Representatives from the SBM ITB, and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) convened in Bandung on Thursday (5/12) to discuss potential collaborations, including the development of the Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC). This initiative aims to create a broader impact on Indonesian society by involving the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), leading universities, and research institutions in Indonesia to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem.
During the meeting, which included Bappenas and SIC partners, a cross-sector commitment was established to foster an ecosystem supporting innovation development in Indonesia. Bappenas highlighted the necessity of synergy between academic institutions such as ITB, research organizations like BRIN, and government ministries, including the Ministry of Education and National Development, to drive innovation-based economic growth nationally. The program is structured to ensure ongoing development for participants through continuous coaching supported by alumni, mentors, and the global startup community.
This cross-country collaboration model encompasses Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, aiming to enhance the Southeast Asian startup network and increase access to resources such as endowments, angel investors, and university alumni engagement.
The meeting also addressed SBM ITB’s sustainability initiatives, including programs focused on empowering vulnerable groups under Entrepreneurship for the Vulnerable. Projects like Circular Sukaraja, Teras Hijau in Dago, UN Desa, and Amarta Fintech focus on supporting women, youth, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
Additionally, Prof. Fenny Martha Dwivany from SITH ITB presented research on the Banana Village concept in Bali, highlighting the utilization of local banana fruit products. She noted that this concept could be implemented in the Bali Smart Village project and extended to other regions, such as Maluku.
“This project has a solid foundation and significant contributions, making it highly appealing for third-party funding,” remarked Prof. Dr. Mahmoed Al-Kilani, a professor of international entrepreneurship at FHNW.
FHNW reaffirmed its commitment to connecting SBM ITB with related researchers within its institution to further this initiative. Both parties also discussed plans for joint efforts, including internship programs, double-degree MBA offerings, guest lectures, sustainability program development, and joint research projects.
Key attendees at the meeting included SBM ITB Dean Prof. Ignatius Pulung Nurprasetio, Head of Communication and Alumni Relations Dr. Nurlaela Arief, Head of International Relations Ira Fachira, Ph.D., and members of the People and Knowledge Management Interest Group, including Andika Putra Pratama, Ph.D., and Melia Famiola Hariadi, Ph.D., who specializes in ESG. Also present were the International Swiss Innovation Challenge ASEAN Project Officer Dr. Leo Aldianto and Dr. Isti Raafaldini Mirzanti, along with SIC ASEAN 2024 Chairperson Dr. Prawira Fajarindra Belgiawan and other institutional representatives.
The collaboration between SBM ITB and FHNW is expected to accelerate the development of innovative programs with significant impacts at both national and global levels.
