Revolutionizing Indonesian Industries: Insights from Startup4Industry 2024

The Startup4Industry 2024 competition, organized by Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, showcased groundbreaking solutions addressing challenges in key industrial sectors. Among the winners, PT Biotech Cipta Kreasi emerged as a leader, utilizing biotechnology to innovate fish feed for lele (catfish) farming. The feed integrates organic attractants and probiotics, enhancing palatability and efficiency. This breakthrough improved feed conversion ratios (FCR) and scaled daily production from 100 kg to 300 kg, boosting profits by 37% within three months. Chief Product Officer Rosyida Ismi Barroroh emphasized the feed’s potential to bolster food security while maintaining eco-friendliness.

Another standout was Folks Automation, which tailored automation solutions for Indonesia's small and medium industries (IKMs). Leveraging affordable programmable logic controllers (PLCs) integrated with IoT, Folks Automation facilitated cost-effective production enhancements. For example, they automated processes for a kecap (soy sauce) factory in Surabaya, making advanced technology accessible to smaller enterprises.

In the energy sector, Yotta Aksara Energi, led by its 25-year-old founder Mohammad Hafidhuddin Karim, received special recognition for developing microcontrollers for laboratory automation and industrial processes. Despite relying on imported chips, the company focuses on local assembly and design. Yotta's innovative systems, such as automated sago dryers, underline the potential of Indonesia’s youth in shaping the nation’s future.

The Ministry of Industry highlighted these startups as examples of innovation-driven progress in industrial ecosystems. Their contributions align with the event's theme, “Fostering IKM Independence Through Innovation and Supply Chain Strengthening,” emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth. The competition demonstrated how local ingenuity could address critical challenges, paving the way for a resilient industrial sector.

Startup4Industry continues to inspire technological advancements, bridging gaps between startups and industry needs, and showcasing how innovation can redefine Indonesia's industrial landscape.