JAKARTA – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has put a spotlight on the advancements of technology and innovation at the 28th National Technology Awakening Day (Hakteknas). The Director of Innovation and University Excellence Center (DIPUU) at UPI, Dr. Yadi Ruyadi, M.Si., emphasized the university’s drive to convert research into tangible, commercialized products in collaboration with the industry.

While surveying the exhibition at Gelora Bung Karno’s Southeast Plaza, Dr. Ruyadi explained that the endgame of such commercialization not only contributes to the main performance indicators of UPI but also provides opportunities for students to secure industry jobs. This move aligns with the university’s strategic goals, primarily fostering a bridge between academia and industry.

“This bridge will further stimulate faculty involvement with the industry, potentially paving ways for industrial experts to serve as lecturers at UPI and vice versa,” Ruyadi expanded.

Additionally, this approach provides a fertile ground for students to execute their Community Service Learning Program (MBKM). Given the success of UPI’s participation in technology exhibitions such as Hakteknas, it seems that future participation will only grow stronger and more strategic under DIPUU’s guidance.

The exhibit showcased a rich tapestry of over 145 tried-and-true innovative products that address societal needs, including food, energy, health, and electric vehicles.

Dr. Ruyadi unveiled that for 2023, UPI particularly zoomed in on the theme of electric vehicles, given the university’s extensive research in this area. Notable products displayed at the exhibition included an Electric Bicycle made from Bamboo, a globally recognized Urban Car, a Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycle, and a new Electric Go-kart. These innovations, crafted by Sriyono, S.Pd., M.Pd., and his team, particularly involved students from the Faculty of Educational Technology and Vocational (FPTK) Mechanical Engineering Study Program.

He asserted, “Through the continuous downstream process, we hope to create a blueprint for birthing UPI’s innovative products.”

This noteworthy three-day event, orchestrated in collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), reiterates the pressing need for innovation in today’s ever-evolving technological landscape.