Cyprus Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Demetris Skourides, accompanied by the Ambassador of Cyprus to Indonesia, Nikos Panagiotou, held a series of high-level meetings in Jakarta. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in research and innovation, an official press release confirmed.

Skourides and Panagiotou met with several prominent figures, including:

• Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, Chairman of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

• Daniel Tumewu, CEO and Co-founder of HI Incubator.

• Dr. Ilham A. Habibie, Chief Executive of the National ICT Council.

• Shinta Danuwardoyo, Head of the Permanent Committee for Digital Business and Startups Development at KADIN.

Dr. Handoko welcomed the Cypriot delegation to BRIN Headquarters, where Skourides presented Cyprus’ thriving research and innovation ecosystem. Highlighting Cyprus’ recognition as a strong innovator on the European Innovation Scoreboard and its 27th ranking on the Global Innovation Index, Skourides emphasized the nation’s commitment to enhancing research excellence.

Skourides detailed Cyprus’ National Research and Innovation Strategy for 2024–2026, which prioritizes key areas such as digital technologies, energy, climate change, agrifood, maritime, health, and space.

Dr. Handoko reciprocated by outlining Indonesia’s robust innovation ecosystem, comprising 12 research organizations and 87 research centers. The two leaders exchanged best practices and agreed to explore further cooperation, with Skourides noting the potential of joint research to benefit both nations.

Skourides highlighted Indonesia’s ambition to become a top-three global producer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries by 2027, calling for energy-focused partnerships. “Collaborating with Indonesian researchers from an industrial perspective can lead to innovations in energy technology and green energy solutions,” he stated.

In health research, Skourides proposed leveraging Cyprus’ strengths in medical and biotech R&D, facilitated by institutions like the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cypriot pharmaceutical companies. Joint projects with Indonesia’s extensive pharmaceutical industry could accelerate innovation cycles and bridge the gap from lab to market.

During their visit to HI Incubator, CEO Daniel Tumewu expressed interest in Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem. Skourides elaborated on the evolution of innovation ecosystems, emphasizing the "4Es" of success: research excellence, infrastructure excellence, commercialization excellence, and innovation excellence.

He proposed that startups should have opportunities to test their products across distinct markets simultaneously, facilitating faster development and reducing risk. Such synergies could enhance market size and accelerate the commercialization process.

In meetings with Ilham Habibie and Shinta Danuwardoyo, Skourides introduced Cyprus’ Vision 2035 and discussed startup ecosystem opportunities in shiptech, agrotech, and healthtech. Both sides agreed to continue discussions in the first quarter of 2025.

“This series of strategic meetings marks a significant milestone in Cyprus’ efforts to enhance its research and innovation landscape,” the press release stated. By partnering with Indonesia, Cyprus aims to leverage shared expertise and resources to accelerate the development of innovative solutions that benefit both societies.