Tangerang Selatan. Research may begin in a laboratory, a researcher’s workspace, or an academic’s desk. But its true journey begins when discoveries move beyond academia, meet real-world needs, are developed through collaboration, and emerge as innovations that can benefit society.

This spirit is reflected in Universitas Terbuka (UT)’s Gelar Hasil Riset dan Inovasi Pendidikan Jarak Jauh (GALERI PJJ-UT), which showcased 50 research and innovation products while creating opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to expand their practical use.

Organized by the Center for Research and Innovation in Distance Education (PRIPJJ) under UT’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPM), GALERI PJJ-UT was held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

Under the theme “Beyond Innovation: Quality Research, Broader Impact,” the event brought together academics, researchers, government representatives, businesses and industry players, practitioners, schools and media through an exhibition, seminars, research discussions and product showcases.

Of the 50 exhibition booths, 20 featured UT researchers working to bring their research into practical applications. They participated alongside Jakarta Smart City, Andalas University, Padjadjaran University, Binus ASO School of Engineering and Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif.

Several partner institutions, including Gramedia Printing, ESDA, EICI and IFT, also took part. The diverse participation highlighted the importance of an ecosystem that allows research to move beyond academic findings and evolve according to real-world needs.

The collaboration extended to the industrial sector through the participation of PT Ezra Robotics Teknologi and PT Erlass Prokreatif Indonesia. Representatives from the secondary education sector included Kharisma Bangsa High School, SMK Telkom Jakarta, SMKN 2 South Tangerang, SMKN 8 South Tangerang, SMKN 2 Depok, SMK Bina Rahayu and SMK Al-Hasra.

Nusantara TV and iNews represented the media sector, further strengthening the event’s pentahelix approach, which brings together academia, business, government, communities and media within a single innovation ecosystem.

The theme of taking innovation beyond the research environment was further explored through a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The event also featured a talk show titled “Deep Innovation, Broad Impact,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Fatia Fatimah. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Eng. Yudi Darma, director of Science and Technology Dissemination and Utilization at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology; Dr. Andrieansjah, director of Patents, Integrated Circuit Layout Designs and Trade Secrets at the Ministry of Law; and Arifa Tan, founder of Indonesia Future Technology Group.

The focus on impact was translated into practice through the Showcase session, which presented products and best practices that have already been implemented and generated tangible benefits.

Moderated by Adhi Susilo, the session featured Arif Mushariadi, Indonesia lead at Pinball; Andre Surya, founder of ESDA–Enspire School of Digital Arts & Game Development; and Dr. Hasrianti, a lecturer at Universitas Terbuka.

For UT, strengthening the research ecosystem is part of the university’s broader role in producing innovations that are relevant to society.

UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto said the forum demonstrated how universities can serve as centers of innovation that not only produce highly qualified graduates but also generate practical breakthroughs for society.

He also encouraged UT employees, both at the university’s headquarters and regional offices, to continue contributing to the institution’s vision of building globally competitive higher education through research.

Research may begin on campus, but its benefits should not remain there.

Through GALERI PJJ-UT, Universitas Terbuka is connecting research findings with organizations and communities that can help develop and apply them. Ultimately, innovation does not end when research is completed or when a product is displayed at an exhibition. Its real journey begins when knowledge is put to use and creates an impact beyond the university.

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