Medan, July 30, 2026 – The Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science and Technology Park (Dit. IPBKST) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) conducted a working visit and a 2026 program socialization session at the Faculty of Engineering, USU.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T.; the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosdanelli Hasibuan, M.T.; the Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure, Ir. Muhammad Agung Putra Handana, S.T., M.T.; as well as representatives from Dit. IPBKST USU, including Prof. Dr. Apri Heri Iswanto, S.Hut., Secretary of the Directorate; Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., Innovation and Incubation Manager; Dr. Ir. Rahmi Meilina Sari, S.T., M.M.(T)., Sustainable Development and Science Technology Park Manager; and faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering.

The first presentation was delivered by Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., who introduced the downstream research grant scheme and provided guidance on preparing grant proposals supported by the Ministry. The session aimed to strengthen participants' understanding of proposal development, enabling research outcomes and innovations to progress toward broader practical applications and commercialization.

The second session, presented by Dr. Ir. Rahmi Meilina Sari, S.T., M.M.(T)., focused on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into institutional activities to support the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. The presentation emphasized the importance of aligning academic programs, research, community engagement, and supporting evidence with the SDG indicators used in the global ranking framework.

This initiative is closely aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by strengthening institutional capacity for research commercialization and innovation. It also supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic coordination between Dit. IPBKST USU and the Faculty of Engineering. Through this initiative, the Faculty of Engineering reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovation, strengthening institutional partnerships, and systematically documenting its contributions to sustainable development.