The 37th International Invention, Innovation, Technology Competition and Exhibition (ITEX 2026) was held on May 18-19, 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Centered on the theme “AI Unleashed: Pioneering Research and Innovation with Generative AI,” the event featured over 1,000 inventions from 17 countries and regions, spanning 10 categories and 15 classifications, positioning ITEX’s role as a key platform for commercialisation, investment and technology collaboration.
Approximately, 70% of the innovations featured are market-ready for commercialization, with many accessed at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) and above, demonstrating validated prototypes that already have potential for manufacturing partnerships, licensing and scale-up.
It reinforces ITEX’s role as a results-driven platform where innovation moves beyond concept towards deployment and revenue generation.
Jointly organised by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (Minds) and C.I.S, the exhibition successfully attracted an estimated 5,850 visitors, including investors, corporate buyers, manufacturers, technology scouts, and international delegates engaging in curated business matching and structured commercial discussions – strengthening ITEX’s position as a gateway for technology transfer and cross-border collaboration in the region.
Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) deputy secretary-general (Technology Development) Norsham Abdul Latip officiated the event on May 18 on behalf of Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang who was unable to be present.
In his speech, read out by Norsham, the Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening Malaysia’s innovation pipeline by connecting schools, universities, researchers, startups, industry and government into a unified ecosystem that supports commercial outcomes.
“Malaysia cannot afford to be a country that only uses what others invent. We have to build, test and create. And we have to do it across every layer of society. These efforts show that Malaysia has the ideas, the talent and the capability,” said Chang.
“What we need now is to ensure that these innovations are not left halfway, but are given the right pathway to reach industry, society and global markets,” added Chang.
ITEX 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Digital – reinforcing its national importance in strengthening Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem.
The Minister of Mosti as the patron of ITEX underscores a shared commitment to building a cohesive, end-to-end ecosystem – from STEAM education and talent development, to research commercialisation, startup acceleration and industry adoption – ensuring that local innovations progress into investment-ready, globally competitive assets that drive the national economy.
The World Young Inventors Exhibition (WYIE), incorporating the Asian Young Inventors Exhibition (AYIE) and Malaysian Young Inventors Exhibition (MYIE), held concurrently to foster future-ready talent and early STEAM/AI capabilities.
These platforms cultivate youth innovation by translating classroom theory into real-world outcomes, strengthening STEAM education while building a long-term pipeline of talent capable of developing investable, future-ready solutions for industry and society.
“When ITEX first began 37 years ago, it was built on a conviction – that ideas deserve a stage. If someone worked to solve a real problem, that work deserved to be seen,” said academician Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Augustine S.H Ong, the founding president of Minds and joint organizer of ITEX 2026.
“Today, innovation look very different. Some inventions are physical. Others exist in systems, software and artificial intelligence. But the purpose remains the same – to solve problems, improve lives, and respond to the realities of our time,” added Ong.
ITEX 2026 also featured structured pitching sessions, investor engagement programmes, technology forums, awards presentations and iCAP (ITEX Commercialisation Acceleration Programme) designed to accelerate innovations from prototype to market adoption, investment readiness and industrial scaling.
Amid accelerating AI adoption, sustainability imperatives, and growing demand for scalable solutions, ITEX 2026 reaffirms its position as a strategic convergence point for innovation, investment, and industrial transformation where ideas are not only showcased, but actively advanced toward commercial outcomes.
For more information, visit www.itex.com.my or follow their social media pages at Instagram and Facebook.
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