Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has reopened its 2026 University Startup Incubator program through Airlangga Startup and Innovation (ATAVI) to strengthen the campus startup ecosystem (13/02).

The socialization event was organized by the Center for Innovation and Business Acceleration (PASINBIS) to support UNAIR’s vision of becoming a World Class Entrepreneurial University. The event took place at Room 301, Kahuripan Building, 3rd Floor, Campus MERR-C UNAIR.

The session provided comprehensive information about the ATAVI business incubation program and opened recruitment opportunities for startups ready for further development. The program targets students, lecturers, education staff, and alumni who already operate businesses and aim to scale them.

Program Mandate and Research Commercialization Focus

Ahmad Fadlur Rahman Bayuny, Coordinator of the ATAVI Business Incubator, stated that the incubator is a direct mandate from the Rector of UNAIR.

“This business incubator is to incubate all startup companies, whether from students, education staff, lecturers, or alumni. The goal is so that entrepreneurs from the UNAIR community can survive and have a higher chance to grow,” said Bayu.

He explained that ATAVI not only supports student-led businesses but also encourages the commercialization of lecturers’ research.

“Many of our lecturers’ research results only exist in papers. In fact, they have great potential to be developed into products that benefit society. This is where the incubator comes in to support the process of turning innovations into practical applications,” he explained.

Recruitment Requirements and Six-Month Incubation Process

ATAVI requires applicants to have a product and an active business operating for at least three months.

The selection stages include administrative screening, substantive assessment, and business presentations. Startups that pass the selection will participate in a six-month incubation period.

During incubation, participants will receive mentoring, structured materials, regular evaluations, and assignments to measure their progress and business commitment.

ATAVI also provides business bootcamps, regional and national business matching opportunities, expo participation, and assistance with business legality and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration.

Throughout 2025, ATAVI supported 286 assisted startups, most of them founded by students whose businesses have shown significant development.

Emphasis on Business Legality and Skill Development

The event continued with a discussion session featuring Dillon Arie Lesmana, founder of Jayanira Coffee Studio and an ATAVI-assisted alumnus.

He emphasized the importance of legal compliance in business operations, especially when collaborating with institutions and professional partners.

“If we are sure that our product brings benefits and impact, then we also have to prepare its business foundation properly, including legality,” Dillon said.

He also encouraged students to continue developing both soft skills and hard skills, even if their academic background is not directly aligned with their business sector.

“The spirit to learn, the courage to try, and consistency are the keys to building a business that lasts,” Dillon concluded.

PHOTO: UNAIR

This article was created with AI assistance.

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