Yogyakarta, 19 January 2026 — The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), welcomed the visit of Dr. Muhtadan, Head of the Intelligent Mechatronics Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The visit was conducted as part of a discussion on the preparation of a collaborative research proposal focusing on the application of intelligent mechatronics in agricultural and biosystems technologies. This discussion served as a follow-up to the initial collaboration exploration between the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and BRIN held at the Samaun Samadikun Area, Bandung.
Dr. Muhtadan was received by the Head of the Energy and Agricultural Machinery Laboratory, Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D. The discussion was also attended by several faculty members of DTPB FTP UGM, namely Dr. Radi, Sri Markumningsih, Ph.D., and Ardan Wiratmoko, M.Sc.
The meeting focused on exploring research collaboration opportunities and mapping strategic research topics with strong potential for joint development between DTPB FTP UGM and BRIN. One of the main agendas was the discussion of various research funding schemes that could be pursued to support the implementation of the proposed collaborative research.
During the discussion, Dr. Muhtadan emphasized that cross-institutional collaboration plays a crucial role in advancing intelligent mechatronics research with tangible impacts on the agricultural sector.
“From BRIN’s perspective, there are various research funding schemes that can be utilized to support this collaboration, both at the national and international levels. Through synergy with universities such as UGM, BRIN can strengthen the planning of research proposal submissions to be more competitive, well-directed, and aligned with the development needs of intelligent mechatronics technology in the agricultural and biosystems sectors,” said Dr. Muhtadan.
Various funding schemes were reviewed comprehensively, ranging from national research funding programs to international funding opportunities. This discussion is expected to serve as an initial step in formulating competitive research proposals that are relevant to the needs of agricultural technology development and aligned with national research and innovation policy directions.
Through this meeting, DTPB FTP UGM and BRIN aim to strengthen institutional synergy in the development of innovative and sustainable intelligent mechatronics. This research collaboration is expected to generate strategic research outputs that not only contribute to scientific advancement but also provide practical solutions to challenges in the agricultural and biosystems sectors in Indonesia.
