Going further into the second week of INCiTE (Intercultural Competence, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship) Summer School 2026, the participants had the opportunity to expose themselves to Indonesia’s diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem through a series of industry visits across Yogyakarta.
Spread across 10-17 July 2026, the participants visited six curated destinations representing different sectors of industry: from biotechnology and creative manufacturing to sustainable agriculture, circular economy initiatives, and traditional craftsmanship. It allows the participants to observe how local enterprises address contemporary challenges through innovation while preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
One of the highlights was a visit to Bambu Nusa Verde (BNV), a biotechnology company specializing in the micropropagation of bamboo species. Participants learned how scientific research and biotechnology are applied to develop sustainable bamboo cultivation for industrial and ornamental purposes. The visit demonstrated how innovation in plant biotechnology can contribute to environmental conservation while creating new economic opportunities through renewable natural resources.
The program also introduced participants to Dowa Bag Factory, one of Yogyakarta’s internationally recognized fashion brands. Starting as a small home-based enterprise, Dowa has grown into a successful global business while preserving traditional hand-knitting and crocheting techniques. Through discussions with the company’s team, participants explored how creativity, craftsmanship, and artisan empowerment have become key drivers of sustainable business growth in Indonesia’s creative economy.
At Bakpia Mutiara Factory, participants discovered how one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic culinary products has evolved from a traditional family recipe into a modern food enterprise. Beyond observing the production process, students experienced making bakpia themselves, gaining practical insights into product development, quality control, and the importance of preserving local culinary heritage while adapting to contemporary markets.
Sustainability became the central theme during visit to Jejamuran Agrotourism. At Jejamuran, participants explored an integrated farm-to-table business model where fresh mushrooms are cultivated, processed, and served as innovative culinary products. The visit highlighted how sustainable agriculture can create value through environmentally responsible food production and agritourism.
The final day of the industry visit brought participants to Nangsib Keramik Kasongan and Jogja Life Cycle. Located within the renowned Kasongan pottery village, Nagsib Keramik Kasongan brought participants to observe every stage of ceramic production, from shaping clay and firing to finishing handcrafted products. They also took part in hands-on pottery workshops guided by local artisans. The experience illustrated how traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of cultural heritage that has supported local livelihoods for generations.
Meanwhile, Jogja Life Cycle introduced participants to community-based initiatives promoting circular economy practices through waste reduction, recycling, composting, and environmental education. Interactive activities encouraged participants to reflect on responsible consumption and the role of communities in advancing environmental sustainability.
More than introducing participants to successful local enterprises, the industry visits encouraged them to examine how entrepreneurship can generate social, economic, and environmental impact. By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, artisans, researchers, and community leaders, participants gained valuable perspectives on innovation rooted in local wisdom and sustainable practices.
The knowledge and inspiration gained from these experiences will serve as an important foundation for the participants as they work in multicultural teams to develop innovative project ideas for the INCiTE Project Fair. Through this combination of academic learning and experiential fieldwork, the INCiTE Summer School continues to equip future global leaders with the entrepreneurial mindset, intercultural competence, and collaborative skills needed to address increasingly complex global challenges.
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