Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Sp.PD-KEMD, Ph.D., conveyed the importance of sustainable innovation in the health sector. “Collaboration between academics and industry is the forerunner of open innovation today. This encourages medical students and researchers in Indonesia to express their creative ideas in the field of health services. Whether we realize it or not, many of us have felt the various positive impacts of the open innovation approach,” he said while attending The 8th Open Innovation at Universitas Indonesia on October 4-5, 2024.
The annual event initiated by the Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI) Faculty of Medicine (FK) UI carries the theme “Sustainable Future Convergence of Medicine Technology and Green Solutions for a Better Life,” presenting various experts from the academic world, industry, and government. IMERI is committed to encouraging the development of medical solutions that are not only clinically effective, but also environmentally friendly.
In a series of panel discussions, this event presented Prof. Buzz Palmer from the University of Melbourne, Ahmad Gamal from Universitas Indonesia, and Roy Himawan from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The speakers shared their perspectives in a session themed “Transforming Ideas Into a Market-Ready Product,” which explored how innovative ideas can be developed into market-ready products.
In another session, several innovators shared their success stories in developing medical innovations. One of them was dr. Sari Khairunnisa from Paragon Corp, who shared her experience on the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in realizing innovative and sustainable health technology.
In addition, this event also became a competition for students, university students, and young innovators in Indonesia to present their ideas in five main categories: Healthy Aging and Aesthetics, Drug Discovery and Development, Medical Devices and Media Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Telehealth, and Safe Drinking Water for Health Investment. This competition provided an opportunity for participants to compete in a Pitching Battle and receive direct guidance from experts in their fields.
Prof. Dr. dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, SpPD-KGEH, MMB, Dean of FKUI, expressed his appreciation for this event and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration. “Amid today’s global challenges, we need to create a platform that supports breakthroughs in medical science, but still cares about our environment. Let’s inspire each other to create a healthy and equitable future,” he said.
IMERI hopes that through The 8th Open Innovation, collaboration between academics, industry, and the community can produce innovative and sustainable health solutions. It is hoped that this event can inspire the birth of young innovators who are able to present solutions to various health challenges faced by the nation.
