Engineering Innovation into Real-World Impact
- UM Research
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2025
Dr. Iswadi Bin Jauhari
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Area of Expertise:
Materials Engineering, Design and Failures, Renewable Energy
Harnessing Energy, Materials, and Design for a Sustainable Future
In an era where sustainability, innovation, and practical solutions drive progress, Dr. Iswadi Jauhari has established himself as a pioneering figure in renewable energy and materials engineering. His journey from an academic foundation in Japan to groundbreaking hydropower inventions in Malaysia reflects a career dedicated to solving real-world problems through engineering excellence.
Research Expertise and Milestones
Dr. Iswadi’s expertise spans materials engineering, failure analysis, mechanical design, and renewable energy systems. With a Doctor of Engineering, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ehime University, Japan, he has continuously bridged rigorous academic knowledge with hands-on innovation.
Since 2019, his research has led to the development of multiple generations of in-pipe hydropower systems, culminating in the 2024 patent (PI2024007567), co-owned with Universiti Malaya and Xcess Pressure Sdn. Bhd. His inventions especially the Super Butterfly Smart In-Pipe Hydropower System, demonstrate adaptability to unpredictable water flows, a challenge prevalent in Malaysia and across ASEAN.
His work has been supported by over RM3.5 million in competitive research grants, including the prestigious MOSTI TeD2 award (RM1.47 million, valid until 2027) and large-scale AAIBE funding (RM1.88 million). These achievements underscore his ability to secure trust from both governmental and industry stakeholders.
Practical Innovation and Engineering Impact
For Dr. Iswadi, research must be more than theoretical. His hydropower systems are built, tested, and proven, reaching Technology Readiness Level 6 by 2024. In trials, his prototypes have consistently demonstrated reliable power generation without disrupting water supply operations, resulting in cost reductions of up to 10–15% for water utilities.
His engineering philosophy has always been about delivering solutions that lower operating costs, reduce carbon reliance, and provide scalable renewable energy alternatives. Unlike intermittent solar, his in-pipe systems generate continuous, dependable power which is a transformative approach for water utilities burdened with high energy bills.
Beyond hydropower, Dr. Iswadi has made significant contributions to materials science, with publications on the deformation of duplex stainless steel, boronized layers, and turbine system design. This is a testament to his interdisciplinary expertise.
Collaborative and Cross-Disciplinary Work
Collaboration is at the heart of Dr. Iswadi’s success. He has worked closely with industry leaders like Air Selangor, PAAB, and SAINS, alongside academic partners at Universiti Malaya. His projects have attracted recognition at national and international competitions, including:
2nd Place, Climate LaunchPad Malaysia National Final (2020)
Gold Award, Malaysia Technology Expo (2021)
3rd Place, Water Innovation Poster Competition, MIWC (2021)
PETRONAS FutureTech 2.0 Participant (2021)
Finalist, Sino-Swiss Business Incubation Competition (2023)
These collaborations and recognitions highlight how his innovations resonate across industries, academia, and policy circles.
National Engineering Relevance
Malaysia’s water utilities face annual energy expenses of RM4 billion and consecutive years of operational deficits. Dr. Iswadi’s hydropower systems directly address these challenges, aligning with Malaysia’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 while offering financially viable solutions for the water sector.
The scalability of his invention extends beyond Malaysia into ASEAN’s billion-dollar water infrastructure industry, where his adaptable systems can overcome the unique regional challenges of variable flows and rising energy costs.
Future Directions and Commercial Potential
Looking ahead, Dr. Iswadi envisions; enhancing turbine efficiency and downsizing systems for broader applications, exploring industrial and biomedical flow systems for hydropower adaptation, and integrating intelligent monitoring and predictive performance analytics.
The commercial potential is vast, estimated at RM106 million annually in Malaysia alone, with opportunities in ASEAN surpassing RM750 million. His entrepreneurial vision is reflected in his leadership of Xcess Pressure Sdn. Bhd., where a pitchIN equity crowdfunding campaign (with a target of RM4.5 million) is underway and an IPO is planned for 2030.
“True innovation must serve people, industry, and the planet simultaneously.” - Dr. Iswadi Jauhari
Mentorship and Research Philosophy
As both Founder & CEO of Xcess Pressure Sdn. Bhd. and a Lecturer at Universiti Malaya’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Iswadi combines entrepreneurial drive with academic mentorship. He instils in his students and team a guiding principle: true innovation must serve people, industry, and the planet simultaneously.
By blending mechanical engineering, materials science, and sustainability, he ensures that research excellence is not just about publications but about tangible solutions that power homes, cut costs, and protect the environment.
Conclusion
Dr. Iswadi Jauhari embodies the modern innovator, an engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur. His hydropower breakthroughs are not just technical prototypes, but real-world solutions with significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. From Japan to Malaysia, from academic journals to industry trials, his journey reflects a singular commitment: to turn engineering ideas into sustainable power for the future.
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Researcher featured:
Dr. Iswadi B in Jauhari
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
For inquiries, please contact:
T: 03- 79675204
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4821-3411
More info on the product: https://xcesspressure.com/
Author:
Ms Tan Wei Nie
With a keen interest, Tan Wei Nie, a PhD candidate in law, enriches her studies by fusing science with narrative, uncovering connections between the two fields. Her passion for nature and staying active fuels her enthusiasm for life and learning, infusing her journey with unexpected thrills and excitement.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
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