In order to strengthen collaboration between Indonesian and German researchers in the area of applied research and commercialization of research DAAD and Fraunhofer jointly award The DAAD –Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award 2016 to a young Indonesian researcher in the field of chemical science and engineering. Down streaming of research has become a focus of Indonesian research policy. Since the 1990s, global innovation processes have changed continuously. Newly developed products and knowledge are successfully creating new markets and revenues. Moreover globalization and transnational research have increased substantially. Researchers reach out to colleagues in other countries to join forces. The leading technology enterprises increasingly tend to follow this strategy.
Eventually The DAAD – Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award will be mutually beneficial to both, Indonesia and Germany. The German host institution’s strengths will be complimented by the guest’s special expertise and research connections in Indonesia. For German scientists and researchers it is important to increase knowledge by exchanging ideas with their Indonesian partners. For Indonesian researchers and their scientific institutions it is important to learn how to develop marketable products. Fraunhofer will provide infrastructure and expertise in the field of technology transfer. Working together will promote joint development of internationally competitive products. Thus The DAAD – Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award – to be awarded for the seventh time this year – will help to increase the entrepreneurial potential of Indonesian researchers.
What subject areas are funded?
The DAAD – Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award 2016 focuses on Natural Sourced Polymers. The subject of the theme is the chemical modification of Indonesian
local biomaterials, such as CPO, PFAD, used-oil, bagasse, palm sugar, etc. to generate synthetic building blocks for polymers. Preferable by-products, waste and reused materials should be in the focus of this work. The main applications for the polymers should be coatings, printing inks and adhesives.
Why that theme is important for Indonesia and Germany:
The use of renewable materials as an alternative to crude oil is a priority topic in the High-Tech Strategy 2020 of the federal government of Germany. Indonesia has a large amount of renewable raw materials, e.g. palm oil, palm sugar, bagasse, etc. Until today Indonesia predominantly exports crude palm oil. However, Indonesia’s long-term strategy is to produce more value added products not only for her own market, but also for export. Germany is an importer of natural sourced polymers/prepolymers. On the long term this theme will further foster economic relations between Germany and Indonesia in the field of natural sourced polymers and sustainable use of natural resources.
What does the award entail?
The award winner will receive prize money and a 3 months scholarship for a research stay at one of the 67 Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany. The respective Fraunhofer Institute will provide scientific guidance and supervision in the candidate’s fields of interest. The monthly scholarship will be Euro 2.000. In addition, a travel allowance will be granted, and the awardee will receive Euro 3.000 prize money. After successful application Fraunhofer and DAAD will support the awardee in his/her efforts to develop marketable products from the research and help him/her establishing contacts with potential co-
operation partners in German companies which would be able to produce these products.
Who can apply? This program is open to candidates with Indonesian citizenship who hold a PhD.
Selection criteria:
Highly-qualified scientists (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering) who hold a Ph.D. and
– who are motivated to turn research into marketable goods and services
– who are actively networking with science and industry in Indonesia
– who are willing to co-operate with Fraunhofer, German academics and German companies in developing marketable goods and services
– who hold a strong conviction that their research has market potential
– who are fluent in English (spoken and written)
Applicants must submit the following documents:
1. DAAD Form, which can be downloaded from the following address:
http://www.daad.de/imperia/md/content/de/deutschland/formulare/forschungsaufenthalt_va-14.pdf
2. Letter of application
3. Curriculum vitae
4. Latest academic degree certificate (with English or German translation)
5. List of international publications
6. 5 page research proposal, to be structured as follows:
- Executive summary
- Market potential / feasibility study
- Research objectives
- State of the art in that area of research in Indonesia
- Expected contribution of Fraunhofer and German companies and research organizations
- Action plan / timetable, including business development
- Brief profile of Indonesian research institutions and companies involved
Please send 3 copies of all documents above to Kantor Urusan International UGM (Bulaksumur, F13) no later than 1th April 2016