������Ƶ

ITB’s Vice Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Irwan Meilano, S.T., M.Sc, was one of the speakers in the session titled “Universities of Tomorrow: Catalyzing Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” On this occasion, Prof. Irwan emphasized the crucial role of higher education institutions not only as centers of education and research but also as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development. This vision aligns with ITB’s mission to become a world-class 4th Generation University—a leading and independent institution that pioneers transformative change for sustainable national development through the integration of education, research, community service, entrepreneurship, and multidisciplinary innovation.

“Universities must serve as centers of solutions, not merely centers of knowledge. Campuses should become ecosystems that nurture creativity, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and generate innovations that make a real impact on society,” he stated.

During the session, Prof. Irwan highlighted how ITB has successfully integrated a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship into its mission, curriculum, and institutional governance. ITB promotes the development of business incubators, startup accelerators, and technology transfer platforms that serve as bridges between campus research outcomes and industry needs—most notably through the ITB Innovation Park Bandung Technopolis located in the Summarecon area of Gedebage, Bandung.

In addition, ITB continues to expand interdisciplinary curricula that enable students to solve problems and create solutions from multiple perspectives. At the graduate level, ITB offers nine multidisciplinary master’s programs, responding to the growing complexity of real-world challenges.

Prof. Irwan also spoke about the innovation culture on campus that encourages both students and faculty to think creatively and seek tangible solutions. He emphasized the strengthening of a campus-based startup ecosystem to support the emergence of social and tech entrepreneurs, as well as the importance of collaboration among universities, industry, and government to build an integrated innovation system.

One impactful program highlighted was Desanesha, an application that bridges communication between village heads across Indonesia and ITB experts to collaboratively address local challenges faced in rural areas.

The forum served as a platform for universities in the Islamic world to share experiences and strategies in building campuses that make a real impact on society. It also provided space for discussion on the various challenges involved in achieving this vision.

Prof. Irwan reaffirmed ITB’s commitment to continuously develop an educational model that produces highly competitive graduates capable of offering solutions to global challenges. “Cross-sector collaboration is key to building a university that can generate real and sustainable innovation,” he stated.

ITB’s presence at the Vice Chancellors’ Forum 2025 further strengthens its position as an impact-driven university at the international level, while also representing Indonesia’s voice in advancing higher education transformation that is innovative and centered on community empowerment.

Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri