PRIMESTeP 2025 Research and Startup Review: Strict Selection of ITB's Flagship Projects

Bandung, dkst.itb.ac.id – The Directorate of Science and Technology Area (DKST) ITB held a review process for the PRIMESTeP funding program for the first and second-year research and incubation-acceleration startup categories. This activity took place for a full day on July 15, 2025, at the ITB Innovation Park building, Summarecon Bandung Area.

The selection, attended by a total of 34 research teams and 24 startup teams, was carried out by a joint evaluator team from the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of ITB. The assessment covered aspects of technical feasibility, downstreaming plans, market potential, and implementation readiness. This process is a mandatory stage before the projects are declared eligible to receive PRIMESTeP funding.

In the research session, the researchers presented the results and development plans of strategic projects, most of which were already at medium to high technology readiness levels. The topics discussed varied, ranging from underground mine monitoring technology, biofiltration for fisheries, processing of natural materials for health products, to drones and energy storage systems.

Each team was given 45 minutes for their presentation, including a Q&A session with the reviewers. The reviewers came from various institutions such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Sanata Dharma, and Universitas Hasanuddin. In the discussion, the reviewers highlighted the importance of field validation, industrial partner readiness, and sustainability strategies after the funding ends.

In the startup track, the selection process was conducted through pitching and technical discussions. The startup teams were given between 30–45 minutes to present their products, business models, market potential, and incubation achievements. The projects presented covered the digital technology, agriculture, food, energy, and community service sectors.

Reviewers emphasized aspects of market validation, team structure, and the completeness of the business roadmap as key indicators for follow-on funding eligibility.

This activity became a crucial stage in ensuring that the PRIMESTeP program not only funds innovative projects but also projects that are ready to be implemented and have real opportunities for sustainability. All input and recommendations from the reviewers will be used as the basis for determining this year's funding recipients.

Following this review process, the evaluation results will be compiled and jointly decided by the PMU and PIU. Projects that are declared to have passed will enter the implementation phase, accompanied by the monitoring and incubation team from KST ITB and Kemendikbudristek.