By: Nur Syamila Kamarul Arefin
Photo By: Noor Azreen Awang 

SERDANG, June 14 – The Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ION2), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), has celebrated ION2 Innovation Day in conjunction with the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration, which exhibited 16 nanotechnology-based products.

ION2 Director, Prof. Dr Mohd Nizar Hamidon, said the programme was organised to showcase research products that have the potential to be commercialised, in addition to network with local agencies and industries to develop nanotechnology for local products jointly.

“This programme also offers opportunities to ION2 further improve its visibility as an institute that focuses on nanotechnology, especially after its rebranding on November 15, 2021.

“In brief, ION2 was formerly known as the Institute of Advanced Technology or ITMA, and it was established on November 1, 1999, with the aim to drive research on advanced technology in the fields of physical science, information technology and engineering.

“With several restructuring that has taken place over the past 20 years, ITMA has been on the best track in research focused on nanotechnology and advanced materials, and it was then proposed to change its name to something that symbolises the institute’s thrust focus,” he said.

Also present at the ION2 Innovation Day were a UPM Board of Directors member, Dato Dr. Hasan Mad, and UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Nazamid Saari. 

He added that researchers have been more active in commercialising research products; Examples include the organic conductive paste for printable circuits, nanoderma technology to cure oil palm disease, graphene engine boosters, tuberculosis (TB) virus detector kit and carbon dots photosynthesis booster.

“Commercialisation of all the products is made possible with collaboration between the researchers from the institute and Putra Science Park under the Innohub programme.

“This effort also supports the National Nanotechnology Policy and Strategy 2021-2030 launched by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) on November 15, 2021. It consisted of four strategic thrusts, including increasing commercialisation and driving the industry. The National Nanotechnology and Products Roadmap was also launched by MOSTI on April 13, 2022,” he said.

At the ION2 celebration today, a total of 16 nano-based products and technologies in UPM, which are ready to be commercialised, were exhibited to obtain commercialisation opportunities from local industries and agencies. – UPM

Date of Input: 27/06/2022 | Updated: 27/06/2022 | hairul_nizam