Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The 2026 Research Results Expo of Politeknik Negeri Malang (Polinema) has just wrapped up at Graha Polinema, showcasing a vibrant array of campus innovations designed to tackle real-world industrial challenges and community needs.
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Najib Burhani, MA, Director General of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, expressed strong appreciation for the event. He described it as a vital bridge connecting academic research with the practical demands of society, industry, and government.
“Campuses must never become isolated ‘ivory towers’ detached from real-life problems. Through exhibitions like this, the innovations developed by academics can directly address needs across various sectors,” Najib said on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
He highlighted the diverse range of innovations on display, spanning support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), energy solutions, electrical systems, and more. According to Najib, these breakthroughs offer valuable input for stakeholders and hold strong potential for wider development through industry collaboration.
“Research conducted by universities should be closely tied to actual societal needs. This is exactly what’s required today and can be further scaled through partnerships with industry,” he added.
Najib emphasized that higher education institutions possess valuable scientific resources and expertise that can empower businesses—especially MSMEs. Universities, he said, play a crucial role in driving innovation and business growth through applicable research. The showcased studies could also serve as important references for local governments in shaping policies and development plans.
“Universities are strategic partners for the government in delivering research-based solutions to various development challenges,” he noted.
He further pointed out that the expo aligns with the government’s push for “kampus berdampak” or impactful campuses. This concept goes beyond academic achievements to create real social and economic benefits for society, while still maintaining strong academic foundations for sustainable impact.
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Meanwhile, Polinema Director Ir. Supriatna Adhisuwignjo, ST, MT, explained that all research at the institution is deliberately oriented toward solving actual community problems. This ensures the resulting solutions can be immediately adopted by partners who need them.
“Every study at Polinema is required to involve partners from the very beginning. This approach ensures research doesn’t stop at scientific publications but delivers real social and economic impact,” he said.
Beyond community benefits, the research findings are also integrated into the campus learning process. Latest discoveries enrich teaching materials, project-based learning methods, and case studies, giving students relevant, up-to-date experiences that match current technological developments and societal needs.
“Through the synergy of research, education, and community service, we create a sustainable cycle that produces high-quality Polinema graduates,” Supriatna added.
At the expo, Polinema not only displayed research products but also highlighted their real-world applications with MSME partners. These included innovative products, equipment grants, marketing methods, and administrative and business management assistance.
“What we’re showcasing isn’t just research outputs. We’re also presenting the entire support process—from production improvements and marketing to equipment grants and ongoing mentoring for our partners,” Supriatna concluded. (bas/mzm)
