The Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science and Technology Park (Dit. IPBKST) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) welcomed Ali Manshur, Assistant Deputy for Small Business Development and Digitalization at the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of the Republic of Indonesia, for a visit to review one of USU's flagship innovations, the Porous Block, an environmentally friendly construction material developed by Dr. Rahmi Karolina and her research team.

The visit was intended to observe firsthand the potential for developing and commercializing this environmentally friendly construction technology, which supports sustainable development. The Porous Block is an innovative construction material designed to absorb and allow water to infiltrate into the ground, helping to reduce surface water accumulation, improve rainwater infiltration, and contribute to the development of more sustainable urban environments.

During the visit, Ali Manshur held discussions with the inventor regarding the research and development process, technological advancement, commercialization opportunities, and strategies for implementing the innovation within the small business and industrial sectors. The discussion is expected to create opportunities for stronger collaboration between universities and the government in promoting the utilization of research outcomes as innovative products that generate added value for both society and industry.

Through this visit, the Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science and Technology Park (Dit. IPBKST) USU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the downstream commercialization of research, strengthening the university's innovation ecosystem, and expanding collaboration with various stakeholders to produce innovations that contribute to sustainable economic development and environmental sustainability.