The visit was part of efforts to strengthen coordination and collaboration between the Ministry of MSMEs and the University of North Sumatra in supporting the development of an innovation-based entrepreneurial ecosystem. The meeting also served as an important opportunity to align strategic programs focused on strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, commercializing research outcomes, and enhancing the competitiveness of innovative products developed by the university community.

In a constructive discussion, both parties addressed various technical and substantive aspects related to the organization of the Leading Entrepreneurship Fair, ranging from the event’s concept and implementation mechanisms to strategies for encouraging active participation from students, faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. The Leading Entrepreneurship Fair is expected to serve not only as a showcase for innovative products but also as a collaborative space that brings together innovators with investors, the business community, the government, and various other stakeholders.

As a university with a strong commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the University of North Sumatra continues to strive to transform research outcomes into products and services that offer economic value. By strengthening the commercialization of research, the innovations generated by the academic community are expected to provide solutions to various societal challenges while creating new, sustainable business opportunities.

Through its entrepreneurial business ecosystem development program, the Ministry of MSMEs also continues to foster synergy with universities as centers for the development of science, technology, and innovation. Universities are seen as playing a strategic role in nurturing young entrepreneurs who are innovative, adaptable to technological advancements, and capable of producing products that are competitive at both the national and global levels. Therefore, collaboration between the government and higher education institutions is a crucial step in strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science and Technology Zones (Dit. IPBKST) at USU—as the unit coordinating innovation development and the commercialization of research outcomes—remains committed to delivering various programs that support the emergence of technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship. This commitment is realized through mentoring innovators, facilitating intellectual property protection, developing business incubation programs, expanding partnership networks with the government and industry, and providing collaborative spaces for the academic community to develop innovative potential into market-ready products.

The Leading Entrepreneurship Fair is expected to serve as a strategic platform for students, faculty, researchers, MSME operators, and industry partners to promote leading products, build business networks, and open up opportunities for collaboration in innovation and investment. In addition to showcasing research-based products that are ready for commercialization, this event is also expected to accelerate the process of technology commercialization, thereby having a broader impact on economic growth and improving public welfare.

Through coordination between the Ministry of MSMEs and the University of North Sumatra, it is hoped that the Leading Entrepreneurship Fair will run optimally and become a program that strengthens a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration. This synergy also reflects a shared commitment to creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem, fostering the emergence of technology-based entrepreneurs, and enhancing the contribution of universities in supporting inclusive and competitive national economic development.