UTeM has experienced significant achievements in research activities as it has the vision to become one of the leading innovative and creative technical universities in the world. The number of articles published in leading journals has increased significantly. The increase in research funding and the relatively high number of postgraduate students reflect the continuous growth in research activities. UTeM has identified “Advanced Manufacturing Technology” as a thrust area. Core areas and research clusters that encompass various disciplinary areas are factors that give strength to the faculty and subsequently generate research and innovation activities in the university.

UTeM supports strategic alliances between industry and researchers to accelerate the research, development and commercialization processes and provide competitive advantages to each other. Research information is widely disseminated to the community and industry through seminars, conferences, exhibitions and competitions. New patent ownership has been protected through the Intellectual Property Initiative at the University. The sustainability of research, innovation and commercialization activities in the university has been generated by UTeM through the formation of individual and group excellence, the stimulation of the development of innovative thinking, and the creation of better sources of wealth for individuals, businesses and society at large based on the economic and social benefits of a country.

UTeM has established a center known as the Center for Research and Innovation Management (CRIM)  with the aim of effectively coordinating, evaluating and promoting all research activities in the University. The center also handles commercialization applications for university research products, technologies and services.