IDA Day Full of Innovation with UPJ Students in Cologne, Germany
Bintaro, South Tangerang 01/10/2024 – Students from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) gained valuable experience in innovation and sustainability while participating in a series of activities in Cologne, Germany. This inspiring day began with a climate activism workshop led by Annika Benz, a Ph.D. student with in-depth knowledge of climate change.
During the session, students were encouraged to evaluate their personal roles in tackling global environmental challenges. “This workshop opened our eyes to the importance of individual contributions in combating climate change,” said Nurrin Rahmadani, participant from Department of Communication Science.
After the workshop, the students continued with a visit to "The Ship," an innovative workspace that is home to various leading startups in Germany. One standout startup was Urban Ray, a company focused on sustainable urban development through drone technology. Urban Ray is developing autonomous drones to deliver essential medical supplies, an innovation that is seen as a potential game-changer in future healthcare services.
Additionally, the students gained insights from Evolutiq, a Private Equity firm that prioritizes social impact in its investment strategies. Evolutiq's Impact Advisory division emphasized the importance of balancing financial returns with positive societal change. This approach is a concrete example of how investments can support sustainability and social responsibility.
The day in Cologne concluded with a visit to FOND OF, a company known for its ergonomic backpacks for children. Their innovation in design and commitment to quality has led them to expand into various other product categories.
This visit was a valuable moment for UPJ students to see firsthand how innovation and sustainability are applied in the real world. “This experience inspired us to think more creatively and contribute to creating solutions that have a positive impact on society,” concluded Zahra Amelia, Cologne Summer School participant from Department of Product Design.
