Budi Rahardjo is a lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), as well as a technopreneur with a portfolio of technology companies, including Riset AI, which focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support Indonesia’s digital economy transition. Riset AI’s products, such as computer vision systems and automated vehicle detection, reflect his contribution to advancing AI technology in today’s digital era. Prior to founding Riset AI, Budi established several other companies and invested in startups, demonstrating his extensive involvement in the technology ecosystem. In addition, as a writer, researcher, public speaker, and information security consultant, he provides valuable insights into the role of AI in transforming learning and fostering quality education in the digital age.

Prof. Dr. Elfahmi is a Professor at the School of Pharmacy and the Director of Research and Innovation at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). He founded EBM Scitech from his award-winning research on medicinal plants recognized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. Established to bridge academia and industry, the company has grown from a research initiative into a multidisciplinary enterprise offering R&D, consulting, and laboratory services for industries, SMEs, governments, and academic partners. Positioned as a collaborative innovation ecosystem, EBM Scitech co-creates scientifically rigorous and commercially viable solutions, particularly in natural and herbal products. By 2024, annual revenue reached nearly IDR 2.5 billion, reflecting steady growth and expanding partnerships. Beyond financial performance, its work in validated herbal products, pre-clinical studies, and certified reference materials enhances the credibility of Indonesia’s pharmaceutical sector, safeguards product quality, and advances the country’s competitiveness in herbal medicine and biotechnology.

Bell Living Lab | ITB
PT. Kurva Lonceng Khatulistiwa

Bell Living Lab is an Indonesian biomaterial startup founded in 2020, born from ITB research that transformed coffee waste into sustainable alternatives to plastics and leather. Using a patented bioweaving process, the company produces M-Tex®, a PETA-approved vegan leather, along with C-Foam and Kalpa Panels, offering biodegradable solutions that reduce pollution and resource use. Operating facilities in Bandung, Malinau, and Anyer, Bell Living Lab scaled from processing 500 kg of coffee waste monthly in 2020 to 26.5 tons in 2022, expanding into international markets across Asia-Pacific. Its inclusive model empowers local farmers with fair-trade sourcing and 10% higher incomes, while training ensures sustainable practices. Financially, revenues are projected to reach IDR 3.1 billion by 2025, supported by fourfold production growth and major efficiency gains. Recognized for sustainability and innovation, the company is pursuing USDA Biopreferred and B-Corp certifications, cementing its role as a leader in circular, community-driven biomaterials.

Algatek | ITB
PT Algatek Karbon Nusantara

Algatek is an Indonesian sustainability startup specializing in algae and plankton biotechnology combined with IoT to deliver innovative carbon capture solutions. Founded by a team of Bandung Institute of Technology experts, Algatek leverages native algae species to develop photobioreactors and bio-based derivatives, such as biosilica, biofertilizers, and bio-oils, for applications in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental services including air pollution control, land bioremediation, and wastewater treatment. Aligning with Indonesia’s net-zero 2060 target and global climate goals, the company integrates R&D, patents, and government-backed carbon market participation, achieving rapid growth with revenues surging over 1700% in 2025.