A Journey from IP to Sustainable Innovation Impact
Biruntha embarked on her journey in innovation and commercialisation through her early career as a Patent specialist at a pioneering intellectual property (IP) firm in Kuala Lumpur, where she played a key role in helping organisations and inventors safeguard their ideas. She later transitioned to British Telecoms (BT), where she worked in open innovation, expanding her portfolio by helping SMEs de-risk their R&D efforts and translate their innovations into market-ready solutions.
“At BT, I connected Malaysian SMEs with BT UK’s patents in the ICT sector,” she recalled. “Through strategic collaborations with MDeC between 2006 to 2008, we supported SMEs in adopting BT’s cutting-edge technologies to enhance commercialisation opportunities in South East Asia.”
She then joined the National Innovation Agency (AIM), where she deepened her expertise in the Triple Helix innovation ecosystem, which encompasses the government, universities, and industry. There, she led various IP and innovation-centric programmes at national and organisational levels.
Her corporate leadership role at a government-linked university, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), further reinforced her commitment to driving innovation, which led to her establishing TechCom Ventures in 2023 to create a greater impact across multiple industries beyond Malaysia.
TechCom Ventures Bridges the Gap, Sustainable Commercialisation of Innovation
One of the most significant challenges in an innovation ecosystem is the sustainable commercialisation of research. According to Biruntha, while considerable research funding exists, the transition from R&D to a scalable business model remains weak. Universities struggle with technology transfer, industries face bottlenecks in market readiness, and government agencies must constantly realign policies with evolving market needs.
“TechCom Ventures was established to bridge these gaps by providing SMEs, universities, and corporations with strategic advisory services in innovation, branding, go-to-market strategies, intellectual property (IP) protection, and investment readiness,” Biruntha explained. “We help organisations move beyond simply protecting ideas to leveraging their intellectual assets for long-term growth and competitive advantage.”
A Defining Moment, Transforming Innovation into Impact
Biruntha highlights a defining moment in her career—witnessing the struggles of startups and SMEs with groundbreaking innovations but no clear pathway to commercialisation.
“For instance, a glass recycling company had developed an incredible technology but lacked the confidence and direction to secure funding or market their byproducts effectively,” she shared. “By working with them to enhance their technology’s IP potential and identify new revenue streams, they successfully attracted investors, scaled operations, and expanded into international markets.”
Another success story Biruntha highlights is a tech-based startup pioneering high-impact scalar wave technology she worked with at AIM. “With strategic guidance in IP protection, branding, and funding, the company successfully transitioned from an early-stage startup to achieving global expansion.”
How TechCom Ventures Stands Out
TechCom Ventures differentiates itself by enabling business transformation through innovation by focusing on the following:-
- Policy & Governance: Advising organisations to navigate regulatory landscapes and remove innovation bottlenecks.
- Strategic National-Level Programs: Designing and implementing innovation programmes nationally, ensuring alignment with industry and academia needs.
- Cross-Border Licensing & Tech Transfer: Facilitating technology commercialisation beyond local markets, creating international collaborations and partnerships.
- Talent Development: Providing specialised training for SMEs on business strategy, market expansion, and IP monetisation.
“Our approach is deeply rooted in experience working with governments, academia, and industries,” Biruntha noted. “This allows us to develop tailored solutions that align with global best practices while addressing local challenges.”
The Importance of Technology Transfer in the Digital Era
Technology transfer is often overlooked but is crucial to sustainable business growth. Many organisations focus solely on IP protection, but the value lies in transferring technology and knowledge between entities to create new business opportunities. The three consecutive year recipient of the IAM Strategy 300 leading global IP strategist award emphasised, “With the rise of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, technology transfer is more critical than ever.”
“Organisations must protect their proprietary models and develop licensing strategies, co-development agreements, and digital transformation roadmaps.” She also reiterated that even traditional manufacturers must recognise the value of their customisation processes and digital tools—protecting their intangible assets as strategic business advantages.
Shifting Mindsets, the Role of SMEs in Innovation & Sustainability
Due to perceived costs, many SMEs hesitate to invest in legal protections and structured tech transfer frameworks. However, sustainability emphasises supply chain optimisation, fair collaboration, and long-term business resilience.
Biruntha strongly advocates for digital innovation, particularly in SMEs. Her work, for instance, has helped businesses, particularly in fintech, refine business models, attract investors, and scale regionally.
“By integrating technology transfer into business strategies, SMEs can monetise their innovations through licensing and royalties, optimise supply chain efficiencies, and expand into international markets with protected IP assets,” Biruntha explained.
Call to Action: Innovate, Protect, and Scale
TechCom Ventures aims to help businesses innovate and establish intense commercialisation and protection frameworks that ensure long-term impact.
“Our work is not just about business growth—it is about ensuring innovation benefits the broader economy,” she said.
Whether through training programmes, policy development, or strategic collaborations, the company is committed to driving a future where Malaysian businesses are equipped to compete globally.
