This initiative is structured to bridge the gap between academic discoveries and industrial applications, directly aligning with UPM's philosophy "With Knowledge We Serve" and the university's motto Putra Pertanian Untuk Rakyat.

Core Technology Domains

The UDRP framework within this sector focuses on six key technology domains:

• Biomass & Waste Valorisation: Valorisation of waste cooking oil (WCO), palm biomass, agro-waste, and fruit residues.

• Biocatalysis & Enzyme Systems: Development of enzyme-based biocatalytic technologies to support green processes.

• Microbial & Bioprocess Engineering: Microbial engineering and optimization of industrial biological processes.

• Bio-Based Product Development: Production of bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials.

• Food Biotechnology: Functional food ingredients, quality enhancement, and food safety applications.

• Biomedical & Therapeutic Biotechnology: Therapeutic development and medical biotechnology innovations.

Flagship Research Programmes

UPM offers four high-impact flagship research programs:

1. Bioenergy & Circular Bioeconomy Developing sustainable biofuels (e.g., biodiesel and renewable fuels) from waste cooking oil and biomass feedstocks via integrated enzymatic systems.

2. Agro-Waste & Bioresource Valorisation Transforming agricultural residues (such as pineapple waste) into bioactive compounds, platform chemicals, and biomaterials to support zero-waste biorefinery concepts.

3. Food Biotechnology Utilizing advanced extraction and processing techniques for food quality enhancement, stability, safety, and the recovery of high-value functional ingredients.

4. Biomedical & Health Biotechnology

   • Cancer & Therapeutic Biotechnology: Biological systems and catalytic approaches for targeted interventions and disease-related applications.

   • Wound Healing & Regenerative Systems: Development of bioactive materials and biologically derived formulations for tissue repair.

   • Drug Delivery Platforms: Controlled and targeted delivery systems integrating biological and nano-enabled strategies.

State-of-the-Art Capabilities & Offered Expertise

UPM’s research ecosystem is powered by advanced technology platforms, including:

• Synthetic Biology & Metabolic Engineering: Expertise in combining designer proteins with genetically engineered microbes to create new biological systems for chemicals and materials.

• Strain Engineering: Advanced modification of microbial workhorses to optimize the production of biolysis, bioplastics, and bio-based products.

• Bioprocessing & Bioprospecting: Identifying microbes with high industrial potential and scaling technology for biological processes.

• Biocatalysis & Enzyme Engineering & Environmental Biotechnology: Tailored solutions for industrial catalysts, bioremediation, waste treatment, and environmental monitoring.

• Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Offering a collaborative platform connecting academia, industry, and community partners to address growth barriers such as high costs and talent gaps.

Collaboration & Inquiries

RMC UPM invites industrial partners, government agencies, and research institutions to explore collaborative research, technology transfer, and consultancy opportunities.

For inquiries regarding this research programme, please contact:

• Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali

• Email: mshukuri@upm.edu.my

• Phone: +603-97691416 / +6017-6988738

Date of Input: 13/08/2026 | Updated: 13/08/2026 | norasiah