BANDUNG – Universitas Widyatama’s Academic Corporate Innovation (INKOPA) made a move with the “Expo INKOPA Utama” event at the campus Multipurpose Building (GSG) on Monday, June 16, 2025. With the theme “Advancing Collaboration, Innovation, and Globalization,” this event served as a main stage for students, business incubator tenants, and assisted MSMEs. Furthermore, this activity was a direct implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), which aims to transform research results into real solutions for the community and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the city of Bandung.
The Realization of an Kampus Merdeka
More than just an exhibition, the INKOPA Expo is a manifestation of the “Kampus Merdeka” vision that was mandated by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. Through INKOPA, Widyatama University strives to be more than just an ivory tower. Instead, the campus wants to make a real impact by translating research into useful products and creating new entrepreneurs from among its students.
Prof. Dr. Keni Kaniawati, S.E., M.Si., as the Head of INKOPA (left) poses for a photo with Ir. H. M. Shobirin F. Hamid, AT., SE., MM., Deputy Chair of KADIN Bandung City (right) at the Inkopa Expo 2025 event.
Prof. Dr. Keni Kaniawati, S.E., M.Si., as Head of the INKOPA Bureau, emphasized that this event is the peak of various ongoing programs. “This Kampus Merdeka is not just a slogan, but the implementation of the three pillars of higher education. The results of our research are manifested in products, such as earthquake detectors and water purifiers from the engineering faculty, to innovative technology-based products resulting from Kedaireka grants,” she explained.
Full support also came from the university leadership. Dr. Didit Damur Rochman, S.T., M.T., Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, Innovation, and Cooperation, added, “We cannot just rely on our graduates to become workers. In line with our tagline ‘Friendly Campus For Future Business Pro’, graduates are encouraged to become skilled entrepreneurs. This event is one of our efforts to achieve that and make a real impact on society by creating new SMEs.”
Pentahelix Collaboration that Drives Innovation
The success of the INKOPA Expo cannot be separated from the pentahelix collaboration model that involves academics, business actors, communities, government, and the media. This synergy is strongly supported by the presence of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Bandung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and Rumah BUMN Bandung as key strategic partners. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive assistance to MSMEs.
BRIN ‘s representative, Driszal Fryantoni, M.Eng.Sc., explained the form of cooperation that has been established. “We have signed a cooperation agreement for the assistance of MSMEs under INKOPA. In the future, we will be more intensive in helping to solve problems and optimize their production processes by utilizing technology and research results that are available at BRIN,” said Driszal.
On the other hand, Ir. H. M. Shobirin F. Hamid, AT., SE., MM., Deputy Chair of KADIN Bandung City, welcomed this initiative and opened the door wide for students and young MSMEs. “KADIN is the right place for students who want to become professional entrepreneurs. We are ready to assist them through various training programs so that they can move up the ladder,” he said.
From Research to Economically Valuable Products
Inkopa tenants who received kiosk grants at the Inkopa Expo 2025 event
The exhibition stage at Universitas Widyatama’s GSG is concrete proof of how academic research can be transformed into valuable innovation. Various technology-based creative products were exhibited, ranging from water detectors and water purifiers to earthquake detection systems developed by the Faculty of Engineering. These works show that research outputs do not only appear in journals or books, but also become products that are ready for use by the society.
In addition, the main spotlight was on innovative products born from competitive grants such as Kedaireka. An example is shoes that are not only superior in terms of design, but also in terms of materials and production processes that are environmentally friendly. Similarly, “Fashion Bandung Belong To Us” won a grant due to the new concept and business process, proving that innovation is the key to success in a competitive market.
Radinal Pramudha Sirat, S.E., CEO of Rumah BUMN Bandung, sees great potential in this event to inspire the younger generation. “We are presenting our MSMEs to share experiences and inspire students to take an interest in the business world. They can learn and collaborate with us through the Basecamp Millennials program,”.
Hopes for Sustainable Innovation
The first INKOPA Expo is expected to spark similar, larger, and more sustainable events in the future. Dr. R. Wedi Rusmawan Kusumah, S.E., M.Si., Ak., C.A., Vice Rector for Human Resources, Finance, Planning, and Governance, expressed his optimism. “This event serves as a trigger for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable globalization. We hope that the INKOPA Expo will truly benefit us all,” he concluded.
With a strong spirit of collaboration, Widyatama University, through INKOPA, is committed to continuing to stimulate students and MSMEs to produce works that are always creative, innovative, and relevant to the times, as well as to strengthen its position as a campus that has a holistic and comprehensive impact.
