IPB University Expands OVOC Global Network, Aims to Expand Village Products into Malaysia

Through One Village One CEO (OVOC) International, IPB University is strengthening its global network and village based innovation ecosystem through a series of activities in Malaysia. These efforts include observing Tech Planter Malaysia 2026, exploring the expansion of coffee products, and strengthening academic collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The activities aim to strengthen international collaboration, promote knowledge transfer, and expand global innovation and business networks for startups and flagship products from villages mentored by IPB University.

During the Tech Planter Malaysia 2026 Demo Day organized by Leave a Nest, the IPB delegation observed nine finalist startups across three main categories: smart systems, eco-sustainability, and bio-health.

The innovations observed included an autonomous slope monitoring system for disaster mitigation by Terrasense, sticker liner recycling technology by Materials In Works, the conversion of chicken manure waste into energy by Waste2watt, and the utilization of engkala fruit as functional food by Engkala BioInnovators.

The delegation also held discussions and directly toured the startup ecosystem at Leave a Nest Malaysia, including the Center of Garage facilities. Discussions focused on knowledge transfer opportunities, IPB student internship programs at Leave a Nest incubated startups, investment potential, and opening global market access for village based products under the OVOC program.

Muhammad Basril bin Muhammad Asri from Leave a Nest Malaysia announced plans for his visit to IPB’s Science Techno Park (STP) on July 23, 2026, to sign a joint memorandum of understanding (MoU). “We hope to discuss directly with several potential IPB incubated startups regarding investment opportunities and the development of international collaborations,” he added.

As a follow up step, the Startup Indonesia Demo Day will be held on July 25, 2026, in Bandung.

In addition to strengthening innovation, OVOC IPB University also promotes the business expansion of village based products, one of which is coffee. The team conducted a site visit for a coffee shop development project in Subang Jaya (05/17) alongside Syamille Agro Farm, an IPB University incubated startup. The IPB incubated coffee products introduced include green beans and roasted beans from various regions, including Arabica Flores FW and Tani Blend.

“IPB University’s incubated coffee products offer exceptional quality, particularly in terms of flavor profile and origin diversity. This presents significant potential for development in the Malaysian market,” said Syamil Idrus, Executive Director of Syammile Agro Farm.

On the academic side, IPB University also presented the OVOC International program at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This program integrates village product development, access to innovation facilities, and micro credentials for international participants.

At this meeting, the Assistant for the Business Incubator Division at the Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I), Deva Primadia Almada, SPi, MSi, revealed, “STP IPB is an integrated zone focused on innovation development, business incubation, technology transfer, and the commercialization of research in the fields of agriculture, food, marine sciences, and tropical biosciences.

“STP IPB is also equipped with various state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Startup Center, Teaching Industry, Pilot Plant, analytical laboratories, and the Halal Business Incubator to support startup development and the commercialization of innovative products,” he explained.

“Universiti Putra Malaysia warmly welcomes the OVOC International program initiated by IPB University,” stated Prof Norsida Man, Deputy Director of the University Community Transformation Center (UCTC), UPM.

Through this series of activities, IPB University strengthens its role as a bridge between innovation, business, and rural empowerment. The OVOC program not only opens access to global markets but is also expected to increase rural community income and create sustainable social entrepreneurship based jobs. (*/Rz) (IAAS/WSG)