Saintek Hub: A New Collaborative Space Ignites Innovation Spirit at FST UIN Jakarta
Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Online News – An open space with a modern design welcomes visitors on the ground floor of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) building at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. A large smart screen is mounted on the wall, collaborative tables are neatly arranged, and comfortable casual discussion corners are created. This is Saintek Hub, a newly inaugurated co-working space envisioned to be the heart of technological innovation at Indonesia's leading Islamic university.
Wednesday morning (April 16, 2025) marked a historic moment for the Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Jakarta. Saintek Hub was officially opened as a multifunctional collaborative space specifically designed to support the academic and innovation ecosystem. The inauguration, attended by high-ranking officials from the Telecommunication and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and UIN Jakarta's leadership, marked a new chapter in the development of campus innovation infrastructure.
During the inauguration, Vice Rector for General Administration, Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, M.A., expressed his hope: "Hopefully, Saintek Hub will be the birthplace of brilliant ideas and a space for technological innovation to grow for the young generation of UIN Jakarta." This simple yet profound hope reflects the grand vision to be realized through this hundreds-of-square-meter space on the ground floor of the FST building.
Saintek Hub is not just an ordinary co-working space. The concept it carries is a "mini technology incubator" that will accommodate various technological initiatives from FST students and lecturers. This space is designed as an ecosystem that allows cross-disciplinary collaboration, a place where informatics engineering students can discuss with biology students, or physics lecturers can share ideas with chemistry students.
Dean of FST, Husni Teja Sukmana, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that Saintek Hub is an answer to the need for a collaborative space that has long been felt by the faculty's academic community. "We see great potential in students and lecturers to produce innovations, but they are often hindered by the lack of space to collaborate and explore their ideas," he explained.
Upon entering Saintek Hub, visitors immediately feel a different atmosphere. An open and inspiring design is a hallmark of this space. High-speed internet access ensures no hindrance in accessing information or conducting online research. The installed smart screen allows presentations and discussions to run smoothly.
The collaborative workstations available do not use rigid partitions but are flexibly designed to be adaptable to needs. Small teams can sit face-to-face for brainstorming, or large groups can combine for inter-study program project discussions. Separate casual discussion areas offer an alternative, more relaxed atmosphere for informal conversations that often lead to breakthrough ideas.
The presence of Saintek Hub is inseparable from the support of the Telecommunication and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. BAKTI CEO Dr. Fadhilah Mathar, who attended the inauguration, affirmed her agency's commitment to supporting the development of the technology innovation ecosystem in higher education.
"This collaboration is part of BAKTI's efforts to accelerate digital transformation and encourage the emergence of technological talents from Indonesia's best campuses," she explained. BAKTI's support is not only in physical infrastructure but also a commitment to sustainable programs that will strengthen students' innovation capacity.
Vice Rector for Cooperation, Din Wahid, M.A., Ph.D., appreciated the positive partnership that has been built. "This cooperation with BAKTI Komdigi opens wider opportunities for students and lecturers to be involved in national-scale technology projects," he said. He hoped this partnership could continue to be strengthened through the implementation of other strategic programs.
Saintek Hub's ambition does not stop at providing workspace. Its long-term vision is to be the birthplace of technology startups originating from the campus. The incubation program to be run is designed to mentor students and lecturers who have technology-based business ideas.
"We want Saintek Hub to be a bridge between the academic world and industry. Research ideas will not just end up in journals or final assignments, but can be developed into real solutions beneficial to society," explained Husni Teja.
Planned programs include technology entrepreneurship training, mentoring from industry practitioners, and internal innovation competitions. Students with prototypes or technology concepts will receive guidance to develop them into market-ready products.
UIN Jakarta Rector, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A., Ph.D., gave his full support for the development of Saintek Hub. According to him, the existence of this space is in line with UIN Jakarta's vision as a world-class research university excelling in knowledge integration.
"Hopefully, spaces like this can continue to be added so that the creative ideas of lecturers, students, and other academic communities can be further encouraged," he hoped. This rectorate support provides a fresh impetus for the development of similar facilities in other faculties.
Future development plans for Saintek Hub include strategic programs such as regular technology seminars, workshops with industry practitioners, and networking activities with the startup ecosystem in Jakarta. Collaboration with various external parties will also continue to be promoted to expand networks and opportunities for students.
The presence of Saintek Hub signifies FST UIN Jakarta's serious commitment to building a sustainable innovation ecosystem. This space is not just physical infrastructure but also a catalyst for transforming the academic community's mindset from technology consumers to technology creators.
"We want to change the paradigm of students from merely learning theory to becoming practitioners capable of producing real innovations," emphasized Dean Husni Teja. This vision is in line with the demands of Industry 4.0, which requires graduates who are not only academically smart but also creative and innovative.
Dr. Sarah Amelia, an Informatics Engineering lecturer active in AI development, sees Saintek Hub as a game-changer in the learning process. "Students can now directly apply theories learned in class in the form of real projects. They can also collaborate with students from other disciplines to produce more comprehensive solutions," she explained.
With adequate infrastructure, strong institutional support, and high enthusiasm from the academic community, Saintek Hub has great potential to become a center for technological innovation within UIN Jakarta. Long-term plans include developing startup acceleration programs, collaboration with venture capital, and forming a strong alumni network.
"In the next three years, we aim for at least 10 startups to successfully incubate from Saintek Hub and be ready to compete in the market," Husni Teja optimistically stated. This is an ambitious yet realistic target given the potential and support available.
Saintek Hub is also expected to be a model that can be replicated in other faculties at UIN Jakarta, and even in other Islamic higher education institutions in Indonesia. The concept of integrating Islamic values with modern technology development is a unique aspect that can serve as a benchmark.
As evening approached, activity at Saintek Hub remained busy. Students were still engrossed in discussions, smart screens still displayed program codes, and the tapping sound of keyboards accompanied the timeless creative process. In this space, the future of Indonesian technology is being forged by a young generation that is not only intelligent but also character-driven.
Saintek Hub is more than just a co-working space. It is a symbol of the transformation of Indonesian Islamic higher education that not only produces religiously devout graduates but also those who are innovative and ready to face the challenges of the times. Here, brilliant ideas will be born, innovations will grow, and the future of Indonesian technology will be shaped.
