Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has officially launched ‘InnovFest 2026’, its flagship biannual innovation and entrepreneurship festival, reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovation capabilities and strengthening industry collaboration in Brunei Darussalam. The event was held at Inspiring Hub, UBD from 28th to 29th April 2026.
Held under the theme ‘Innovate, Sustain and Scale,’ the festival brings together students, researchers, start-ups, alumni ventures and industry partners on a dynamic platform dedicated to translating ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. The initiative reflects UBD’s broader drive towards commercialisation and impact-driven innovation, as well as its ambition to position itself as a regional hub for entrepreneurship.
The launch event drew strong participation, with around 200 students and academics from tertiary institutions, alongside representatives from secondary and primary schools, highlighting growing interest in innovation across all levels of education.
More than 24 exhibitors participated in this year’s festival, showcasing a diverse range of projects spanning technology, sustainability and digital solutions, including ventures developed through UBD’s incubation and entrepreneurship programmes. The festival also featured a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, including discussions on artificial intelligence in business and global best practices in innovation ecosystems, offering participants valuable insights into emerging trends shaping the future economy.
“Innovation is no longer optional — it is essential. Beyond innovation, we must ensure that what we create is sustainable, meaningful and capable of scaling into solutions that deliver lasting impact for our society and economy,” said Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD. He emphasised the importance of universities playing a stronger role in bridging research, enterprise and industry, ensuring that ideas are translated into tangible outcomes that contribute to national development.
A key highlight of the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UBD and Progresif Sdn Bhd, marking a significant step in strengthening industry collaboration. The partnership builds on an ongoing collaboration between the two organisations, including early efforts to explore a cashless campus ecosystem. Under this renewed commitment, both parties will further advance the development of a seamless, digital-first campus experience through Progresif Ding!, enabling students, staff and vendors to carry out secure and convenient transactions without relying on cash.
Beyond payments, the collaboration establishes a broader framework for joint initiatives in digital innovation, applied research, talent development and campus-based projects. It also seeks to provide students with greater exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities to contribute to meaningful innovation, preparing them to participate in an increasingly digital and connected economy.
“This collaboration reflects our shared vision of creating a more connected and future-ready campus environment, while supporting the growth of a digitally confident generation.” said Hajah Nurul Haniah Haji Mohd Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif Sdn Bhd, reflecting the shared vision of both organisations to build a more dynamic and future-ready innovation ecosystem.
The festival also highlighted the role of creativity and resilience in innovation. Filmmaker from New Wave Films and UBD Master’s student Syafi Halim shared his personal journey, encouraging participants to embrace failure as part of growth. “You will try and you will fail — again and again. Those experiences shape who you become,” he said, adding that persistence and learning through setbacks are critical to long-term success.
InnovFest continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing a culture of research, innovation and entrepreneurship within UBD, enabling students and researchers to showcase their work, build strategic partnerships and explore opportunities for commercialisation. The festival also reflects strong collaboration across the university, particularly through the Office of Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development (IEED) and the Office of Research, Innovation and Sustainability (RIS), demonstrating a unified approach to advancing innovation with purpose and impact.
For more information and live updates, follow @ubd.ieed on Instagram or contact the Office of Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development (IEED) at office.avc.ieed@ubd.edu.bn.
