URIIS 2026 brings university research closer to market

The University Research and Innovation Investment Summit (URIIS) 2026 is set to take place from September 21-23 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. This event aims to bridge the gap between university research and market-ready solutions by bringing together 20 public universities, investors, and businesses. With over 200 technologies identified as having investment potential, URIIS offers researchers a platform to move their work beyond academia and businesses an opportunity to explore potential technologies and partnerships.

To attract investment, researchers must demonstrate the problem their research solves, its demand, and its potential for commercial production. Industry partners can provide valuable insights into practical considerations such as production costs and regulatory requirements. URIIS will facilitate these crucial conversations through pitching arenas for investment and commercialisation, as well as dedicated sessions for feedback from both researchers and industry players.

The summit will also host sessions on intellectual property commercialisation, market-readiness preparation, and a Cradle grant pitching clinic. Covering 12 niche clusters, URIIS addresses opportunities in technology, healthcare, energy, food security, and other areas with commercial and societal potential. Topics include semiconductors, nanotechnology, digital finance, agricultural technology, life sciences, and sustainable energy, among others.

By connecting research and innovation to real-world challenges, URIIS aims to foster stronger industry relationships, leading to technology transfer, collaborative research, commercialisation, and new funding sources. For companies, this can mean access to emerging technologies and talent, improved productivity, and the development of new products and services.

Ultimately, successful commercialisation of Malaysian research can create new businesses, skilled jobs, and export opportunities, yielding significant economic and societal returns for the nation.