The official name of the startup is PT. Bio Proshafa Karya. Its establishment was inspired by the research by Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Abduh as the Head of Bioengineering Study Program and his team. The implementation of the research is then carried out by Sisca Dewi Ayudya, an alumnus of Bioengineering class of 2010 in the form of a startup.

Sisca said that Bio-N Oils and Bio-N Propolis is a startup that aims to contribute to production of local products. Similar products available on market are imported. According to her, Bio-N Oils and Bio-N Propolis as natural health products will bring a lot of benefits for the community.

As a startup whose product derives from result of research, PT. Bio Proshafa Karya holds a patent for an innovation Motive (Modular Trigona Hive), which is an innovation of beehives that produce more propolis. This will help in the production of their raw materials.

Motive enables bee farmers to set the production system of propolis and honey according to desired target. Harvest is done by lifting the propolis frames filled up with propolis, and then replaced with new propolis frames. This will enhance productivity and hygiene.

Propolis produced from Trigona bee contains antioxidants such as flavonoid and various vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acid. Hence, propolis can be used as supplement that improve body immunity, accelerate healing, and as materials for beauty products which accelerate cell regeneration and delay aging on skin.

About Bio-N Oils and Bio-N Propolis

Sisca said that their products under the name Bio-N Oils is a natural essential oil. Besides pure essential oil, the product have derivative products that can be used for specific purposes such as face treatment. The second product is Bio-N Propolis is an alcohol-free propolis available in several different packages.

According to Sisca, bringing a product to industry is not an easy matter, and it has many obstacles. “In the initial establishment it (Bio-N Oils and Bio-N Propolis) was not recognized. It also has competitors who market their products earlier. It underwent ups and downs, but it is important to be consistent and keep trying,” explained the founder of the startup.

From the marketing side, Sisca said that the method the company uses is not only about selling products. She said that it is important to do prior dissemination about the product they make. So that besides online and offline sales, they also conduct workshop that support dissemination about their product.

She added that the keys of success of a startup are discipline, resilience, and consistency in running the business. She said that ITB is a good place to develop those abilities.

Next, Sisca and her team hope to introduce their product more intensively. They will also do sustainable development to their products in order to keep and improve the quality.

Reporter: Irfan Ibrahim (Geodesy and Geomatics 2016)