Eager visitors lining up to register at the bustling ITEX counter.
KUALA LUMPUR: The International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2023, a renowned marketplace for cutting-edge inventions, presents an exclusive platform for inventors to unveil their latest solutions that drive climate action, safeguard the planet, and foster a sustainable future.
Embracing the theme "Technology Reversing Climate Change," over 80% of this year's inventions at ITEX embody climate technology features, aimed at reversing climate change impacts.
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) will host the two-day ITEX until tomorrow and welcome thousands of scientists, researchers, and inventors seeking investment opportunities to turn their ground-breaking ideas into market-ready products.
“This year, our focus is on creating a sustainable future by promoting inventions that contribute to a cleaner and greener environment, “says academician Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Augustine Ong Soon Hock, founding president of Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS), and organiser of ITEX.
“With seven competition categories and 25 exhibit classifications, there are ample opportunities for inventors and innovators to demonstrate their expertise and creativity in developing solutions for everyday challenges.”
Concurrent exhibitions, World Young Inventors Exhibition (WYIE), Asia Young Inventors Exhibition (AYIE), and Malaysia Young Investors Exhibition (MYIE), will take place alongside ITEX at the KLCC.
ITEX also serves as an inspiring space for visitors to upskill, learn, and be captivated by inventions and the innovative use of technology on display.
As a professional marketplace, it connects forward-thinking inventions and pioneering technologies with industry needs and improvements in quality of life.
Last year, ITEX 2022 attracted over 5,000 visitors from 75 countries, with nearly a quarter of them being venture capitalists, investors, manufacturers, or industrial designers seeking to forge business alliances with suitable inventors.
WYIE, AYIE, and MYIE nurture budding young scientists by providing opportunities to present their creations to funders, investors, and representatives from industries, corporations, and SMEs. Open to local, regional, and international school students under the age of 21, these exhibitions aim to inspire increased participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
This year, ITEX has received a growing number of inventions from 16 countries and regions, with the count of international submissions and WYIE entries surpassing 300, while overall local participation continues to increase beyond 400.
ITEX recognises outstanding and innovative inventions in seven categories – Corporate, Universities and Educational Institutions, TVET, Research Institutions, Startups, Individuals, and International participants, as well as tertiary, secondary, and primary school inventors under WYIE, AYIE, and MYIE. Inventions submitted for this year's awards will be evaluated based on their ability to address climate change challenges.
Other key events and highlights at ITEX 2023 include:
> TechTalk at ITEX: Featuring talks by industry experts on the latest technological advancements
> Pitch4Fund: Comprising pitching sessions that match inventors with potential funders, opening possibilities of breaking a new product into the market
> Young Inventor Showcase – WYIE, AYIE and MYIE: A platform for students of local and international schools to showcase their ingenious creations
> Malam Budaya Cipta: A night dedicated to honouring its inventors and celebrating their ingenuity and innovative spirit through the ITEX: Best of the Best, Special Awards, and Gold Presentation Ceremony.
Since its inception in 1989, ITEX has been held annually in Kuala Lumpur and has grown to become the region's leading exhibition for aspiring inventors across various categories.
The event showcases new inventions, technologies, and products with the ultimate goal of attracting investors to commercialise these innovative creations.
ITEX is jointly organised by MINDS and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S). For more information or to register, visit www.itex.com.my.
