President Director of PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT) Budi Wahju Soesilo (right) with ITS Chancellor Ir Bambang Pramujati MSc Eng PhD while delivering remarks regarding funding support for ITS

ITS Campus, ITS News – PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT) strengthens its collaboration with the world of educational research through funding assistance of Rp 1 billion for the renovation of the Creative Co-Working Space (CCWS) and support for the startup incubation program at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). The donation was handed over by PT Pupuk Kaltim President Director Budi Wahju Soesilo to ITS Rector Ir Bambang Pramujati MSc Eng PhD at the ITS Rectorate Building on Tuesday (15/10).

The initiative was initiated by Yayasan Pupuk Kaltim in order to appreciate the acceleration of the development of a research-based education ecosystem through CCWS which is the answer to accommodate student activities while on campus. Not only that, it also supports ITS as an entrepreneur university by supporting various innovations from its students in the development of prospective research and technology-based start-up companies.

Budi stated that this contribution is a form of company support in preparing a young generation with a technopreneur spirit. He views the importance of collaboration with educational institutions, especially to create a space that encourages creative ideas to develop into sustainable businesses. “We want CCWS to be the starting point for the creation of new innovations that can have a broad impact,” he said.

ITS Chancellor Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD when delivering his remarks and expressing his gratitude to PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur for the grant to support entrepreneurship research

Through this assistance, PKT focuses on improving facilities, such as creative discussion rooms, co-working areas, and better internet connectivity. Meanwhile, the ITS startup incubation is designed so that students can take advantage of this program to further develop business ideas, while expanding their networks with industry players. “We hope that ITS students can maximize this facility and be ready to compete in the global market with innovative business ideas,” Budi hoped.

Continuing the discussion, the ITS Chancellor, who is familiarly called BP, appreciated the support provided by PKT. According to him, this collaboration is not only beneficial for the campus but also strengthens the relationship between industry and academics in facing research developments. “This is a strategic step to produce students who are able to compete at the national and international levels,” he said.

Symbolic handover of Rp 1 billion in financial assistance for CCWS renovation and startup incubation at ITS by PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur accompanied by Yayasan Pupuk Kaltim to ITS

BP hopes that CCWS and this incubation program will be the initial step for the creation of potential startups from ITS that have high competitiveness. With this collaboration, ITS and PKT seek to create a conducive environment for students to continue to innovate. “We are optimistic that this initiative can have a positive impact and accelerate the birth of creative and applicable business solutions,” said the lecturer at the ITS Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Through this collaboration, PKT and ITS further emphasize their joint commitment in supporting the development of education, innovation and empowerment of the younger generation in Indonesia. The renovation of CCWS and the implementation of startup incubation are expected to not only create a creative and productive ecosystem, but also foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and strengthen their competence in facing global challenges.

The leadership of ITS and PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur during a visit to the ITS Rectorate Building

Moreover, Budi and BP agreed that this program is a real proof of synergy between the industrial world and academics to encourage sustainable economic growth. Namely through innovation and technology that can produce concrete solutions to industrial and community problems, while increasing Indonesia’s competitiveness in the international arena. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Fauzan Fakhrizal Azmi