Universitas Andalas Showcased Research-Based Cosmetic Innovations at ICI Expo 2026 in Jakarta

Jakarta, May 2026 — Universitas Andalas participated in the Indonesia Cosmetic Ingredients (ICI) Expo 2026 at the Jakarta International Expo, Pademangan, North Jakarta, as part of its strategic efforts to promote research-based innovation, strengthen university-industry collaboration, and accelerate the downstreaming of research products in the cosmetic, natural ingredients, and pharmaceutical sectors.

The delegation from Universitas Andalas consisted of Dr. Kiki Yulianto, S.T.P., M.P., Rio Fernanda Pane, and Fachrur Rozi from the Directorate of Partnership and Innovation of Universitas Andalas. Universitas Andalas participation in the expo served as an important platform to introduce the university’s research outputs and innovative products to industry players, academics, researchers, and the wider public. The activity also aimed to expand strategic networks with companies, institutions, and stakeholders involved in the development of cosmetic ingredients, natural-based products, and pharmaceutical innovation.

During the expo, Universitas Andalas presented its research and innovation products at its exhibition booth, which attracted strong attention and enthusiasm from visitors. The booth became a space for direct interaction between the university team and expo participants, allowing discussions on product development, market needs, commercialization opportunities, and potential improvements for future innovation.

One of the key highlights of Universitas Andalas’ participation was the opportunity to deliver a presentation on innovation products based on gandasuli. The presentation was attended by academics, researchers, and cosmetic industry representatives, and received positive responses from participants. It also generated constructive feedback to support product refinement, commercialization potential, and the competitiveness of the university’s research-based products.

Visitors, particularly from the cosmetic industry, showed interest in the products displayed by Universitas Andalas. The strongest attention came from stakeholders focusing on the development of products based on natural ingredients, herbal resources, and Indonesia’s local biodiversity. This response highlighted the growing relevance of Universitas Andalas’ research to current industry trends and market demand.

In addition to participating in the exhibition, the Universitas Andalas team also conducted visits and discussions with several exhibitors to explore potential cooperation. These discussions covered opportunities for product development, joint research, student internships, MBKM implementation, alumni recruitment, and other collaborative programs between Universitas Andalas and industry partners.

Vice Rector IV of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Dr. Henmaidi, said that Universitas Andalas’ participation in ICI Expo 2026 reflected the university’s commitment to strengthening research downstreaming and expanding collaboration with industry.

“Universitas Andalas continues to encourage research products to move beyond the laboratory and reach the industrial ecosystem. Participation in ICI Expo 2026 was an important step to introduce our innovation potential, especially in natural-based cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceutical-related products, to relevant industry stakeholders,” Prof. Henmaidi said.

He added that the expo also strengthened the university’s contribution to sustainable development, particularly through innovation, partnership, and industry-based learning.

“This activity was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals. Through industry engagement, research collaboration, internships, MBKM implementation, and alumni recruitment opportunities, Universitas Andalas can create broader impact for students, researchers, and society,” he added.

The Director of Partnership and Innovation of Universitas Andalas, Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky, stated that ICI Expo 2026 provided a strategic opportunity for the university to strengthen the link between research, innovation, and industry demand.

“Universitas Andalas’ participation in ICI Expo 2026 was part of our broader effort to ensure that research outcomes can be introduced, tested, and connected with the needs of industry. The cosmetic and natural ingredients sectors offer significant opportunities for collaboration, especially because Indonesia has rich biodiversity and strong potential for natural-based product development,” Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky said.

He emphasized that the Directorate of Partnership and Innovation would continue to support researchers in building partnerships that lead to real impact.

“Our role is to connect academic excellence with external opportunities. Through this expo, we identified potential cooperation in product development, joint research, research downstreaming, student internships, MBKM implementation, and alumni recruitment. These areas are essential for strengthening the university’s contribution to industry, society, and sustainable development,” he added.

Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky further noted that the participation also supported Universitas Andalas’ institutional transformation agenda.

“Research downstreaming is not only about producing prototypes. It is about creating pathways so that university innovation can reach users, industries, and communities. ICI Expo 2026 gave Universitas Andalas valuable exposure, market feedback, and networking opportunities to advance this mission,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kiki Yulianto, who was part of the Universitas Andalas delegation, said the expo provided direct experience in understanding industry expectations and identifying practical collaboration opportunities.

“ICI Expo 2026 allowed Universitas Andalas to meet directly with industry players, exhibitors, researchers, and institutions working in the cosmetic and natural ingredients sectors. Through these interactions, we gained important insights into product requirements, market trends, regulatory expectations, and potential collaboration models,” Dr. Kiki Yulianto said.

According to him, the event also opened pathways for more practical cooperation between the university and industry.

“We explored several potential collaborations, including product development, joint research, student internships, MBKM implementation, alumni recruitment, and other industry-linked programs. These opportunities are important to ensure that research at Universitas Andalas is not only academically strong, but also relevant to market needs and industrial development,” he added.

Dr. Kiki Yulianto also emphasized that the response from expo visitors was encouraging and showed the potential of Universitas Andalas’ research products to be further developed.

“The Universitas Andalas booth received positive attention from visitors, especially those interested in natural, herbal, and locally sourced cosmetic ingredients. The presentation on gandasuli-based innovation also received constructive feedback, which will be useful for improving product quality, strengthening commercialization readiness, and increasing competitiveness,” he explained.

He further noted that the experience gained from ICI Expo 2026 would support future research direction and curriculum development.

“The insights obtained from this expo will help Universitas Andalas strengthen applied research, develop innovation based on Indonesia’s biodiversity, and align curriculum development with industry needs. This is important for preparing graduates who understand not only science and technology, but also market dynamics and industrial challenges,” Dr. Kiki Yulianto said.

Universitas Andalas’ participation in ICI Expo 2026 further strengthened the university’s visibility and institutional image as a higher education institution committed to applied research, product innovation, and research downstreaming that responds to the needs of the national cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Through this activity, Universitas Andalas also gained valuable insights into current trends in the cosmetic industry, market needs, and opportunities for developing products based on natural ingredients. These insights are expected to support the strengthening of research, innovation, and industry-based curriculum development in the future.

By joining ICI Expo 2026, Universitas Andalas reaffirmed its commitment to transforming research into impactful innovation, expanding cooperation with industry, and strengthening the role of higher education in supporting national industrial competitiveness based on local resources, scientific excellence, and sustainable development.