In a culmination of years of work and interactions, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in various areas of bioprocessing, including technologies for the production of mushrooms bioactives.

Currently, bioprocessing activities undertaken in South Africa, reside mostly in large enterprises in beverage and pharmaceuticals industries. There is, however, minimal bioprocessing activity in small and medium enterprises, the limited activity can be attributed to the cost of technology development and requirement of CAPEX investment associated with bioprocessing activities.

The MoU which was signed on Monday, 31 May 2021 by the TIA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patrick Krappie and the Vice Chancellor of UTM, Prof Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi bin Ismail presents an opportunity for enhancing South African based competency on mushroom based fermentation. This would aid in the production of mushroom and mushrooms compounds for application in industries such as food, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.The liquid cultivation offers an opportunity for production of consistent and high-quality inoculum that can be available on demand without reliance on natural conditions.