International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) aligns its research and innovation agenda with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, advancing Malaysia’s aspirations for a knowledge-based, high-tech, and sustainable society, economy, and environment. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to generate solutions that enhance societal well-being while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability.
The ecosystem supporting innovation at IIUM is strengthened by its Research Management Centre (RMC), the Office of Industrial Linkages, and the collective expertise across various Kulliyyahs. These entities drive technology transfer, industry partnerships, and commercialisation through incubators, accelerators, and consultancy programmes. Together, they ensure that IIUM’s innovations progress beyond academia into impactful real-world applications that benefit industry, government, and society.
IIUM remains committed to inclusive infrastructure and equitable access. Laboratories, research facilities, and entrepreneurship programs are open to women, persons with disabilities (PWD), and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at affordable rates, ensuring participation from all social segments.
This approach reflects IIUM’s broader mission which is to nurture intellectuals, professionals, and scholars who embody iman(faith), ‘ilm (knowledge), and akhlaq (character). By integrating these values, IIUM fosters lifelong learners with a profound sense of social responsibility, positioning innovation as a means of achieving balanced and sustainable progress for Malaysia and the wider Muslim world.
IIUM has successfully commercialised 15 products across various sectors and fields, including halal bio products, medical devices and digital innovations. These products are licensed to industry partners through structured commercialisation agreements under the University’s Office Technology Transfer.
The University maintains more than 50 active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) annually, with local and international industry partners. These collaborations focus on R&D, product development, and capacity-building initiatives in alignment with Malaysia’s NIMP 2030 goals.
IIUM recorded an external research income of RM 20.3 million in 2024, sourced from government grants, industry collaborations, and international research funding bodies.
A total of 43 new patents has been filed, with 10 patents granted to date. The portfolio spans biomedical engineering, sustainable materials, and Islamic fintech innovations.
IIUM provides comprehensive prototyping and testbed facilities through the Innovation & Maker Lab, BioDesign Lab, and Engineering Fabrication Workshop, supporting proof-of-concept and pilot testing for commercialization-ready technologies.
To date, 6 spin-off companies have been established under the RMC’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), focusing on biotechnology, halal nutraceuticals, and digital learning solutions.
| No. | Background | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name of Company:BioInnoTech Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Dr. Mohd Syahmi Salleh from Kulliyyah of Science |
BioInnoTech pioneers a sustainable approach to food waste management through its innovative Bokashi microbial fermentation technology. This eco-friendly, odor-free, and ESG-compliant solution converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, promoting circular economy practices and enabling organisations to achieve measurable CSR and environmental impact. |
| 2 | Name of Company:Flaxiva Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basma Ezzat Mustafa Alahmad from Kulliyyah of Dentistry |
 Despite the growing awareness of health and ethical consumption, consumers continue to face limited choices in safe, natural, and halal-certified skincare and oral care products.Skincare Gap: Many products in the market raise safety concerns, particularly allergic reactions from synthetic ingredients. There is strong consumer demand for halal-compliant, plant-based formulations that are both effective and dermatologically safe.Oral Care Gap: While oral hygiene is a daily necessity, consumers increasingly seek research-backed formulations addressing prevalent oral diseases and special oral conditions that remain underserved. The market lacks locally developed, innovative oral care solutions that combine efficacy, natural ingredients, and halal assurance. |
| 3 | Name of Company:IFTARS Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Prof. Ts. Dr. Azura Amid from Kulliyyah of Engineering |
Driving innovation in Halal Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture through two key pillars: the Halal Food Security & Safety Academy and the Stevia Tissue Culture Platform (BioAg). Addressing the global demand for halal-certified, safe, and natural food solutions, IFTARS advances stevia as a sustainable sweetener while aligning with IIUM’s mission of ethical governance, entrepreneurship, and research commercialisation. |
| 4 | Name of Company/Products/etc.Dermisco Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazrina Ab Hadi from Kulliyyah of Pharmacy |
  Dermisco bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient access through clinically tested, natural-based innovations. Addressing the high prevalence of pigmentation issues and the need for safe, evidence-driven skincare, Dermisco offers:HydroB – a honey hydrogel patch for wound care, meeting MOH/MDA quality standards.C’reh – a brightening cream formulated from natural, skin-safe ingredients. |
| 5 | Name of Company/Products/etc.HIKEY Solutions Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Dr. Mohd Hafidz Ithnin from Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences |
Addressing the challenge of undetected vision problems among underserved communities—including B40, rural, estate, and Orang Asli populations—HIKEY Solutions provides a digital eye screening and education platform for scalable, low-cost early detection. The app features guided visual tests (VA far/near, confrontation, pupil reflex) with automated referrals, micro-training and certification, and partner dashboards to ensure data integrity, PDPA compliance, and auditable social impact. |
| 6 | Name of Company/Products/etc.Heal Ease Sdn. Bhd. Name of Inventor:Prof. Dr. Farahidah Mohamed from Kulliyyah of Pharmacy |
> Heal Ease Sdn. Bhd. focuses on commercialising BEETAMOL, a paracetamol-honey suspension that provides a healthier, sugar-free, and hepatoprotective alternative to conventional paracetamol formulations. |
| RESEARCH INCOME FROM INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE | NUMBER OF ACADEMIC STAFF BY SUBJECT AREA |
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In 2024, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) demonstrated strong engagement with industry and commercial partners through collaborative research across diverse disciplines. The total research income generated from industry and commerce amounted to RM13,171,680.80, reflecting IIUM’s active role in fostering innovation and knowledge transfer that contributes to Malaysia’s socio-economic development.
By subject area, IIUM’s research income from industry and commerce was distributed as follows: STEM disciplines accounted for RM6,554,209.75, Medicine and Health Sciences generated RM3,830,998.67, while Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences secured RM2,786,472.38.
With a total of 1,859 academic staff across the University — 407 in STEM, 497 in Medicine, and 558 in Arts and Social Sciences — the University’s research income per academic staff highlights a balanced commitment to both scientific and human-centred innovation. These collaborations underscore IIUM’s ongoing efforts to translate academic expertise into impactful industrial partnerships and community-oriented solutions.
| No. | Product / IP Title | Photos |
| 1 | iGesic (Topical Analgesic Ointment) |  |
| 2 | iSalic (Anti-inflammatory Ointment) |  |
| 3 | iKool (Cooling Ointment) |  |
| 4 | Bisyllabic Malay Speech Audiometry (BMSA) |  |
| 5 | Synbiotic Oral Care Composition (MY-190505-A) |   |
| 6 | iFlaxsid Ointment (CRLY2022W03237) |  |
| 7 | Flaxident Toothpaste (LY2025C09787) |  |
| 8 | C’Reh (MY192143A) |  |
| 9 | HydroB (MY205751A) |  |
| 10 | Halal Food Security & Safety Module (CRLY2023W06174) | |
| 12 | Stevia Tissue Culture Protocol (TS2025-01) | |
| 13 | Bokashi Microbes Composting Technology | |
| 14 | Flow Cell Culture Apparatus (MY-205186-A) | |
| 15 | Simple Eye Visual Assessment Module (LY2025C09515) | |
| 15 | Neural Network Based Predictive Application for Micro-EDM | |
