May 30, 2025 - The Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Leave a Nest, hosted the Deep Tech Tour: Industry-Research Collaboration at the Arenga Seminar Room, INTROP. The event served as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations and fostering meaningful partnerships between industry and academia. Initiated through the strategic arrangement by Leave a Nest, the tour brought together an impressive lineup of deep-tech companies from Japan and Southeast Asia to engage with UPM researchers and explore collaborative opportunities, with INTROP playing a key role as the host and facilitator of these connections.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khalina Abdan FASc, Director of INTROP, who underscored the importance of bridging research and industry to drive innovation with real-world impact. She encouraged participants to network and explore collaborative pathways that could lead to transformative developments.

The session featured presentations from both local and international companies committed to sustainability and research commercialization. Leave a Nest, founded by Dr. Yukihiro Maru, introduced its mission to connect science with society through platforms such as TECH PLANTER and the Center of Garage. JT (D-LAB), a division of Japan Tobacco Inc., presented its initiatives to nurture scientist-entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. ARK Worldwide showcased sustainable land-based aquaculture systems designed to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems, while Nitto Denko highlighted advancements in digital health, membrane technologies, and eco-friendly materials. Kyowa Leather Cloth presented its work in sustainable artificial leather using recycled and bio-based inputs, and PNH Group discussed its circular economy solutions by converting coffee waste into bioplastics and biochar. Representing Malaysia, ACeT Innovates demonstrated how its biotechnology products; an enzyme for fibre retting and a biofertilizer to combat banana crop disease support sustainable agriculture.

The event emphasized recurring themes of sustainability, research-driven innovation, and international collaboration. Many presenters expressed keen interest in partnering with Malaysian institutions to localize their technologies and co-create impactful solutions. With the thoughtful coordination by Leave a Nest and the strong support and facilitation by INTROP, the Deep Tech Tour successfully connected science and entrepreneurship, reinforcing UPM’s role as a leading hub for innovation in the region.

Date of Input: 03/06/2025 | Updated: 03/06/2025 | amallina.osman