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JOHOR BAHRU, 3 September 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Two innovative teams from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)<\/strong> proudly emerged as winners at the Cradle Live! PITCH IT Roadshow Southern: Johor 2025<\/strong>, part of a nationwide initiative by Cradle to boost Malaysia\u2019s startup ecosystem ahead of the upcoming Startup ASEAN Summit 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This recognition highlights UTM\u2019s growing footprint in innovation and entrepreneurship. The two winning research-based products were:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 GreenHydro Tech<\/strong> by Ts. Dr. Fariza Hanim Suhailin<\/strong> Among 12 participating teams, only three products were selected as winners \u2014 each receiving RM2,500 in cash prizes<\/strong>. These awards acknowledge the high commercial viability and societal relevance of the technologies developed by UTM researchers.<\/p>\n BioCell Green is a biodegradable electrolyte system created using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)<\/strong> combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO)<\/strong>. As a safe and eco-friendly alternative to hazardous conventional battery electrolytes, it has been tested up to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7)<\/strong> in sensor applications. The product is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals<\/strong> (SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy, and SDG 13: Climate Action), with applications in electronics, IoT, and sustainable energy. It reflects the \u201cwaste to wealth\u201d<\/em> concept with strong commercialization potential.<\/p>\n GreenHydro Tech is a naturally derived biopolymer-based filter<\/strong> that has demonstrated up to 99.2% effectiveness in removing microplastics<\/strong> from water. As a safer and sustainable solution, the innovation supports clean water access, environmental protection, and public health.<\/p>\n This outstanding achievement by UTM researchers was also highlighted in national media and featured in Digital News Asia<\/strong>, further validating their innovative contributions to the local startup ecosystem. Read more here: These successes mark a significant step in translating academic research into impactful, real-world applications \u2014 supporting UTM\u2019s broader mission of innovation for a better future.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd39 BioCell Green<\/strong> by Dr. Nur Hidayah Ahmad<\/strong> (Team Lead) and Dr. Nurhafizah Hasim<\/strong><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf31 BioCell Green \u2013 From Biomass to Battery Innovation<\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udca7 GreenHydro Tech \u2013 A Natural Solution for Microplastic Pollution<\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udd17 Cradle Live! Roadshow ignites Johor\u2019s startup ecosystem<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n