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In his opening remarks, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T. emphasized the importance of innovation among the younger generation as a key to improving the nation’s welfare.

“A country can progress because of young people who are willing to innovate—thinking as wildly as possible—so they can generate high added value,� said Prof. Tata.

In the first session, Dr.rer.nat. Mardiyati, S.Si., M.T., a lecturer in itb’s Expertise Group of Materials Science and Engineering, explained various challenges faced in the innovation process—one of which is limited research-supporting facilities. However, these limitations have not diminished her spirit to keep innovating, especially in developing materials by leveraging Indonesia’s natural wealth.

Thanks to her passion and dedication, Dr. Mardiyati received the title of Best Innovator at Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s 2024 PRIMA Award (Research, Innovation, and Community Service Exhibition). To date, she has secured 45 patents, 12 of which were supported by research grant funding.

Some of her flagship research includes the development of ramie fiber as a composite material for bulletproof panels, as well as an innovation in producing plastic made from cassava. These featured studies are carried out at the Green Polymer Laboratory, Materials Engineering, Â鶹ֱ²¥.

On the same occasion, dr. Sari Chairunnisa, Sp.D.V.E, FINSDV, Deputy CEO of Paragon Corp, also expressed optimism about the potential of the younger generation in research and innovation on the international stage.

“We want Indonesia to become a major player, like Korea with Samsung or America with Ford. Hopefully, we can be part of the world’s innovation game changers,� said dr. Sari, who also serves as Vice President of Research and Development at Paragon Corp.

In the second session, Andy F. Noya, host of Kick Andy Goes to Campus, brought in several Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni who shared inspirational stories with the students. Alif Hijriah, Co-Founder of Cerebrum.id and an alumnus of Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s undergraduate Mathematics program (Class of 2014), shared his journey of becoming the backbone of his family at the age of 18 after his father—who worked as a construction laborer—passed away. The atmosphere grew even more emotional when his mother was present, as a figure who became a source of strength throughout Alif’s life and career journey.

Also present was M. Hafizh Kurnia Utama, an alumnus of Â鶹ֱ²¥ Petroleum Engineering (Class of 2016), who shared his inspiring story of building a career outside the field he studied during university. He currently works as an E-Commerce Affiliate Lead at Paragon Corp, showing that an academic background is not a limitation to grow and contribute across various industries.