PAGOH, 26 June 2025 – Bridging the gap between academic research and commercial success requires both vision and courage. The Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted the ICA-CEO Talk Series 4/2025, offering valuable insights into this challenging yet rewarding journey. The talk, titled “Baby Steps from Academia to Commercialization. Madness? Courage?”, took place both physically at the Chlorophyll Seminar Room, ICA UTM Pagoh, and virtually via Facebook Live, drawing a diverse audience of researchers, academicians, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The session featured Prof. Dr. Ilker Camkerten, a visiting professor from Aksaray University, Türkiye, and the CEO of NIC Pharma, a company renowned for its innovative contributions to animal nutrition and health. Prof. Dr. Ilker shared his personal experiences and the story of founding NIC Pharma, illustrating the transition from academic research to the business world with real-life examples and reflective insights. He highlighted the critical mindset shifts and strategic approaches necessary for navigating this complex landscape. The talk was aimed to inspire and equip attendees with the practical knowledge needed to commercialize their research outcomes.

ICA UTM’s initiative underscores its commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking within the academic community. Participants not only gained valuable perspectives but also had the opportunity to earn Staff CPD points and receive e-certificates for their active engagement. The hybrid format ensured accessibility for a wider audience, amplifying the impact of the knowledge-sharing session. The event supports UTM’s mission to be a leader in sustainable advanced bioprocessing, in line with the Innovation Centre in AgriTechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA) vision.

The ICA-CEO Talk Series 4/2025 served as a practical guide for those daring to transform academic concepts into tangible commercial ventures, reinforcing UTM’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

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By: Puan Zulaikha Binti Sarobo, Innovation Centre In Agritechnology, Jabatan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi)