Clarissa Aurelia Nahid Saputra, a recipient of the 2025 first batch of the Garuda Scholarship from Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, has developed a startup and secured US$550,000 in funding while studying at the University of California San Diego in the United States (01/10).

Clarissa and her colleagues developed Clean AI Labs, a B2B startup that helps companies identify potential buyers using real business activity data, including shipments, permits, and supplier changes.

The startup received US$50,000 in funding from Jackson Square Ventures and US$500,000 from Y Combinator, bringing its total funding to US$550,000.

Startup Funding Follows Studies at UC San Diego

Clarissa said she first learned about the Garuda Scholarship through her participation in the Indonesia Maju Scholarship preparation program.

She said she chose the Garuda Scholarship because it provided an opportunity to study in the United States, specifically at UC San Diego.

"I first learned about the Garuda Scholarship because of my participation in the Indonesia Maju Scholarship preparation program. I remember being told that I had been accepted for the Garuda Scholarship around the same time I was accepted for another scholarship. In the end, I chose the Garuda Scholarship because it provided an opportunity to study in the United States, specifically at UC San Diego," she said.

Clarissa previously studied at SMAN Unggulan MH Thamrin, which is now part of the Sekolah Unggul Garuda ecosystem.

She received Letters of Acceptance from 14 overseas universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), UC San Diego, UC Davis, the University of Edinburgh, and King's College London.

She ultimately chose UC San Diego after considering its alignment with her interests and study goals.

Garuda Scholarship Provides Academic and Social Support

During her time as a Garuda Scholarship recipient, Clarissa received various forms of support for her studies, including preparation for her departure to the United States.

After completing her first year of university in the United States, she said the scholarship provided more than financial support. She also viewed it as an opportunity to develop herself, meet other young talents, and build a supportive environment.

"In my opinion, the Garuda Scholarship not only helps me financially but also socially. Through this scholarship, I have been able to meet very ambitious friends, and I am very happy to talk with them about things happening in Indonesia and the global world. My friends at UC San Diego often gather and help one another," she said.

Clarissa said she developed both academically and personally through her experiences in robotics research, hackathons, and the academic environment in the United States.

These experiences broadened her perspective and helped build her confidence.

Clarissa Plans to Develop Technology and Study AI Hardware

After completing her first year of university, Clarissa prepared several plans for her continued development.

She plans to further develop the technology she has built so it can have a wider impact, while also deepening her knowledge of robotics and AI hardware.

Government Expands Garuda Scholarship Study Programs

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said improving the quality of human resources is a key government priority under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Brian said the Garuda Scholarship aims to select Indonesia's best talents and provide them with access to world-class education.

Starting in 2026, the government is expanding study opportunities through joint-degree and double-degree programs with overseas universities.

In the 2025/2026 academic year, more than 400 talents continued their studies at top universities around the world through the Garuda Scholarship.

"We want outstanding talents from our nation who can compete on the global stage," Minister Brian Yuliarto said.

PHOTO: TRYCLEAN.AI

This article was created with AI assistance.

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