A total of 49 startups selected for the Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (PRIME STeP) participated in a bootcamp at IPB University’s Taman Kencana Campus in Bogor to accelerate research commercialization through business mentoring, networking, and the development of a technology-based startup ecosystem (20/07).

Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), Dr. Fauzan Adziman, encouraged all participants to use the program to accelerate the development of their innovations into products that can compete at the national level.

"Congratulations to the 49 startups participating in PRIME STeP. This is a very good opportunity. The program's funding is substantial, so it should be utilized as effectively as possible."

Government Seeks National-Scale Innovation Through Universities

Fauzan said the President of Indonesia, through the 2026 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI), had instructed universities to become drivers of national industrialization, innovation, and economic independence.

He said the government is looking for innovative products that can be developed into national industries through larger investments.

"We are looking for innovative products that deserve to be elevated nationally and require greater investment to develop into industries."

Fauzan added that startups should not only pursue company growth but also build strong and sustainable business ecosystems. He said collaboration with investors is important, but it must be built on solid business foundations.

He also praised IPB University's innovation ecosystem, saying it is one of the best in Indonesia because it connects research, incubation, and technology-based business development.

Fauzan also shared his experience working in industry, serving as an academic at the University of Oxford, and founding a technology startup before joining Kemdiktisaintek. He said those experiences helped him understand the challenges of research commercialization in Indonesia.

IPB University Strengthens Long-Term Startup Support

IPB University Rector Dr. Alim Setiawan expressed appreciation to Kemdiktisaintek and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for their continued support in developing research-based startups at the university.

He said IPB University continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem so that support for startups continues after the incubation period.

"We have issued a Rector's Regulation to build a more sustainable startup ecosystem. Startups that have grown are expected to contribute to the university, and those contributions will later be used to fund new startups."

ADB Highlights Startup Development and Innovation Ecosystem

ADB representative Theresia Sembiring said that 49 startups joined the 2026 program, consisting of 35 startups in the incubation stage and 14 startups in the acceleration stage.

She said collaboration among researchers, students, industry, and investors at IPB University continues to grow stronger in building the innovation ecosystem.

"We see very encouraging progress at IPB University. Collaboration among researchers, students, industry, and investors is becoming stronger in building the innovation ecosystem."

Theresia encouraged participants to use the three-day bootcamp to expand their networks, test their business models, and learn from mentors and industry practitioners.

"Innovation comes from the courage to experiment and learn from failure. Make the most of this opportunity."

She also said ADB is supporting a Science and Technology Park (STP) mapping study in Indonesia to identify the factors behind successful innovation ecosystem development.

According to Theresia, research success does not end with scientific publications but is achieved when research delivers real benefits to society, creates economic value, and produces startups that generate employment.

"At ADB, we believe startups do not only build companies, but also build solutions, create value, and drive Indonesia's economic growth."

PHOTO: IPB

This article was created with AI assistance.

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