SERDANG, 24 April 2026 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, successfully launched BioTech Connect, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry while accelerating the commercialization of biotechnology research and innovation.

The event was officiated by YBhg. Dato' Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor of UPM, and marked a significant step toward positioning the university as a key driver of biotechnology innovation for national development.

Breaking the “Ivory Tower” Barrier

BioTech Connect was introduced as a strategic platform designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application by translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for industry and society.

According to Prof. Dr. Ts. Rosfarizan Mohamad, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the initiative reflected the faculty’s commitment to strengthening university-industry engagement and ensuring that scientific knowledge generated in laboratories could create meaningful societal and economic impact.

Key Highlights of the Event

Among the major highlights presented during the launch were:

• Connect@BioTechUPM – a digital matchmaking platform designed to connect industry challenges with relevant academic expertise in a more transparent and efficient manner.
• PUTRA@BioTechUPM Food Security Playbook – the faculty’s contribution to the UPM Food Security Blueprint, serving as a strategic reference for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
• Innovation Showcase – an exhibition featuring the faculty’s latest proof-of-concept (PoC) technologies and biotechnology-based innovations with commercialization potential.
• The MyMAHIR Biopharmaceutical Series – recognition of a strategic collaboration with Bioeconomy Corporation aimed at developing highly skilled talent for the biopharmaceutical sector.

Strong Industry Participation

A total of 37 companies were invited to participate in the programme, with 16 companies attending the event. Out of these, 11 companies actively participated in the Focused Group Discussions (FGD) held immediately after the launch ceremony.

The FGD sessions brought together industry representatives and faculty researchers to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities aligned with UPM Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Discussions focused on two major pillars:

1. Agriculture and Food Security
   (covering Food, Agriculture and Industrial Biotechnology)
2. Planetary Health and Sustainability
   (covering Medical and Environmental Biotechnology)

The discussions provided a valuable platform for identifying industry needs, strengthening collaborative networks, and exploring potential research partnerships.

Encouraging Industry–University Collaboration

During the event, the Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the government’s Double Tax Deduction incentive for companies engaging in research and development collaborations with universities.

The initiative was presented as an important mechanism to encourage stronger industry participation in research partnerships while supporting the university’s endowment ecosystem, scholarships, and research infrastructure development.

Date of Input: 07/05/2026 | Updated: 08/05/2026 | mariatulqabtiah