ILBI ITS Senior Manager Baroto Tavip Indrojarwo MSi, while giving his remarks at the ITS – PT Pupuk Kaltim Innovative Startup Demo Day

Surabaya, ITS News — Continuously showing its support for the development of technology-based startups as well as being part of the preparation towards Entrepreneurial University, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) collaborated with PT Pupuk Kaltim to hold Demo Day. The event presented many investors and was held at the Swiss-Bellin Manyar Hotel, Surabaya, on Wednesday (4/12).

Senior Manager of the ITS Incubator and Innovative Business Services (in Indonesian: Inkubator dan Layanan Bisnis Inovatif, further abbreviated and referred to as ILBI) Baroto Tavip Indrojarwo MSi revealed that this activity is a follow-up to the coaching program for four startups selected by ILBI ITS in August to receive assistance. “At this event, the four startups were allowed to meet directly with many potential investors,” added Baroto.

In this case, Baroto explained that each startup received Rp 50 million from PT Pupuk Kaltim to develop their business. “We are grateful to find interesting ideas from startups made by ITS academics, so it is enough just to be skilled up from the business side,” he said.

Cekka Studio CEO Nurul Idzi, when presenting his product and startup innovation to investors

Not only business development, Baroto further said that in the mentoring for approximately three months, the startup founders were also given training to increase the value of their product or Most Valuable Product (MVP). “Currently, MVP is emphasized as the main value of startups,” explained the ITS Visual Communication Design Department lecturer.

Now, the four startups have the opportunity to present pitch decks and showcase their product prototypes in front of potential investors, who consist of representatives of the ITS Alumni Entrepreneurs Association (in Indonesian: Himpunan Pengusaha Alumni, further abbreviated and referred to as HIPA), banking companies, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and several business incubators from other universities. “Hopefully, through this opportunity, business matching can be established between startups and investors,” he said further.

ILBI ITS Senior Manager Baroto Tavip Indrojarwo MSi (left) while giving a souvenir to HR SVP Pupuk Kaltim Eko Cahyo Dewi Oktori

The four startups include Jokeen Rekayasa Energi, Cekka Studio, 3D Expert, and Smart Screen Dismore. Jokeen Rekayasa Energi focuses on providing renewable energy-based products for areas that have yet to reach electricity. Cekka Studio has innovative products, such as agel fiber-based handicrafts, prioritizing women’s empowerment in the local Madurese community.

Furthermore, 3D Expert is a startup that provides one-stop solution services in construction, architecture, and interior design production. Finally, Smart Screen Dismore is the first startup company to deliver innovative screen products and vending machines for retail transactions without IT maintenance.

Participants and investors of the ITS – PT Pupuk Kaltim Innovative Startup Demo Day

Responding to the presentations of the four startups, Pupuk Kaltim, SVP of Human Resources Eko Cahyo Dewi Oktori, expressed his appreciation for the various breakthrough products and services of the ITS academic community. According to him, ITS has proven to be an institution that is very concerned about technology development in Indonesia. “We are very proud to be part of growing innovative startups through ILBI ITS,” he said.

Furthermore, Eko said that implementing the peak business incubator activity was only part of the cooperation between the two agencies. He hopes his company and several other agencies can provide more significant support and incentives for ILBI ITS in the future. “Given, these innovative products provide many benefits to society and added value to the country,” he concluded. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Mifda Khoirotul Azma
Translator: Lael Soebakir