Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is participating in the 2026 North Sumatra Leading Entrepreneurship Fair, organized as a strategic initiative to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster the growth of outstanding, innovative entrepreneurs who make a positive impact on society.

The event, held on August 20, 2026, was attended by various stakeholders from government, higher education, the business sector, financial institutions, and the community. Guided by the spirit of “Dare to Start, Grow, and Make an Impact,” this event served as a platform to expand networks, open up opportunities for collaboration, and foster the development of entrepreneurship in North Sumatra.

The series of events began with a welcome address by the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of the role of higher education institutions in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem through education, research, innovation, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

The event then continued with a discussion on the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), presented by Prof. Dr. Ir. Amarulla Octavian, S.T., M.Sc., DESD., ASEAN Eng. This discussion played a key role in deepening understanding of the role of research and innovation in supporting the development of entrepreneurship and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Next, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution also delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of synergy and collaboration in fostering entrepreneurial growth in North Sumatra. Strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem is expected to open up even more opportunities for the community to start, develop, and scale up their businesses.

The series of events continued with opening remarks by Maman Abdurrahman, Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia, which also marked the start of the 2026 North Sumatra Leading Entrepreneurship Fair. This event is part of efforts to drive economic growth by strengthening the MSME sector and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.

One of the key items on the agenda for this event was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia and Mercy Corps Indonesia. This cooperation represents a strategic step toward strengthening collaboration to support the development and empowerment of MSME actors, particularly in enhancing their capacity, access, and business development opportunities.

In addition, the event also included a mass signing ceremony for the People’s Business Credit (KUR) program as a form of support for expanding access to financing for business owners. This financing initiative is expected to help MSME owners gain easier access to capital so they can grow their businesses, increase productivity, and create jobs.

Through the 2026 North Sumatra Leading Entrepreneurship Exchange, USU continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the strengthening of the entrepreneurship, research, and innovation ecosystem. Collaboration among the government, universities, the business community, financial institutions, and the public serves as a vital foundation for fostering resilient, innovative, and competitive entrepreneurs.

Guided by the motto “Dare to Start, Grow, and Make an Impact,” this initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for the emergence of more leading entrepreneurs in North Sumatra while making a tangible contribution to economic growth and sustainable development.