBSB) focusses on herbal-based products. PBSB was established on April 30, 2004, as a subsidiary of UniTechnologies Sdn. Bhd. PBSB is a company that markets and commercialises herbal-based products. Over its 20 years of establishment, PBSB has collaborated with various government agencies both domestically and internationally.
In addition, the MRANTI-organised Boot Camp gathered innovators for an intensive program, equipping them with the necessary skills to bring their groundbreaking ideas to market. Complementing this initiative, the MRANTI Supercharger Programme demonstrated its unwavering dedication to accelerating the nation’s innovation ecosystem. Designed to provide startups with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in a competitive global market, the program serves as a catalyst for growth, empowering entrepreneurs to scale their ventures and make a significant impact on the world.
The ICCubeX@ICON DAY 1/2024 and MRANTI Supercharger Johor Programme commenced with welcoming remarks from Prof. Ts. Dr. Kamalrulnizam bin Abu Bakar, the Chair of the Smart Digital Community Research Alliance and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at UTM. In his address, Prof. Kamalrulnizam emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between MRANTI and UTM in strengthening Malaysia’s commercialisation ecosystem. He highlighted that the ongoing partnership between the two institutions not only serves as a solid foundation for establishing crucial networking and partnerships but also plays a vital role in contributing to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
In addition, Director of UTM Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (UTM ICC), Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad@Salleh urged participants to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the event. She emphasised the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the collective effort required to drive innovation forward. “The journey of innovation is not a solo one,” she remarked. “It thrives on collaboration and a shared vision.”
As Malaysia continues its pursuit of excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship, events like The ICCubeX@ICON DAY 1/2024 and the MRANTI Supercharger Programme are crucial in shaping a brighter future for the nation. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to developing solutions that address today’s challenges and anticipate the needs of tomorrow.
Authors: Ts. Dr. Norhayati binti Mohamed Noor & Assoc Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Razin bin Zainal Abidin