Building Resilient Startups, IPB University’s LKST Launches the PRIME STeP 2025 Program

The Science and Technology Park Agency (LKST) of IPB University continues its commitment to fostering innovative startups through the 2025 Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (PRIME STeP).

This year, 16 startups from various fields were selected. They successfully passed a rigorous selection process and are ready to continue the tradition of innovation-based entrepreneurship development.

The Chairman of LKST IPB University, Prof Erika B Laconi, explained that the PRIME STeP program is designed in stages, starting from incubation, pre-acceleration, to acceleration.

“Alhamdulillah, the startups selected this year are quite good and most of them already have a market. The PRIME STeP program is here to accelerate their growth so that they can become strong startups in the field,” she said.

She also reported that several startups participating in the 2024 program have moved up a level, showing significant progress in terms of both product and market.

Through PRIME STeP, startups mentored by IPB University receive comprehensive assistance, ranging from program development and budget planning to workshops on transparent and accountable financial management.

Additionally, startups participate in a series of coaching sessions covering marketing, business development, regulations, and tax obligations. One key focus is helping startups comply with regulatory standards, such as halal certification, distribution permits, and tax compliance.

“Startups must not only grow, but also comply with regulations. That way, they can make a real contribution through innovative products and proper tax compliance,” she explained.

The program continues with mentoring tailored to the needs of each startup. This process is clustered so that the guidance is more targeted. An evaluation is then conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for improvement.

This year, 2025, marks the third year of the PRIME STeP program, which is supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program is targeted to run until 2027 with the main mission of producing resilient and highly competitive startups from the IPB University environment.

“We hope that through PRIME STeP, outstanding startups will emerge that can make a positive impact on society while strengthening Indonesia’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem,” she concluded. (AS)(IAAS/HRD)