UNAIR NEWS – Three startups mentored by Airlangga Startup and Innovation Incubator (ATAVI), PASINBIS, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) succeeded in reaching the final round of World Startup Championship 2026. This international competition was held from August 20-23, 2026, at Expo Centre Lahore, Pakistan.
UNAIR’s delegations consisted of three main teams. First, Vet Talk which operates in the animal health sector and information technology initiated by an alumnus of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rama Arge Frismana. Second, Mulia Samudra which operates in the aquaculture and maritime sector, a project of an alumnus of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Vito Reyner Adriananda. Third, Bangga EV Charging Station in the sector of electrical vehicles and green energy which was developed by a lecturer from Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Agus Mukhlisin.
Achieving the status of finalists in this competition was a remarkable achievement. World Startup Championship 2026 is the highlight of SEE Pakistan 2026 which selected more than 4,000 startups from 300 universities across various cities. The fact that the UNAIR delegation was qualified to present their business model in front of the international judges has proved that the innovations of UNAIRS academic community are capable of meeting the global standard.
Beside participating in the competition, the finalists also showcased their products to the public. The three UNAIR’S delegates is taking full advantage from this business showcase and networking session to interact directly with international startup ecosystem stakeholders, potential investors, and delegations from several member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Through this session, there are many opportunities for business exploration and market expansion to South Asia.
Achieving global recognition
Vice Rector for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Business Development UNAIR, Prof Dr Koko Srimulyo Drs MSi, also gave a high appreciation for the achievements of the delegations. He noted that the achievements of university-incubated startups on the international stage are very much in line with the university’s grand vision.
“We are very proud to see the work of UNAIR’s academic community receiving global recognition. Their presence in Lahore not only brings honor to the institution but also paves the way for university’s innovations to compete on a broader scale. The university will always fully support strategic initiatives like this,” he emphasized.
Following up on this, the Chair of Startup Business Development and Incubation Agency UNAIR, Prof Dr Muhammad Nafik Hadi Ryandono, viewed this achievement as a real proof of the quality of UNAIR’s innovations. “The success in reaching the final stage and competing against startups from dozens of countries is proof that UNAIR’s innovations are relevant with the needs of the global market. This experience in Lahore serves as an important foundation and proof that our entrepreneurial ecosystem is able to create real solutions,” said Prof Ryandono.
Opportunities for collaboration and networking
On the other hand, the Coordinator of UNAIR Business Incubator, Ahmad Fadlur Rahman Bayuny, added that the main value from international competition is not merely about trophies and championship titles, but also the opportunities to collaborate and networking that has been successfully built.
“Even though we have not yet won the first prize, the finalist title has successfully attracted many investors and expanded our global business network. This is a truly remarkable achievement. We have now documented all of the business contact and potential strategic partnerships from Lahore and will follow them up intensively through our incubator mentoring program,” he said.
This participation on a global-level forum will be encouraged continuously by ATAVI UNAIR as a strategic step toward connecting the university’s academic excellence with a broader industrial ecosystem.
Author: PASINBIS UNAIR
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
