The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology andInnovation (MRANTI) has on Wednesday announced the launch of the Malaysia Technology Commercialization Platform (MATCH), in a strategic move to provide stronger links for the technology innovation ecosystem.
MRANTI said in a statement that MATCH is a technology innovation monetization platform that connects and offers local technology providers and seekers win-win solution to accelerate the technology commercialization in Malaysia.
According to the statement, the site is expected to enlist 50 innovation seekers and providers in the initial phase with a 10 percent successful matching rate target.
Through MATCH, researchers, investors, individuals and experts at any stage of their technology development looking for an industry partner or funding, sandbox sites, or
technical support and collaboration can search the directory for targeted prospects.
In providing “match-making” services, the platform will also act as a vibrant marketplace where a list of projects based on the technology readiness level and technology categories align with specific and profitable use cases.
“Similar to an e-commerce site, MATCH in this case, is for anyone and everyone in the innovation ecosystem,
“By bridging all interested individuals and organizations, we hope to have a tighter, more transparent, cohesive and consistent view on the opportunities and gaps in commercialization of local technologies,” said Dzuleira Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of MRANTI.
Meanwhile, ministries, government agencies, corporates, or businesses seeking to acquire new technology innovation or searching for solution partners can connect through the
platform.
In addition, the platform synergizes with and complement various other initiatives and databases including the Malaysia Open Science Platform by Akademi Sains Malaysia as it extends the work of scientists and the academia beyond the confines of the laboratory or academia, into the market where innovative technology matches its specific and profitable use case.
It is also designed to support forums on licensing, investment and more.
MRANTI noted that for decades now, the gross domestic product of a nation has been the measure of success, but the United Nations has stated that “innovation and creativity have become the true wealth of nations in the 21st century.
“We need to foster more value through innovation in advancing the country’s economic and social development – more so, as intellectual property and innovation translates into tangible and intangible wealth,” Dzuleira explained.
Additionally, MRANTI exchanged two separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and the Eastern Academic Health Science Network (EAHSN) – a United Kingdom (UK) government linked company funded by the National Healthcare Service (NHS) and the Office for Life Sciences.
These initiatives bring together academia, citizens, health services and industry to realize the value of healthtech innovations more quickly.
Amongst others, AstraZeneca will consider viable local innovators to be included in its exclusive A.Catalyst network.
This is an interconnected and dynamic global network of more than 20 AstraZeneca health innovation hubs, made up of physical locations and virtual partnerships.
MRANTI, appointed as the exclusive partner for the A.Catalyst program in Malaysia, will funnel Malaysian innovators to a global network of healthcare players, providing them access to conduct clinical or real-world evidence and evaluation through AstraZeneca networks worldwide, and EAHSN’s reach in the United Kingdom.
This includes research and development activities, market access, strategic partnerships and joint ventures and other business growth activities.
MRANTI meanwhile, will lend its experience in running Sandbox and capability programs, to allow innovators, researchers, start-ups and high-tech entrepreneurs to develop and test their products, services, business models and delivery mechanisms in a safe, live environment.
MRANTI, a convergence of Technology Park Malaysia (TPM Corp) and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), is Malaysia’s central research commercialization agency that fast-tracks the development of technology innovations from ideas to impact.
The agency serves as a connector, incubator and catalyst to enable early-stage ideation to mature entities to commercialize and scale.
It offers innovators and industry access to integrated infrastructure, programs, services, facilities and a suite of resources.
It aims to expand Malaysia’s funnel of innovation supply, and unlock new research and development (R&D) value by ensuring effective transitions in the commercialization lifecycle.
It will also link academia with industry and the public sector to streamline market-driven R&D efforts for mission-based outcomes.
MRANTI is headquartered at MRANTI Park, an extensive 686 acre 4IR innovation hub in Kuala Lumpur, supporting the growth of smart manufacturing, biotech, agritech, smart city, green tech and enabling technology clusters.