BANDUNG, dkst.itb.ac.id – The Regional Directorate of Science and Technology (DKST) of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) received a comparative study visit (benchmarking) from the Sumatra Institute of Technology (ITERA). This activity took place at ITB Innovation Park, Summarecon Area Bandung, on Thursday (4/12/2025).
The visit was carried out in the context of ITERA's efforts to improve the quality of innovation management services, impact research, and develop the downstream ecosystem within its campus environment. The main focus of the discussion included exchanging information related to Science Techno Park (STP) governance, business incubation mechanisms, and industrial collaboration strategies.
The ITERA group was led by the Chair of the Innovation Implementation Center, Deni Subara, S.Si., M.T., Ph.D., along with five other team members. The delegation's presence was officially welcomed by the Deputy Director for Business Incubation and Acceleration at DKST ITB, Fathiro Hutama Reksa Putra, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.
In the discussion session, Fathiro Hutama Reksa Putra explained ITB's approach to managing science and technology areas. He emphasized the importance of STP management which is dominated by professional staff. This approach is implemented to ensure that area operations run effectively and focused, without disturbing the tri dharma duties of higher education carried out by the lecturers.
The topic of business incubation mechanisms is also a major highlight. Fathiro explained that DKST ITB has a strict curation system in selecting fostered startups. Priority is given to start-up businesses that are affiliated with ITB—both alumni, students and lecturers—at the founder level. Apart from that, aspects of market potential, sales traction and ownership of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are crucial indicators in the selection process.
Regarding mentoring strategies, DKST ITB utilizes relevant historical database networks to appoint appropriate mentors, including involving alumni entrepreneurs. This strategy is strengthened through synergy with alumni units to expand the reach of professional mentors that suit the specific needs of each startup.
On the same occasion, Chair of the ITERA Innovation Implementation Center, Deni Subara, expressed his appreciation for the insights shared. He also explored the potential for strategic collaboration between the two institutions in the future, especially collaboration opportunities in technology valuation and commercialization of ITERA innovation products with the support of expertise from ITB.
