Some of the HE2O AMDK production process in the factory located at the Putat Gede PDAM Pump House, Surabaya

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to strive to strengthen the impact of its research realization, one of which is through business collaboration. Through the company PT ITS Surabaya Hebat, which produces Packaged Drinking Water (AMDK) branded HE2O (pronounced: Hero), ITS establishes strategic multisectoral partnerships with local government, industry, and the community.

The Director of PT ITS Surabaya Hebat, Nike Besta Sari ST, explained that since its inauguration in 2023, HE2O has been working to establish cooperation with various community partners in the Surabaya area and its surroundings. These include the food and beverage (F&B) sector, cafes, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). “One of our partners is the UMKM located around the Surabaya Zoo (KBS),” she said.

The quality inspection process of HE2O AMDK in the factory warehouse located at the Putat Gede PDAM Pump House, Surabaya, before being distributed to the public

In addition to expanding its distribution, Nike added, HE2O also strives to strengthen the image of its business partners through a co-branding strategy. This strategy can expand market reach while empowering local economic actors, especially UMKM. “Thus, we can provide added value to our business partners in building their business identity,” Nike explained.

In addition to striving to provide a positive impact for UMKM, the ITS Physics Engineering alumnus emphasized that HE2O also maintains its commitment to cooperation with the Surabaya City Government (Pemkot). This is realized through product support in major Surabaya city events such as the Commemoration of Heroes’ Day and Surabaya City Anniversary, as well as to help meet the drinking water needs of several agencies within the Surabaya City Government. Additionally, HE2O also expands its benefits through sponsorship support in various school and university activities in Surabaya City.

Director of PT ITS Surabaya Hebat, Nike Besta Sari ST, explained about the implementation of the HE2O drinking water product in the community

Furthermore, the AMDK product, which uses technology resulting from ITS research and collaborates with the Surabaya Surya Sembada Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM), has begun to explore markets outside the region, one of which is Malang City. According to Nike, this step is part of ITS’s long-term strategy to strengthen its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in point 6, 9, and 17 regarding access to clean water, industrial innovation, and partnerships for shared goals.

With these various collaborations, Nike hopes that HE2O can become a flagship product capable of connecting campus technological innovation with community needs. This effort is also in line with ITS’s vision to create a broad impact through sustainable innovation and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Hani Aqilah Safitri