Students from the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology and the Master’s Program in Plantation Product Technology at the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada attended a guest lecture delivered by Prof. Mohammad Taherzadeh on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. During the session, Prof. Taherzadeh shared his career journey, starting as a student researcher and eventually becoming a professor and entrepreneur in the field of food biotechnology.
Prof. Taherzadeh explained that his interest in biotechnology began when he realized the great potential of microorganisms as catalysts for various chemical reactions. His academic journey at Lund and Chalmers led him to understand that academia requires not only research capability, but also practical skills such as patent negotiation, team management, budgeting, and the ability to pitch ideas to industries and investors.
In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of research commercialization and understanding the concept of Technology Readiness Level (TRL). According to him, nearly 95% of research projects fail to become products because they struggle to pass through the “Valley of Death,” the challenging stage of transforming research into industry-ready innovation. He encouraged students to reflect on the true purpose of their research, whether it is to produce publications, build networks, or create products with economic value.
As both an academic and the founder of Millow AB, Prof. Taherzadeh also highlighted the importance of communication skills for researchers. When interacting with companies, researchers must be able to present solutions in a simple and business-relevant manner. According to him, industries are less concerned with complex scientific theories and are more interested in tangible impact and potential profitability generated by innovation.
Through this guest lecture, students gained valuable insights into the importance of conducting research that is relevant to industrial needs and global challenges. This is also aligned with SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The event is expected to broaden the perspectives of FTP UGM graduate students in developing food and biotechnology innovations that are not only academically excellent, but also have strong potential for real-world implementation in society.
Author: Okta I. Latifa
