Surabaya – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) participated in the Indonesian Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry (KSTI) 2026, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, on November 10–13, 2026. Under the theme “Accelerating Economic Self-Reliance and Prosperity in Indonesia,” the forum brought together government representatives, universities, research institutions, and business and industry stakeholders to strengthen the application of research for national development.

ITK’s leadership delegation included Rector Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc.; Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Erma Suryani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs Ir. Khakim Ghozali, M.MT.; and Chair of the Academic Senate Andromeda Dwi Laksono, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.

ITK’s attendance reflected the university’s participation in discussions on the direction of national science, technology, and innovation development. The forum provided opportunities to exchange ideas on how research outcomes can address industry needs while delivering benefits to society.

The KSTI 2026 program included keynote speeches by leading experts, strategic discussions, research collaboration with industry, business matching and advisory clinics, expert panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing research products and innovations. These activities offered participants opportunities to explore technological developments, industry needs, and potential applications of research findings.

According to the event materials, KSTI 2026 highlighted eight priority sectors:

• Food sovereignty.
• Energy and water self-reliance.
• Health.
• Downstream processing and industrialization.
• Frontier technologies.
• Social sciences and humanities.
• Economics and business.
• Infrastructure, the environment, and disaster resilience.

These fields demonstrate the broad need for interdisciplinary collaboration in development. Technological advancement must be supported by an understanding of social needs, industry readiness, environmental sustainability, and economic benefits to ensure that research outcomes can be applied effectively.

For ITK, these discussions are relevant to its role as a technology-focused university in Kalimantan. The region’s needs in energy development, resource processing, infrastructure, and sustainable technology offer opportunities for contributions that connect education and research with practical needs.

Participation in KSTI 2026 also provided ITK with an opportunity to broaden its institutional understanding of innovation ecosystem development. Interactions among universities, government representatives, researchers, and industry stakeholders opened possibilities for exploring collaborations aligned with their respective expertise and needs.

Through this participation, ITK aims to strengthen the connection between research and development challenges in Kalimantan and Indonesia. Ideas and information from the forum can inform efforts to develop more relevant research, expand partnerships, and promote the application of innovation for public welfare.