Hasanuddin University is strongly committed to supporting the development of local entrepreneurship as part of its efforts to empower communities and promote sustainable development. Through various initiatives, the university actively assists local communities in fostering financially and socially sustainable businesses. This commitment is realized through the provision of education and relevant resources, such as mentorship programs, entrepreneurship training, and the utilization of university facilities for local start-up entrepreneurs.

This commitment is reflected in the strategic role of the Directorate of Business and Technology Incubation and Science Techno Park (IBT-STP), which serves as a bridge between the university, industry, and business sectors to accelerate the downstreaming of research results and intellectual works through business and technology incubation services. Throughout 2024, IBT-STP has carried out various programs, including incubation, pilot plant development, product downstreaming, and the launch of innovative products created by Hasanuddin University’s academic community. Through the pitching battle program in March 2024, out of 30 start-ups, eight were selected: PT. Sitinaja Global Ekspor, ⁠(AIOF) Artificial Intelligence Organic Farming, Halo Jiwa Indonesia, SAFETYPEDIA, Djamoer Doeloe, ⁠Leafyco Soap, Bakso Reels, and ⁠Qindo-Cho. During the incubation period, participants received intensive mentoring from industry practitioners, entrepreneurship experts, and experienced academics, as well as access to laboratories, business networks, and broader markets.

In addition, IBT-STP collaborated with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia and selected 23 start-ups to participate in the Startup Capacity Building Program, which provided mentoring, training, and access to resources for start-ups in the fields of aquaculture, agriculture, green business, and technology. In 2024, a total of six Coaching Clinic sessions were conducted, including Coaching Clinics I–II on 1–2 August 2024, focusing on the Preparation of Cooperation Documents and the Legal Aspects of Business Establishment; Coaching Clinics III–IV on 8–9 August 2024, covering Product Distribution Permit Certification (BPOM and Halal) and Business Protection (Intellectual Property Rights); and Coaching Clinics V–VI on 15–16 August 2024, which discussed Budget Preparation, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculation, Taxation, and Consultations with Experts Based on Business Fields. Furthermore, one of the IBT-STP incubated start-ups, Agroyasa, was chosen to participate in the Startup Go Global Program at Queensland University of Tehchnology in Australia facilitated by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia.

IBT-STP also facilitated marketing and promotional activities through participation in exhibitions and Car Free Day events, helping start-ups expand their networks and enhance brand awareness. In collaboration with Save the Children Indonesia, IBT-STP also implemented the Circular Genius for Youth business incubation program at the Tamangapa landfill in Makassar, empowering local youth aged 18–24 to develop green businesses based on the circular economy, where waste is turned into valuable resources. As of August 2024, IBT-STP has successfully commercialized several of Hasanuddin University’s innovative products, demonstrating its vital role in expanding the reach and impact of research-based innovations to the wider market.

Apart from IBT-STP, the Directorate of Student Affairs of Hasanuddin University, through the Sub-Directorate of Student Achievement and Talent Development, also organized two series of Unhas Entrepreneur Camp (UEC) as part of the Student Entrepreneurship Program (PMW). UEC Part 1 in April 2024 focused on addressing challenges in business development, while UEC Part 2 in August 2024 emphasized business licensing and digital marketing to strengthen students’ capacity in building sustainable businesses.

In addition to institutional initiatives, Hasanuddin University students actively contribute to local entrepreneurship development through community engagement programs. One example is the Thematic Community Service Program (KKNT) 108 conducted by Post 8 in Bonto Manai Village, Labakkang District, Pangkep Regency. In this program, students provided business support materials and conducted logo design training to strengthen the identity and competitiveness of local products. This activity represents a concrete form of collaboration between students and the community in fostering an innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the spirit of business incubation promoted by Hasanuddin University. (QUT)