ITS Campus, ITS News — Steadying its steps in the transformation towards an entrepreneurial university , the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) officially conducted a soft launch of the New Science Techno Park (STP) ITS 2027 to integrate the existing STP at ITS at the ITS Creative Center A Building, Monday (13/4) afternoon. Attended in person by the Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) of the Republic of Indonesia, this activity is a strategic step in strengthening the innovation ecosystem and knowledge-based economy in Indonesia.

STP is a government-sponsored project that is still under development in Indonesia and far from the set target of 100 STPs. However, STP ITS is one of five top-tier national STPs that are members of the Indonesian Science and Technology Convention (KTSI). It joins the University of Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). STP ITS is the only one in Indonesia with a circuit facility to support automotive-related research.

The government is currently working to establish the National Technology Transfer Agency (NTTO), which will closely monitor the downstreaming and commercialization of research and innovation. This will ensure that research outcomes in higher education institutions are not merely published.

On this occasion, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rachmat Pambudy, MS, symbolically marked the start of the STP integration at ITS. He emphasized that the integration of STP within ITS is the initial capital for the advancement of research downstreaming within ITS. “It’s time for us to build a knowledge and technology-based economy in the future, and the operationalization of STP can be interpreted as an investment for the development of new startups at state universities,” he said.

Rachmat fully supports the research products of ITS researchers and students. Together with the ITS Rector, the Minister of National Development Planning and his staff conducted a direct inspection of the ITS STP area. The inspection included areas for future laboratory development. Through this official launch, ITS is committed to becoming a key orchestrator in the knowledge-based economy ecosystem.

Meanwhile, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MSc, Eng, PhD, stated that ITS strives to be an active element in this process. The 10-hectare development is designed to bridge research findings with real-world needs in the industrial world. “This includes concretely strengthening and building the capacity of STP, both in terms of infrastructure and human resource development,” Bambang said.

ITS STP currently manages four main clusters that serve as the foundation for innovation: Maritime, Automotive, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Robotics, and Creative Industries. Through these clusters, STP plays a vital role in developing innovative products at ITS to meet the need for appropriate technology.

The ITS Professor of Mechanical Engineering also stated that this launch could be the beginning of a journey toward independence through a knowledge- and technology-based economy. “Such as the emergence of various medical devices, the RAISA robot, electric vehicle products, our autonomous ship, the i-Boat, and various creative products to support MSMEs,” he explained.

Bambang further explained that the massive development of STPs is supported by the Higher Education for Technology and Innovation (HETI) program, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “The government has been facilitating the development of STPs since 2022, including through the HETI-ADB program, with a funding allocation of Rp 650 billion,” Bambang said.

Interestingly, on this occasion, the ITS Chancellor also outlined future strategic plans. In line with the current government’s priority programs, ITS is planning the construction of an ITS Teaching Hospital (RSP) named RS dr Angka Nitisastro and an ITS Semiconductor Center. “The advantage of this ITS hospital is the support of the ITS Medical Technology study program, allowing for integration of the health sector with more advanced technology,” explained the ITS top leader.

The integration of STP at ITS also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 4 on Quality Education and point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Syifa Rahmadina
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira