DKST ITB Receives Comparative Study Visit from Institut Teknologi Sumatera

BANDUNG, dkst.itb.ac.id – The Directorate of Science and Technology Area (DKST) of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) received a comparative study (benchmarking) visit from the Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA). This activity took place at the ITB Innovation Park, Summarecon Bandung Area, on Thursday (December 4, 2025).

The visit was conducted as part of ITERA's efforts to improve the quality of innovation management services, impactful research, and the development of a downstreaming ecosystem within its campus environment. The main focus of the discussion included the exchange of information related to Science Techno Park (STP) governance, business incubation mechanisms, and industrial collaboration strategies.

The ITERA delegation was led by the Head 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 of Business Incubation and Acceleration at DKST ITB, Fathiro Hutama Reksa Putra, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.

During the discussion session, Fathiro Hutama Reksa Putra explained ITB's approach to managing the science and technology area. He emphasized the importance of STP management being dominated by professional personnel. This approach is implemented to ensure that the area's operations run effectively and focus on their goals without disrupting the tri dharma (three pillars) of higher education duties carried out by the lecturers.

The topic of business incubation mechanisms was also a major highlight. Fathiro explained that DKST ITB has a strict curation system in choosing its fostered startups. Priority is given to startups affiliated with ITB—whether from alumni, students, or lecturers—at the founder level. In addition, aspects of market potential, sales traction, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ownership are crucial indicators in the selection process.

Regarding mentoring strategies, DKST ITB utilizes relevant historical database networks to appoint the right mentors, including involving alumni entrepreneurs. This strategy is strengthened through synergy with the alumni relations unit to expand the reach of professional mentors tailored to the specific needs of each startup.

On the same occasion, the Head of ITERA's Innovation Implementation Center, Deni Subara, expressed his appreciation for the insights shared. He also explored the potential for strategic cooperation between the two institutions in the future, particularly collaboration opportunities in technology valuation and the commercialization of ITERA's innovation products with expert support from ITB.