MIMOS Bespoke Training on Technology Transfer and ... · PDF filewhopping 38 hours per year in it. Money, ... it is meant for short ... locomotive to move around the city

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MIMOS Bespoke Training on Technology Transfer and Commercialisation � page 22

Brie�ng on Dengue Tech Challenge 2016 � page 23

Interview with Tharmaindran Gannasin, CEO of Bnetworks � page 25

HIP2 Success Story: YJACK SDN BHD � page 27

Volume 6/June 2016

C o n t e n t s

04 Message from the Editor-in-Chief

06 Upcoming Transportation Innovations

08 Catch the Wave

10 The Most Important Document to Sign Before You Fly-off to Your Dream Vacation

11 Innovation in the Travel Industry – Delivering an Unparalleled User Experience

14 A Non-Disruptive Fibre Optics Monitoring Device for Telecommunication Servicing

15 Active Ranging Transponder System (ARTS)

innovating a better future

together

Editorial

Lifestyle

15Hot Picks

10

”“

08

PlaTCOM Ventures Sdn Bhd (1079744-P)Advisor : Biruntha MooruthiEditor-in-Chief : Dr. Viraj Perera

Subscriptions: PlaTCOM Ventures Sdn Bhd, 3501, Level 3, Quill Building 3, Jalan Teknokrat 5, 63000 Cyberjaya,MalaysiaE-mail: [email protected]: (603) 8319 3116 / Fax: (603) 8319 3499www.innovation.my

Publishing Consultant:

LexisNexis Malaysia Sdn BhdT1-6, Jaya 33, 3, Jalan SemangatSeksyen 13, 46200 Petaling JayaSelangor Darul Ehsan MalaysiaTel: (603) 7882 3500 / Fax: (603) 7882 3506

Commercial Director, Southeast AsiaAmitabh SrivastavaManaging Editor, Southeast AsiaAnnie YeohSenior Legal EditorJasmine Halili

Printed byAtlas Cetak (M) Sdn. Bhd. (97608-X)Wisma Atlas, No.2, Persiaran Industri,Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: (603) 6273 3333 / Fax: (603) 6073 3833

PlaTCOM InnoZine is the official publication of PlaTCOM Ventures, published quarterly in collaboration with LexisNexis Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

This magazine is written as a general guide only. It is not intended to contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought as appropriate in relation to any particular matter. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors are theirs alone, and do not reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of PlaTCOM Ventures or any employee thereof. All users are permitted to view the content of this magazine, without prejudice to the intellectual property rights belonging to PlaTCOM Ventures. However, any unauthorised reproduction, duplication, transmission or alteration, in any form or by any means, whether in part or in whole, of this magazine, is strictly prohibited. PlaTCOM Ventures also prohibits the use of this magazine and all or any of its contents herein, for commercial and/or personal gain, profit or sale.

© 2016 All rights reserved.

Enquiries on advertising:Kajendran Arumugam – [email protected]

Article contribution:PlaTCOM Ventures welcomes letters, articles, views and news (including photographs) for possible inclusion in this magazine. However, PlaTCOM Ventures reserves the right not to publish or to edit those published for content, clarity, style and space considerations. Contributions and enquiries may be directed to [email protected].

17 Cost-effective System to Remove Heavy & Toxic Metals in Green Mussels

19 Torrefaction Process by Using Flue Gas and its Product (Torrefied Biomass)

20 Recombinant Bromelain

22 MIMOS Bespoke Training on Technology Transfer and Commercialisation

23 Briefing on Dengue Tech Challenge 2016

25 Interview with Tharmaindran Gannasin, CEO of BNetworks

27 HIP2 Success Story: YJACK Sdn Bhd

My Story

Events

22 27

Success Story

17

October - December 2014

05www.platcomventures.com

PlaTCOM

Ventures Sdn Bhd

A National Brand

Editor’s Message

4 www.platcomventures.com Volume 6/June 2016

Editor’s Message


Editor’s Message

05www.platcomventures.comVolume 6/June 2016

From the Editor In-Chief

The aim of PlaTCOM InnoZine is to offer a lifestyle magazine for

innovative businesses and knowledge creators such as universities,

research institutes, and a variety of other organisations that businesses

relying in attracting new knowledge, new technology and expertise to

innovate. In this respect we strive to entertain our readers with articles

relating to ‘Innovation Lifestyle’ – articles on various topics explained in

simple layman’s language. InnoZine also provides technology ‘Hot Picks’

which are technological innovations arising from a variety of stakeholders

such as universities, research institutes, companies as well as individuals

for relevant businesses to consider engulfing. The ‘Events’ section

reveals recent events in the innovation and commercialisation space

especially in the Malaysian landscape. The interview sections portrays

discussions with distinguished innovators from academia and industry

with regards to their inventions.

I welcome you to the sixth issue of PlaTCOM InnoZine and I hope you

enjoy it. Feel free to drop us a line anytime with your thoughts, questions,

comments and feedback at [email protected]. Alternatively,

please visit our website at www.platcomventures.com for a digital copy of

this magazine or to learn more about PlaTCOM’s national role.

Dr. Viraj PereraCEO/Editor In-Chief

Editor’s Message


Lifestyle


Upcoming

Transportation is the second highest cost for working Americans, and the highest cost for Americans who earn $20,000-$50,000 per year. This New York Times article reported that the average American commuter spends a whopping 38 hours per year in it. Money, in addition to good spirits, is lost as time is spent idle in the car or bus. This situation is even worse in Asian and South American countries with very high urban population density. Luckily, help is on the way.

Let’s have a look at six established and/or upcoming innovations in the transportation sector that will potentially save the day:

Smart Roads: The Wall Street Journal reported that Federal, state and local governments in the US are about to pour tens of billions of dollars into the nation’s infrastructure. The big question of the critics has been will the Americans simply spend the money the way they have been doing for decades on more concrete and steel or would they make use of it to make their roads, bridges and other assets much more intelligent? Either way, if the idea of everyone having their own individual car is to stay, implementing smart roads is an initiative

TransportationInnovations

that must take place. These roads are computerised to collect traffic data in real-time. Based on a reading of the number of tires hitting the ground using special sensors and gadgets, these roads can understand traffic patterns and inform drivers of them via wireless systems. The idea is that drivers will receive this information and base their routes as suggested by an intelligent navigation system. This makes traffic jams less likely. It will certainly be an uphill battle to implementing these roads, as it is very expensive to do so. Still, it is anticipated that it will take about a decade for some of these roads to appear.

Satellite-Based Air Traffic Control Systems: The Times magazine reported that scheduled nap times may help eliminate the problem of air-traffic controllers who fall asleep on the job. But even if such measures were in place, they would have done little to prevent the brief but worrisome aborted landing of a U.S. Air Force jet on one occasion when it was carrying First Lady Michelle Obama after it got too close to a cargo plane ahead of it. The reason was that the blips of the aircraft on the air-traffic controller’s screen had momentarily vanished from radar.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle


Most air traffic control systems today are ground-based. They utilise technology dating all the way back to the 1960s. This makes them inefficient in various different ways. In contrast, air traffic controllers can do their job with much greater proficiency. The name of the United States initiative to implement this new system at a number of the country’s airports is called NextGen. The main challenge at hand is that it takes many years and a lot of capital. Nevertheless, it is expected that by 2020 most air traffic control systems in America will be satellite-based.

Maglev Trains: Maglev stands for Magnetic Levitation. The main difference between traditional style trains most commonly used today and maglev ones is that the latter has no wheels. These locomotives levitate as the tracks they run on are magnetised. The trains use the force this creates to propel themselves upward and forward at high speeds. Running these engines requires the consumption of only a small amount of fuel while the trains can achieve a whopping 434 kmph (270 mph). Thus, in addition to being faster than traditional style locomotives, these ones are eco-friendlier and less costly to operate. One challenge associated with implementing Maglev trains is its high investment capital. Nevertheless, Maglev trains are already in operation in places like Germany and China, and is expected to become the norm for rail travel by 2030.

Bike-Share Programmes: Many cities in the US and Europe have adopted successful bike-share programmes. The bikes placed at many stations are situated throughout a particular municipality and people pay a small fee at these stations and then are allowed to

take a bike and ride it to another station. This is a helpful tool in city environments, where many times, due to traffic, it takes a shorter time to just bike to a destination rather than drive. This is a green environment approach since bikes do not emit harmful gases and particles, riding is an eco-friendly method of transportation. It is even healthy and inexpensive. One obvious downside to biking is that it is not a realistic mode of transportation when going longer distances – it is meant for short distance transportation.

Electric Cars and Scooters: For environmentalists, money-savers, and individuals, the electric car or scooter is a good solution to the transportation crisis at hand. These automobiles just need to be plugged in to the appropriate outlet and then are good to go. The cars and scooters do almost no harm to the environment and allow people to pass on paying for more expensive fuel. Despite all the advantages it presents, there is one major drawback to the electric car. This is that traffic is still an issue with it and the driving distance on a fully charged battery is limited. Nevertheless, such automobiles are operated today and growing more and more popular.

A Malaysian company known as Eclimo has successfully created electric scooters for the Malaysian market and beyond. For example, Eclimo’s ES-11 electric scooter has been built as an inner-city run-around vehicle. Its futuristic exterior has been styled to complement its inner power, with clean curves and resilient materials. ES-11 is available in 8 candy-tone colours, and is a handy locomotive to move around the city.

Driverless cars: This concept has already been addressed by car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Here a large and complex camera is mounted to the roof of the cars. The vehicles use this device to navigate the road without human intervention. These cars are safer, provided the technology is sophisticated, to ride in as a precisely calibrated robot is at the wheel. The automobiles also allow people to work or relax during a trip, as they eliminate the need to focus on the road. A downside to these cars is that with them the possibility for traffic jams occurring is still present. Nevertheless, these cars are in use in some places already and are expected to gain an even bigger presence in the near future.

Dr Viraj PereraChief Executive OfficerPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]

Lifestyle


The survival of businesses in today’s world is about constantly adapting to change in an ever changing landscape. However in order to achieve this, the focus must be to look beyond competition and market share to more fundamental questions of survival and sustainability in a turbulent and continuously changing environment.

This issue of PlaTCOM Innozine interestingly centres on the travel industry that is rapidly growing and adapting to the technology age where “digital attackers” such as Airbnb and Uber are changing the rules and disrupting the value chain. The growing influence of mobile and social technology has influenced the needs of travellers especially the millennials. As the landscape of the travel industry continues to shift and flex around new technologies, we are seeing both the emergence and development of new and existing trends.

THE

Lifestyle

CATCH

WAVE08 www.platcomventures.com Volume 6/June 2016

Lifestyle


Biruntha MooruthiVice President,Commercialisation SpecialistHead of IP Services, Registered Patent, Trademark, ID AgentPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]

Businesses in the travel industry must repeat the age-old mantra of ‘know your customer’. It is vital to understand customer behaviour in order to deliver rich customer experiences and to ride the wave of change, because changes in customer expectations and behaviours prompt the evolution of new solutions. The advantage you have yesterday, will be replaced by the trends of tomorrow. If businesses sit comfortably at their laurels, they are doomed to lose out and fail as their competitors will soon catch the wave and win the race.

The travel industry has shifted its focus on the largest group of travellers — the Millennials or known as connected travellers. This group of travellers expect every brand experience to be convenient, personalised and immersive. These expectations are no different when consumers plan or buy their travels. This group of travellers is the new generation of consumers and drives the mobile technology by pushing boundaries in the travel industry. Whether it’s online booking or virtual check-in, the millennial appetite for digital flexibility is opening up the travel market to new opportunities.

Amidst the many exciting new brands and platforms, it is encouraging to see that business players are innovating the travel industry to support the millennial market. Traditional travel brands will have to think and act fast to keep up with their more adaptable digital competitors. Travel giants such as AirAsia and Virgin are constantly fuelling change in their environment in order to stay ahead of competition. They are clear examples of companies who constantly innovate to avoid the risk of being made obsolete by the ‘next big thing’. AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services an extensive network of 85 destinations. This company is constantly investing in technology and innovation to make flying easier, more enjoyable and comfortable for their guests. They surprise their customers with continuous exciting services and products for mobile devices and online enhancements. The dynamic management team, innovative culture coupled with strategic marketing and adoption of digital technology has been key factors of AirAsia’s success.

Another example is Virgin Atlantic Airways. The Virgin management team successfully identified complacency in the market. It is this expertise coupled with the strategy to offer more for less that has help the Group turnover through complacent business industries. The flat management structure helps encourage innovation; provides flexibility and promotes the values of shared ownership and responsibility. The Group acquires like-minded partners in ventures who match their ability to innovate and differentiate. These collective innovative

thoughts and ideas are applied directly into business; which resulted in success. For example it is interesting to learn how Virgin Mobile formulated partnerships with existing telecommunications operators to retail in mobile services. The Virgin management team successfully identified that the complacency was in the handling of network management. Their innovation led them to promote unique services that excited the market. These included “no line rentals”, “no monthly fees” and “cheaper prepaid” offerings.

Both these giants share similar characteristics where passion and leadership seem to be common denominators. Both Tony Fernandes and Sir Richard Branson hire people with passion. They are leaders who are exceptionally passionate about their companies and employees whilst having a bold, global and long-range vision. Their clever marketing and branding strategy has captured large market shares in their respective regions in the world.

Successful businesses learn to embrace change whether it is changing the focus of their business, having to learn new technology or replacing a prized employee, they simply know how to deal with it. It is interesting to note that a friend of mine clearly pointed out that it is not just about “introducing change” but introducing change while anticipating well ahead what type of changes will likely win the future for a company or even a country. I couldn’t agree more with this statement.

Lifestyle

Change is the only constant factor but it is how you embrace and implement it that ensures the success of your business.

Lifestyle


The Most Important Document to Sign Before you Fly-off to Your Dream Vacation

Lifestyle

You have been planning and looking forward to the long-awaited vacation, you have ticked off all items on your checklist, let’s see, luggage all packed, you have purchased all sort of medicine for all your imagined illnesses,a valid passport, foreign currency changed, credit cards still valid (in case of emergency or you saw something really irresistible), hotel booked, flight checked-in, boarding pass printed, universal travel adapter to charge the one thing that we cannot live without in this age – our mobile phone, maps (if you are a boy scout at heart) and snacks (for me, Maggimee for some late night snacks) BUT there is this one important document which we never think of before the plane takes off:Last Will and Testament.

With the limited time leading up to your vacation, packing, shopping and clearing your desk at work who would have thought that paying a visit to your lawyer to draw up your Will or drawing one up on your own before the vacationis that important? You may think that you don’t have that many assets nor are you a billionaire so there is nothing to sweat about. Well that is where you are wrong— you would think that having a vacation without your children will be less stressful and more relaxingbut worrying about how your children are doing at home when you are not around can be a cause for nervous breakdown. These worries are a natural part of leaving home, however short the period, you’ll still have them. However, you can have some peace of mind if you leave your children and their caregiverwith all the documents and information they’ll need when you are not around, physically or mortally, if something does happen during your vacation.

Samantha LeongAssistant Vice PresidentPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]

Last Will and Testament

Estate planning discussion used to be a taboo in Malaysia and it’s not pleasant to think about what will happen to your children oryour assets when you are no longer around. As a responsible parent you have to consider what would happen to your children, their education and daily maintenance if something happened to you. If you don’t already have a Will, the month before a vacation is the perfect time to visit your lawyer and create one or hire a professional in estate planning to create one. You can state in your Will who will have custody of your children if you died, their education plans, who will get all your assets and the most important question, who will deal with the authorities and the taxman. You don’t need to tell your children about the Will, but at least, let your executor or your children’scaregiver know where you kept the Will and other important documents.Taking long drives and flights, visiting foreign places and doing outdoor activities have the potential for danger.

Other Important Documents

You should also make a detailed, informational binder which should include:

• Official documents like your children’s birth certificate, immunization records, insurance policies

• Your children food preferences or allergy information

• Contact information such as your phone numbers abroad, your lawyer’s contact number or your insurance agent’s contact number.

Unless some disaster occurs, your children and their caretaker shouldn’t require any other documents during your trip away. Happy travelling and enjoy your dream vacation.


Lifestyle


The travel and hospitality industry has gradually become a more technologically equipped sophisticated market. Innovation in this sector is key in addressing the dynamic demands of the market. The service providers strive to harness emerging technologies to enhance customer experience and loyalty. The pressure to operate efficiently is driven by the dynamic growth in passengers and increased customer expectations while delivering an unparalleled user experience.

This article features a local innovation that will ease the overcrowded, uncomfortable and slow airport checkpoints around the world. Named as BorderPass, this innovation will use technology to replace the physical immigration forms and customs declaration cards that travellers have to fill up upon arrival at their destination, making the airport experience more efficient and less of

a hassle. The inventor of this innovation, Mr. Faisal Ariff, wishes to make airport clearance as hassle free as possible without compromising border security. How does BorderPass work? Users can

easily sign up on the BorderPass portal and depending on the user’s destination, they will be presented with an immigration form pre-filled with basic information from the user’s passport. It will be an electronic version of the landing card required at most destinations. All users need to do is to fill in their travel information and accommodation details. That information will then be securely sent over as an electronic application to the destination government in advance of their arrival. This replaces the traditional paper immigration form that travellers typically have to fill up upon arrival at an airport. The time for landing card inspection over the counter is eliminated. BorderPass is an opt-in system so there’s always the option of the traditional clearance routes if travellers so choose. But if a country adopts BorderPass, users get to enjoy expedited airport clearance. Currently, a working prototype of a BorderPass auto-gate has been built. It can verify an individual’s identity

Innovation in the TravelIndustry

Delivering an Unparalleled User

Experience

Lifestyle

Lifestyle


and health status using biometrics, through a fingerprint and a thermo scanner, 3D facial and iris recognition, and palm vein reader, among other things. The Malaysian government has signed up for a pilot and it will be the vital next step into commercialisation and the inventor will need to work hard to demonstrate the benefits of safe, secure and convenient airport immigration to encourage faster market adoption. Initial target users will be ASEAN tourists and business travellers who have visa free entry, invited through frequent flyer programmes.

Faisal’s innovation could very well change the travel experience for the better. The market potential for this innovation is definitely huge, global tourism has registered significant growth in recent years and has become one of the largest and fastest growing sectors globally. The growth has been significant as global international tourists increased from 528 million in 1995 to a whopping 1,133 million in 2014 (Frost & Sullivan, IT Trends in the Travel, Cruise, and Hospitality Market).

Dr. Ng Sing KweiManager, Commercialisation SpecialistPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]

Without a solution, human traffic would surely overwhelm border checkpoints. The hard question we need ask ourselves is, will our local invention be well positioned to tap into this market? The journey to commercialisation is never easy, it takes determination, passion and even luck to navigate the bumpy road ahead. A lot more work will be required to make this innovation a reality and ultimately a sustainable business. Everyone is at a level playing field when it comes to innovation and this local invention could very well revolutionise the travel industry for the better.

Innovation Business Opportunities Hot Picks


SNAPSHOT

This invention allows in-line monitoring of multiplexed fiber optics transmission signals (signals with multiple wavelengths) without interrupting the main transmission line. It addresses the problem of having to disconnect the transmission line whenever the line needs to be monitored on site. The device is completely passive which does not require any power supply to operate.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention is an in-line optical tap planar lightwave circuit, used in a device which enables certain optical signals to be partially extracted from a fibre optics transmission line for optical networks monitoring, for example in a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network. FTTH is a network technology that deploys optical fibre cable directly to the home or business to deliver triple-play (data, voice and video) services with a high speed up to the customer premises via the optical distribution network (ODN). When any fault occurs at one point in an optical fibre line, there would be a loss of function of the access network behind the break point. This problem usually takes longer time to resolve compared to transmission equipment failure. It is an end-product which can be used by fibre optics-based telecommunications service provider.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

The main difference is the elimination of the need to to disconnect the transmission line of the network in order to conduct monitoring activities. Other advantages include:• Passive component which does not require power

supply to operate

• Versatility of operation (the device can be placed at any location along the transmission line)

• Ease of use (the network administrator is able to interact via receiving and sending optical signals to the network)

• Fiber based or waveguide based versions are both available.

COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

According to a report by Frost & Sullivan on Southeast Asia in 2013, the fibre optic test equipment (FOTE) market is at a growth stage with market revenue is USD21.3 million in 2013 at CAGR of 6.7% (2013-2018). However, market concentration is also very high at 75% held by the top 3 companies in the sector.

Government directives for national broadband expansion are driving growth of the market. Installation and maintenance activities are the most dominant applications contributing to about 87% of the market.

Intellectual Property

A Malaysian patent was filed in 2008 and it is currently undergoing examination for grant

What’s Next?

A working prototype has been developed and the next step would be to fine-tune the invention based on industrial needs.

For this, the inventor and IPR owner are seeking potential licensees, industrial partner or investors who can assist in taking this invention into the market.

A Non-Disruptive Fibre Optics Monitoring Device for Telecommunication Servicing

14 www.platcomventures.com

Michelle Lim WoodliffeManager Commercialisation SpecialistE-mail: [email protected]


Volume 6/June 2016

Hot Picks Innovation Business Opportunities


Active Ranging Transponder System (ARTS)WHAT’S THE INNOVATION?

Most indoor and outdoor localisation solutions depend on range measurements. Location can be determined if the range to at least two beacons is measured. Beacons are however not always visible and a lot of beacons need to be installed to guarantee location measurement. Not only range measurements to beacons are taken into account, but also the mutual range measurements between the users. This allows the users to act as (mobile) beacons for other users. This allows for a very robust location measurement system, even if less than two beacons are visible to each user. The technology is further optimised in several aspects to allow a very large indoor measurement range in combination with low power.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

The technology comprises solid-state low-power radar technology that can be integrated into existing

mobile (hand-held) devices. The technology consists of dedicated radar electronics and a special embedded software algorithm. Main features and specifications are:

• Indoor and outdoor distance measurement

• Indoor and outdoor identification

• Data communication along same channel

• Technology can potentially be embedded in hand-held devices

• Network of 8 ARTS nodes or more (currently 8 nodes)

• Position calculation update rate up to 8 Hz

• Outdoor distance measurement up to several kilometers

• Indoor distances measurement (node to node) up to 100m depending on building

• Distance measurement resolution 1.5cm

(ARTS)15www.platcomventures.comVolume 6/June 2016




The invention is a kept as a trade secret.

What’s Next?

This innovative solution is market-ready and available for commercialisation via licensing.

• Distance measurement accuracy better than 10cm

• Measurement independent of distance, velocity, timing error & frequency error

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

The solution can be used to accurately measure range. Combined with additional aiding information, it can be used for indoor localisation and tracking of personnel. Other applications are indoor and outdoor cooperative operations in the security and defense sectors as well as safety applications in the industrial, medical and retail sectors.

These applications enable venue owners in monitoring and asset tracking and can be deployed for indoor location services in universities, mega malls, airports, stadiums, parking lots, manufacturing facilities and various other mega infrastructures.

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

Inadequate signal strength in indoor environments for accurate data propagation has fuelled the need for indoor positioning and indoor navigation technologies. Globally, it has been observed that more than 70% of the smartphone users utilise their handset to obtain real-time location-based information. Indoor positioning technological trends have evolved and different technologies have surfaced such as sensor fusion, hybrid positioning and other integrated devices have been a major driver to this market.

The explosion in growth of infrastructure and major complexes are likely to drive the demand further for such technologies. The indoor localisation market is expected to be the largest in North America, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The market for Indoor location is estimated to grow to $2.60 billion in 2018, at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.1% between 2013 and 2018.

CUSTOMER BENEFITS

By knowing where personnel is located and being able to continuously track that personnel, security and safety operations will be more robust. Governments are interested in leveraging such technologies in concert with public safety and urban security segments, while retailers and healthcare managers are keen on indoor marketing and analytics. These applications enable venue owners to monitor and trace assets; information from users is expected to help drive strategic marketing decisions at the venue. Universities, mega malls, airports, stadiums,

parking lots, manufacturing facilities and various other mega infrastructures are being built across the globe, which provides a good opportunity for indoor location services.

Matt Van LeeuwenAssistant Vice President Commercialisation SpecialistE-mail: [email protected]



Cost-Effective System to Remove Heavy & Toxic Metals in Green Mussels

SNAPSHOT

This innovation, Molluscure, is the first ever system invented in Malaysia which utilizes sustainable chemistry concept that can reduce heavy metal content in Green Mussel effectively. This system is fast, cost effective and convenient to use. It significantly reduces the heavy metals content in mussel in compliance to guidelines of maximum permissible limits of heavy metals (µg/g) in seafood.

INTRODUCTION

Heavy metals occur naturally in the marine environment but during the last decade, anthropogenic activities have increased the natural flux of these elements to levels that are hazardous for marine ecosystems. Their inputs include urban run-off, industrial effluents, anti-fouling paints for boats, mining operations and atmospheric depositions, and are in either particulate or dissolved

form. Although many elements are essential in small quantities, they can be toxic to organisms, above certain threshold concentrations.

As intertidal filter feeders, mussels accumulate heavy metals in their tissues in proportion to the degree of environmental contamination. Thus, heavy metal concentration in tissues raises public health concerns because, whether cultivated or wild, they are consumed as seafood. Producers are unable to expand their export market due to strict health regulation imposed. Therefore an efficient, cost effective and convenient method of reducing the level of harmful residue in mussel is needed.




PRODUCT ILLUSTRATION

MARKET POTENTIAL

PRODUCT BENEFITS

• Significantly reduce heavy metals content

• 1 hour treatment

• Using chelating agent & catalyst (environmental friendly)

• Low maintainance cost


This product is protected by patent

What’s Next?

The inventor is looking for interested investors to take this product to the market

Dr. Ng Sing KweiManager, Commercialisation SpecialistPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]



Torrefaction Process by Using Flue Gas and its Product (Torrefied Biomass)

SNAPSHOT

Existing solid fuel/biomass material has lower energy density and it undergoes biodegradation causing it to have further lower energy density. Torrefaction process improves the qualities (energy density, shelf life and grindability) of lignocellulose-derived solid fuel, and it requires inert gas and thermal energy.

This innovation offers an economically viable substitute of the torrefaction method to achieve better quality of solid fuel/biomass material.

TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES

• Torrefaction improves:

• Calorific value (better and higher value)

• Shelf life (longer shelf life)

• Grindability (better grindability, less moisture)

• This modified torrefaction method is better than the existing torrefaction technology:

• No thermal energy required

• No torrefaction gas required



COMPETETIVE ADVANTAGE

This innovative process will make the biomass (e.g.: EFB) more attractive and be more cost effective:

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

The biomass industry is a fast growing industry with local and international demands. The use of these biomass are mainly for energy production and is an attractive alternative to the fuel based energy. However, a major issue in biomass based energy is that the biomass are subjected to biodegradation and the calorific value reduces over time. A lower calorific value means we need more (volume) of biomass to produce a certain amount of energy.

Torrefaction, in general, is a process of subjecting the biomass to inert gas and thermal energy to increase its shelf life and maintain its calorific value. However, the method is expensive due to the price of the inert gas.

This innovation will provide a better and a more affordable alternative to the existing torrefaction process with better values in term of shelf life, calorific value and also grindability. The outcome of utilising the innovative torrefaction process will be the high value biomass that can be commercialised to industry that using the biomass in their boilers as well as marketing it to colder countries to substitute the use of fossil fuel for their heating equipments or facilities.

This innovative process can be licensed to a company or several distributors and it can be further marketed to biomass pellets manufacturers both locally and internationally. The cost effectiveness associated with this innovative process is likely to drive the segment growth.


The invention is protected by two (2) patents filed in Malaysia.

What’s Next?

This innovative method/process is market-ready and available for commercialisation via licensing.

Biruntha MooruthiVice President,Commercialisation SpecialistHead of IP Services, Registered Patent, Trademark, ID AgentPlaTCOM Ventures Sdn BhdE-mail: [email protected]



IN BRIEF

This invention provides a recombinant bromelain with higher concentration that has wide applications.

BROMELAIN

Bromelain is a cysteine protease enzyme found naturally in pineapple. The cysteine protease enzyme is able to break down a variety of proteins into smaller fragmented peptides or amino acids in both acidic and alkaline environments. Bromelain is mainly used as dietary supplement and also often used to initiate various processing reactions in food industries. With the advancement of current scientific knowledge and technologies, the therapeutic property of bromelain also shows potential applicability in pharmaceutical industries. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has reported some promising indications that bromelain may be used in numerous conditions for human wellness such treating diarrhea, standard cancer treatment, an alternative to help digestion, preventing blood clots and providing anti-inflammatory effect for arthritis patients. As such, the local researchers from IIUM have developed a novel process to produce bromelain based on DNA technology.

RECOMBINANT BROMELAIN

Recombinant DNA molecules are DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination. As such this bromelain is being produced based on recombinant DNA technology via fermentation process. With the assistance of genetically modified bacterial system, the biologically active enzyme protein is being produced. Using this technology, the final product exhibits high enzyme activity or higher concentration as compared to bromelain that are available in the market. This product is customizable up to 10,000 GDU/g and purity of more that 90% which is suitable for a wide range of applications. Eventhough the enzyme to produce the bromelain is using genetically-modified technology, the enzyme itself is not genetically modifiedand is separated from the host organism via purification stage. This result in GMO free and generally regarded as safe. The potential applications are for food processing industry such as meat tenderizing, baking, brewing, cheese and protein hydrolysates production. Also it can be used for value-added supplement in health, skin, hair and personal care products.

Recombinant Bromelain


The process is protected as trade secret

What’s Next?

The proposed business model is the invention can be licensed to the industry player. The inventor is looking for potential partner.

MARKET POTENTIAL

Enzymes, known as nature’s own biocatalysts, are responsible for a surplus of bio-chemical reactions necessary to sustain life in plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. Enzymes are an important part of the food industry as their actions can be controlled in the food matrix to produce better-quality products.Global food enzyme industry is mainly concentrated in the US and EU due to the presence of many multinationalcompanies in the regions. However, it is expected that the industry will shift toward Asia Pacific and African Countries in the next five to sixyears, mainly due to the favorable regulatory environment and increase in consumer awareness. Food enzymes have emerging uses as shelf life extension aid, flavor and texture enhancer and also as asupplement for preserving the organoleptic factors in food product manufacturing and processing. The rise ofopportunities in these segments is mainly due to the increasing demand of naturally derived food ingredients with the potential of being safe and absence of adverse reactions. Increase in application extension and value addition will result in increase in the market growth. Opportunities for food enzymes are expected to emerge in next five to six years in food, beverage, and other industries such as, flavor enhancers, texturizers, fat replacers, nutrition supplements and biosensors.

Muhammad LoftyAssistant Vice President, Commercialisation SpecialistE-mail: [email protected]


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Events


13-14 January 2016 - PlaTCOM Ventures’ Capacity Building Division kicked off the New Year by conducting a two-day bespoke training on technology transfer and commercialisation for MIMOS. MIMOS is Malaysia’s forefront technology provider in Information and Communications Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology and Nano-Semiconductor Technology. As a strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MIMOS contributes to raising Malaysia’s competitiveness by pioneering market creation for Malaysian technopreneurs through patentable technology platforms, products and solutions. Over the past 10 years, MIMOS has filed more than 900 Intellectual Properties in various technology domains and across key socio-economic areas. Serving a central role in Malaysia’s transformation journey and ICT Vision, MIMOS endeavours to create a culture of innovation by nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in the spirit of smart partnerships and inclusive growth models and strategies.This bespoke training, which was held at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort in Kuala Lumpur, was aimed to expose MIMOS staff to commercialisation processes from evaluating an invention all the way to licensing. Through

this two-day training, participants gained a snap shot of the ‘best practice’ commonly performed by professional technology transfer specialists in the commercialisation process. The interactive training session was delivered by consultants who themselves are technology and knowledge transfer practitioners. The modules delivered include:Module 1: Models of Technology Transfer and InnovationModule 2: IP Exploitation (Management, Technology Licensing & Assignment) Module 3: Commercialisation (Patent Strategy)Module 4: Spin-off Company FormationModule 5: Understanding Technology Licensing Clause by ClauseModule 6: Technology Licensing – Key termsModule 7: Case Study 1 & 2

This is a very good effort by MIMOS to equip its staff with knowledge on commercialisation processes. PlaTCOM will continue to support MIMOS through our carefully designed training modules to catalyse technology transfer and commercialisation activities.

MIMOS Bespoke Training on Technology Transfer and Commercialisation

Events


Events


PlaTCOM Ventures and the British Council hosted two briefing sessions on the Dengue Tech Challenge 2016 on 27 January and 5 February, respectively. These sessions were held at the British Council office along Jalan Ampang. Over 100 participants in total attended the briefing sessions to find out more about the Challenge and how to register interest. The sessions were attended by Malaysian researchers and SMEs, and provided a very targeted networking opportunity for those involved in the development of dengue solutions in Malaysia.The sessions were kick-started by the British Council’s Ms Liew Siew Hui, Newton Programme Manager, and also Ms Clare Walker, Director of Education and Society, by welcoming all attendees, followed by a presentation on the British Council and also the Newton Fund. Subsequently, PlaTCOM’s Ms Michelle Lim Woodliffe presented on Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) and PlaTCOM Ventures. She then went on to present, in greater detail, the framework for the Dengue Tech Challenge.

This Challenge is the brainchild of Agensi Inovasi Malaysia, the Malaysian Innovation Agency, and PlaTCOM Ventures Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with the British Council. The total fund pledged by PlaTCOM Ventures for Malaysian Principal Applicants from winning teams through the High Impact Programme 2 is RM 3 million, whilst the total fund pledged by the British Council for UK Principal Applicants from winning teams through the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund is GBP 500,000.

Tech Challenge 2016

Dengue fever is a viral infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Despite concerted dengue control programs, dengue fever remains a major public health challenge in Malaysia. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 7 November, there were 102,801 cases of dengue with 283 deaths reported in Malaysia for 2015. This is 18.5% higher compared with the same reporting period of 2014. The Dengue Tech Challenge aims:

• to support commercialisation of Dengue research between organisations from Malaysia and United Kingdom,

• to provide proactive solutions to Dengue outbreaks in Malaysia, and

Briefing on

Dengue

Events


Events


• to provide a platform for industry-academia commercialisation collaboration activities in Malaysia and United Kingdom.

The Challenge mandates application submission by teams which comprise of a Malaysian SME and a UK research institute or organisation. To facilitate this process of match-making Malaysian SMEs with UK researchers, a web platform was developed by PlaTCOM Ventures, prior to the launch of the Challenge on 4 January.

Overall, the goal of the briefing sessions, that is to present the details of the Challenge and to match-make researchers and SMEs, was accomplished successfully. Winners of the Challenge will be announced on 17 June 2016. Visit www.platcomdiscovery.com/denguetech to find out more about the winners.

PlaTCOM Ventures would like to take this opportunity to thank the British Council for providing the venue to host the briefing and to all who attended the sessions.

Events

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My Story


As a proud recipient of the Asia Pacific Alliance Awards (APICTA), bWave has paved its way to becoming a universal IoT solution that promotes convergence by bringing multiple functions into a single solution and controlled with a single interface. Marking its way by providing networking and product benchmarking, bWave managed to be an affordable solution which also consolidates the various standards in the market. CEO of BNetworks, Tharmaindran Gannasin shares about the upcoming and latest Internet of Things (IoT) in the market.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your backgroundA: I have a degree in Computer Engineering and Masters in Business Administration. After I finished my studies, I spent more than 13 years working and developing digital smart homes/intelligent building solutions through wireless systems. Because of the passion that I have and the freedom and flexibility of managing my own company, it creates a space for me to work continuously on developing the system and furthering it to the next level.

Q: Describe the nature of your business in briefA: We provide end-to-end wireless solution for

Connected Home and Smart Office applications. That includes 7-in-1 functions comprising automation, entertainment, intercom, surveillance, security & safety, energy management and climate control (HVAC) by a single hub and unified application for smart phones and tablets.

The marketing approach will be B2B2C whereby we work with business partners for project clients (property developers, telecommunication providers, property management companies, gated community JMB/RA) and resellers (installer/system integrators/dealers) who markets the solution to and end users.

Q:What marks your interest to start the business?

A: We wanted to develop a universal solution for the mass market and set few rules for ourselves. Among the rules included technical benchmarking against global products, affordable and localised for Malaysian and Asian markets and highly scalable but yet diversified for multiple applications.

Interview with Tharmaindran Gannasin, CEO of BNetworks

My Story


Q: How do you get the grip on the fundamentals of running this type of business?

A: During my employment, I was involved in manufacturing and project management of smart home systems into townships, gated communities and condominiums. Those were the first generation conventional systems. I understood and learned the dynamics of handling contract manufacturers, production of system, dealers’ network, site installations and customer support.

Q: What kind of projection do you expect to foresee in the next coming years?

A: Internet of Things (IoT) industry is growing exponentially worldwide. It is expected to reach its peak within the next 2 years. By next year we should be shipping the product for South East Asia market and within the next 5 years we should be diversifying the solution into other IoT market verticals and keep improving user experience with the system. In the next ten years, we should be expanding the services portfolio which will contribute revenue streams via licensing and subscription for services.

Q: How do you think your product can compete in the global and local market?

A: We do have plans on expanding to the global market through distributors and partners. But it’s only going to happen in early 2017 as part of our going-to-market strategy. As for now, we are

focusing more on the Malaysian market. In terms of local competition, we are proud to be the very first local company to provide an end-to-end solution. We cater to the exact necessity for consumers and in the same time, add value to our clients’ businesses or their market base.

Q: What inspired you to venture in such business?

A: There are too many redundant gadgets in the market that incur redundant costs though technically a single device should be able to do the job. Currently, users have to purchase energy management devices, security controllers and automation systems that work independently on their respective proprietary technologies and being controlled separately. bWave promotes convergence by bringing all these products into a single solution and controlled with a single interface (bWave App) and the use of support devices from multiple technologies concurrently.

Q: What motivates you most to get a job done well?

A: I’m basically a person who can be easily inspired by stories of successful entrepreneurs who innovate and achieve great success in commercialising their innovations. However, what motivates me most are customers’ compliments and feedback on how the solution has benefitted their businesses and them personally.


Success Story


About YJACK Sdn BhdYJACK is an innovation for the construction industry. It is an apparatus for static bi-directional pile load test, suitable for all types of piles and sizes, ranging from small driven piles to large bored piles as well as API-micro piles and offshore piles using auto YJACK. It is an alternative pile test method that is much cost-saving (30% - 50%) and time-saving (from 10 days to 1 day in preparation) compared to conventional methods using kentledge blocks or anchor piles. It also radically reduces critical path in pile testing programme while being environmental green and safe. Currently, it is WIPO/PCT international patent pending. The core technology of YJACK is a flat jack, which has greater advantage compared to other hydraulic jacks. The flat jack, owing to its physical shape, is most suited for use in bi-directional pile test, with cheaper cost and better performance.

How it all startedThe idea & discovery of bi-directional pile load test for driven and injection piles started in 2009. The aim is to replace the Kentledge method using concrete blocks which has many drawbacks, yet no alternative to replace. The innovator behind this

STORY

YJA

CK

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Success Story

Volume 6/June 2016

Success Story


innovation, Mr. Wai Yee Kong, has 19 years of experience in piling and testing then, understand the pain of using the conventional method which is costly and troublesome. Mr. Wai started his 3-year R&D both in Malaysia and China and fabricated his very first prototype in February 2014. The functionality of the prototype was proven positive and he filled his invention for patent protection. By March 2014, he established YJACK Technology Sdn Bhd together with his co- founder, Mr. Yeow Leong Swee.

The journey with PlaTCOM & HIP2

Seeking for commercialisation assistance, YJACK came to PlaTCOM Ventures to acquire advice on how to fully bring their homegrown innovation to the market. PlaTCOM Ventures is designed to discover and support innovations wherever they may be, assess ideas very critically, explore them systematically, and turn the best ones into successful products and services. Rather than following traditional technology transfer models, PlaTCOM Ventures has designed a model that facilitates any segment of the entire commercialisation process (end-to-end facilitation) from idea to products and services. The whole approach will be market driven in supporting industrial innovation and competitiveness. A due diligence was conducted on YJACK and it was found that the company was lacking of third party certification/verification on the effectiveness of the method. YJACK was then admitted into PlaTCOM’s High Impact Program 2 (HIP2) and a comprehensive eighteen months commercialisation plan was set in place (from refinement of prototype, productisation, testing & validation, regulatory all the way to market access) to fully assist the company to sell its first product in the market.

Progress of YJACK

Since admission to the programme, YJACK has achieved multiple milestones. They have installed their jacks at multiple locations, constantly producing reliable and positive results. Working closely with multiple parties including JKR, YJACK has been making steady progress and more industrial players are now showing interest in their innovation. Few major milestones include: securing private investment, appointment of East Malaysia & Brunei distributor and awarded as a finalist in the International Construction Industry Council Innovation Award in Hong Kong. To date, YJACK has secured 19 early adopters of the technology and started to make steady profit.

Internationally, YJACK has started awareness programmes in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, China and India. They have also established an international office at Guangzhou to penetrate the Chinese market.

PlaTCOM is proud of YJACK’s achievement and inspired to create more success stories through our HIP2 end to end facilitation programme.