“Widyapadhi” and “Widyakridha” Award for IPB University’s Research & Community Service Contribution

IPB University was recently granted two awards during the “2019 Science and Technology Award” held by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Republic of Indonesia on August 25^th-28^th, 2019 in Bali, Indonesia. The appreciation of National Science and Technology Awards were given in commemoration of the 24^th National Technology Resurgence Day with the theme “Science and Innovation in Creative Industries 4.0” and sub-themes: “Creative Industries 4.0 for National Independence and Competitiveness”. During this event, IPB University as institution won the 2^nd place in the Science and Technology Award and Innovation in “Widyapadhi” Sub-Category. Meanwhile, IPB Science Techno Park—a company under IPB University that produces starter-based technology—won the 1^st place of the Science and Technology Award and Innovation in “Widyakridha” Sub-Category. Widyapadhi Award aims to appreciate the achievements of tertiary institutions in building innovation systems through strengthening policies, institutions, resources, and innovation networks to produce innovative products. On the other hand, “Widyakridha” award is granted to organizations or institutions for their dedication and contribution in driving and developing innovation within society. Rector of IPB University—Dr. Arif Satria expressed his massive gratitude for this achievement stating this success is a joint achievement coming from all IPB academia who hand-in-hand give shares in improvements on innovation management and innovative products development. IPB Director of Science, Technology and Business Incubator—Dr. Rokhani Hasbullah explained that IPB University and its units aim to produce technology-based startups through a business incubation process, increase the success of technology transfer and new products resulting from higher education inventions and create a regional ecosystem conducive to the development of science and technology-based businesses through the provision of intellectual, financial and networking capacities. Furthermore following the recent accomplishment of Widyakridha Award, Dr. Rokhani described IPB Science Techno Park services included: (1) technical services (training, demonstration, technical consultation, business information), (2) technology development (technology design, prototype, intellectual property management (IC), and technology transfer offices), (3) Business incubation (technology support, business management, promotion and marketing, as well as financing facilitation), (4) Supporting services (health food production, industrial R&D, label design and packaging, provision of office space and conference/seminar rooms). IPB Vice Rector for Innovation, Business and Entrepreneurship—Prof. Erika B. Laconi stated her hope that these two awards can boost up all academia under IPB University to improve services further to escort academic inventions into value-added innovations.