Bringing together researchers, startups, and stakeholders, the Open House provided participants with firsthand insights into the outcomes of the dedicated efforts of researchers and startups, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration. The primary goal of these endeavors is to enhance community welfare by addressing prevalent challenges in Indonesia, with a focus on the four key fields of Information and Communication Technology, Food and Health, Transportation and Energy, and Territoriality and Disaster Management.

Additionally, the event underscored the management of the ITB Innovation Park in connection to the Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (PRIME STeP). This extensive project, spanning from 2023 to 2027, was initiated by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).

PRIME STeP focuses on the Science and Technology Park (STP) development at four Legal Entity State Universities (PTN BH), namely Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), ITB, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Universitas Indonesia (UI).

Key figures and leaders attended the event, including Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB), Dr. Lukman S.T., M.Hum. (Institutional Director of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology), Andri N.R. Mardiah, S.T., M.Bus., Ph.D. (Director of Higher Education and Science and Technology, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency - Bappenas), and Prof. Ir. Taufan Marhaendrajana, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of LPIT ITB), among others.

Prof. Wenten, in his capacity as the Vice Rector, expressed a warm welcome to the 2023 ITB Innovation Park Open House. He highlighted the significance of the event, reflecting ITB's superior scientific culture and its role in strengthening scientific capacity. Prof. Wenten expressed hope that the Science and Techno Park (STP) at ITB would contribute to fortifying the institution in the fields of innovation and technology, emphasizing that "STP is here to build the soul of ITB."

The development of STP represents a strategic initiative in promoting the downstreaming of research and technology results into the industrialization process. Since the introduction of STP ITB Ganesha in February 2022, ITB has further solidified its ability to contribute to the development of science and technology in Indonesia. STP is not merely a physical space; it embodies a concept that facilitates collaboration between various parties in industrial development and downstreaming.

Andri, the Director of Higher Education and Science and Technology at Bappenas, emphasized that STP is a hub for creativity inseparable from collaboration. He highlighted that collaboration should stem from community issues and work for the community, reinforcing the community-centric nature of technological development.

The presence of PRIME STeP, launched in February 2023 by the Directorate General of Higher Education and Technology, provides ITB with an opportunity to establish a superior STP capable of generating competitive innovations and technologies.

Dr. Lukman from the Institutional Director of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology explained that the PRIME STeP project was entrusted to PTN BH to enable the independent management of income generated from commercial startups. This collaborative project extends its impact beyond the educational ecosystem, significantly influencing industrial and economic development.
Dr. Lukman stated, "The hope is that the presence of PRIME STeP can optimize local wisdom, maximize technological innovation, create new jobs, and generate revenue which can be used as a source of income for ITB to improve the quality of human resources and help students with education funds."

In 2023, PRIME STeP selected 12 researchers and 6 startups from ITB to receive funding. The selected projects span various fields, showcasing the diverse range of innovative research undertaken by ITB. Here is a list of the 12 research titles that successfully received funding:

1. Development of a two- and three-wheeled electric vehicle drive system based on a switched reluctance motor (Dr. Tri Desmana Rachmilda, S.T., M.T.)
2. Carbon Fiber Making for Transportation Needs in Indonesia (Dr. rer. nat. Mardiyati, S.Si., M.T.)
3. Development of Land, Sea, Air Robots and the Collaboration for Several Missions (Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Riyanto Trilaksono)
4. Development of Rapid Detection of Breast Milk Quality with Metabolomic and Microbiomic Markers for Developing Milk Formulations for Babies Suffering from Stunting (Prof. Dr. Pingkan Aditiawati, M.S.)
5. Development of the Fool Proof Operating System for Delivery Drones in the 3T Region (Ony Arifianto, Ph.D.)
6. Advanced Instrumentation System for Monitoring and Evaluation of Infrastructure Safety Standards Based on Non-Destructive Testing Using Ultrasonic Waves (Prof. Dr. Suprijanto, S.T., M.T.)
7. Acceleration of Exploration and Downstreaming of Indonesian Nutraceutical Products Based on 4.0 Technology (Prof. Dr. Apt. Elfahmi, S.Si., M.Si.)
8. Performance Testing, Emissions and Evaluation on Laboratory Scale of High-Quality Biofuels and Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles (Poetro Lebdo Sambegoro, M.Sc., Ph.D.)
9. Smart Internet of Think Chipset for Industry 4.0 (Prof. Trio Adiono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.)
10. Development of New Generation Battery Cathode, Anode and Electrolyte Components to Improve Cycle Performance and Battery Safety Standards (Dr. Eng. Ferry Iskandar, M.Eng.)
11. Development of Earthquake Big Data for Risk Analysis and Mitigation of Earthquake Hazards in Indonesia (Dr. Irwan Meilano, S.T., M.Sc.)
12. Development of Exosome-Based Nano-Cosmetics from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Prof. Dr. Apt. Heni Rachmawati, M.Sc.)

Additionally, six startups were funded by PRIME STeP 2023:

1. BIOPS Agrotechno (Encomotion)
2. NASHO (Nasho Self Cleaning, Anti Fog, Hygiene Perfume)
3. Ecoplast (Ecofoam & Shaved Straw)
4. Karla Bionics (Prosthetic Arm)
5. Greenlabs (G-Sorb, G-Plast, G-Spill, G-Degrease, G-Inhib, G-Acrylate, G-Adhesive, G-Lube Oil Solidifier)
6. AntriQue (Smart Kios K, Antri Que Ads, Antri Que SaaS, Healmity by AntriQue, AntriQue Qinerja, AntriQue Customer)

This collaborative effort between researchers, startups, and the government reflects a concerted push towards technological advancement, economic growth, and community welfare.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Teknik Geologi, 2019)
Translator: Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Postharvest Technology ‘21)
Editor: Vera Citra Utami