Students from Xiamen University Malaysia advanced to the global stage after winning the championship at the Hult Prize Malaysia National Competition 2026 on 9 May.

Three student teams advanced to the top 8 of the competition. Among them, the championship-winning team, RootIQ AgriBiologics, will represent Malaysia in the Hult Prize Global Incubator, where national winners from around the world compete for the US$1 million startup prize.

The Hult Prize, organised in partnership with the United Nations, is widely recognised as one of the world's largest student entrepreneurship competitions. The competition challenges students to develop innovative business solutions to address pressing social and environmental issues. According to the competition's official data, nearly 15,000 teams from 60 countries participated in this year's competition.

Top 1 Champion – RootIQ AgriBiologics (Malaysia Champion)

Members: Malvin Ma (PCE2508001), Ng Xiao Qi (MCE2410002), Antonius Sewuchi (CME2409085)

Project brief: RootIQ AgriBiologics is a precision agri-biotech startup using geospatial AI, big data, and proprietary bioprocessing to deliver tailored SynCom biofertilizers and AI-driven fertilization plans. By integrating climate, soil, microbial, and farm data, it optimizes yields, reduces synthetic fertilizer use, and enables carbon credit generation. Built on five national R&D projects and partnerships with agencies, universities, and plantations, RootIQ is scaling its patented bioreactor platform for commercial production. Its mission: region-specific, AI-enhanced solutions benefiting farmers, investors, and the planet.

Photo of RootIQ AgriBiologics

Top 8 – RateFlow

Members: Daniil Parygin (IBU2509074), Valeriia Khromova (EEE2409084), Nursultan Iskaliyev (ECM2409081), Mirkamol Mirazimow (CYS2402181)

Advisor: Dr. Thomas Boryniec (Assistant Professor at SEM)

Project brief: RateFlow uses AI and classroom participation analytics to help universities assess teaching quality and student engagement. While research output often receives significant attention in higher education, teaching effectiveness remains comparatively difficult to measure on an ongoing basis. RateFlow aims to provide institutions with data‑driven insights to improve student engagement, reduce dropout rates, and mitigate tuition revenue loss through early intervention.

Top 8 – MusselUp!

Members: Alan Beket (FIN2509145), Lee Yu Liang (MAT2404258), Zhang Zihan (JRN2309435), Jesica Hasantaib (IBU2409134)

Project brief: MusselUp! is a nature-based water treatment project using native freshwater mussels to sustainably improve water quality. Developed for Malaysia's pollution issues like algae, heavy metals, and industrial runoff, it uses mussels as natural biofilters that remove particles and pollutants through feeding. Unlike chemical-intensive, high-energy systems, MusselUp! offers a low-energy, eco-friendly alternative. The system uses modular floating or submerged units containing native mussels, naturally cleaning polluted water before conventional treatment.