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The Biotech Fair is an annual event that has been held since 2021. In the first two years, the event was conducted online. In 2023, the event was suspended due to an international course program. In 2024, the event was held in a hybrid format with limited guest lectures for SLST and ITB. Now, in 2025, the Biotech Fair returned with a larger scale and a more refined format.

The event was designed as an application of the three main focuses in the Biotechnology Study Program, namely health, agriculture, and industry, providing practical experience for students to strengthen their interdisciplinary understanding.

The main event consisted of talk shows and inspirational seminars featuring speakers from various companies. There was also on-site recruitment for several companies, including Sciencewerke, Cosmax, Vaksindo, and Verdant.

Previously, a pre-event titled “Series Talk” was held on May 15, 16, and 23, 2025, along with a CRISPR Cas9 workshop on May 22-23, 2025, at the SLST ITB Laboratory.

This workshop was conducted in collaboration with Sciencewerke and was attended by approximately 14 participants who received intensive training over two days on genome editing techniques using the homology-directed repair system. Participants were trained to edit genomes and confirm the results visually as well as through PCR and electrophoresis.

With the theme “BioRevolution: Transforming Tomorrow,” the Biotech Fair 2025 aimed to bridge the communication gap between the academic and industrial worlds. The event provided a platform for students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals to share information, establish collaborations, and understand each other's needs and challenges. For recent graduates with bachelor's or master's degrees, the event also offered a realistic glimpse into the biotechnology industry and available career opportunities.

The Head of the Biotechnology Program and Chair of the Biotech Fair, Karlia Meitha, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., stated, “Preparations for this event have been underway for two months, starting from the process of inviting speakers to the actual event. Biotechnology students have been actively involved in the entire preparation process, from coordinating with speakers to event logistics.”

In the session titled “Mythbusters: R&D in the Health Industry,” Khrisna Putera from Vaksindo debunked various myths commonly found in the world of research and development in the health industry. He highlighted how the R&D process in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries requires a strict scientific approach, multidisciplinary collaboration, and an understanding of dynamic regulations.

Paul Connelly and Rizki Awaludin from Verdant presented the significant potential of genomic data in oil palm development through the topic “Genomics Beyond the Field.” They explained how genomic variation analysis enables more precise, efficient, and adaptive plant breeding in response to climate change and industry demands.

In the session “BioInnovation in Action,” Christian Karol Saputra from Etana shared his experience in building real innovation in the biotechnology industry. He emphasized the importance of synergy between laboratory innovation and industrial application, from product formulation to production scale-up.

Indra Rudiansyah, a vaccine researcher from Biofarma, addressed the theme “Navigating the Biotech Industry: Science Meets Soft Skills.” He highlighted the importance of soft skills such as scientific communication, teamwork, and adaptability in facing the challenges of the rapidly changing biotechnology workplace.

The closing session was led by Asep Haekal from Grab with the topic “Build Your Career with Purpose.” He discussed how communication strategies, leadership, and personal vision play a crucial role in building a meaningful career.

Through the Biotechnology Fair, Meitha, Ph.D., hopes that research collaboration between industry and academia in Indonesia can become more connected and synergistic. “Support from various parties is needed to drive the development of biotechnology in the country. With increasing collaboration and attention to this field, biotechnology in Indonesia is expected to grow rapidly and make significant contributions to society,” she said.

Translator: Nafi'ah Rahni Nugrahanti (Civil Engineering Student, 2023).