“Your Idea Matters”: How Polibatam Helps Student Ideas Reach the Industrial Market

BATAM — Politeknik Negeri Batam (Polibatam) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering student innovation through The 6th International PBL Expo 2026, held from August 31 to September 2, 2026. Carrying the theme “Your Idea Matters,” the event served as a platform for vocational students to develop ideas that go beyond academic projects and have the potential to become real solutions for society and industry.

This spirit was reflected in 12 Project-Based Learning (PBL) categories covering a wide range of student innovations, including the Internet of Things, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence, Networking & Cybersecurity, appropriate technology, design, entrepreneurship, and scientific papers. Through these categories, students were encouraged to create works that respond to real-world needs while also demonstrating potential for further development.

One of the key programs strengthening the connection between student projects and industry needs was the Industry–Student One-on-One Meeting. During these sessions, students met directly with industry representatives at each booth to present their projects, receive feedback based on industry requirements, and explore potential collaborations. These interactions opened opportunities for internships, joint research, product development, and downstream commercialization.

Projects showcased at PBL Expo 2026 were assessed using the Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate (CDIO) approach through five main indicators: functionality, visualization, creativity & innovation, implementation feasibility, and presentation. In addition to first- and second-place awards in each category, participants also had the opportunity to receive special recognitions such as Best Innovation to Industry, Best Partnership for Downstreaming, Best Commercial Impact, and Best Scalability.

Project Leader of International PBL Expo 2026, Fuad Arif Rahman, stated that the projects presented at the event reflected not only students’ technical capabilities, but also their creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills in addressing challenges relevant to industry. These competencies are essential in preparing vocational graduates to respond effectively to the evolving demands of the workplace.

Through International PBL Expo 2026, Polibatam encourages student ideas to move beyond the classroom. By connecting student projects directly with industry, communities, investors, and potential users, the event creates broader opportunities for development, implementation, and commercialization. The spirit of “Your Idea Matters” highlights the belief that an idea developed today can become an impactful solution in the future.

Greetings from Polibatam

#Polibatam #InternationalPBLExpo2026 #KampusPBL #PagelaranTeknovasi2026 #VokasiBerdampak #CDIO #VocationalEducation #StudentInnovation