PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) and the Indonesia Agrichemical Research Institute (IARI) once again encourage the creation of various innovations to support increased agricultural production through the FertInnovation Challenge 2025 program.

President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi, stated that Pupuk Indonesia recognizes the importance of continuously promoting innovation and sustainable collaboration with various stakeholders. This program is open to young talents, researchers, startups, and professionals to develop innovations that address new challenges in Indonesia’s fertilizer and agricultural industries.

“The government has set a target of achieving food self-sufficiency and making Indonesia a global food hub. Therefore, Pupuk Indonesia provides wide opportunities for young talents, researchers, startups, and professionals to contribute to achieving this target through research and technology ideas in the agriculture and food sectors,” said Rahmad in Jakarta, Thursday (October 9, 2025).

Rahmad further explained that food self-sufficiency has become a government priority agenda in 2025. This is reflected in the increased budget allocation and the preparation of the National Food Plan 2025–2029. The government is also strengthening interventions through programs such as new farmland development and expansion of planting areas to support domestic food production. The FertInnovation Challenge 2025 program aligns with these efforts, serving as an innovation platform to generate ideas that enhance production, efficiency, and sustainability within the national food system.

“I hope the FertInnovation Challenge 2025, in collaboration with the Indonesia Agrichemical Research Institute, will not only serve as an idea competition but also evolve into a sustainable innovation ecosystem that drives efficiency, strengthens competitiveness, and maintains our collective relevance in facing global dynamics. Through FertInnovation Challenge 2025, we ensure that innovation will make a tangible contribution to the future of Indonesia’s food and industry,” Rahmad emphasized.

This year’s FertInnovation Challenge carries the theme “Cultivating Innovation, Achieving Food Self-Sufficiency.” It features four strategic categories: Precision Agriculture & Digital Farming; Climate-Resilient & Sustainable Fertilizer; AI-Driven Agri Supply Chain; and Process & Plant Engineering. The program is open from October 6 to November 20, 2025.

These four categories are designed to address the main challenges in today’s agricultural sector, including the need for digital technology adoption (sensors, AI, and IoT), transformation of fertilizer production processes, and efficient, environmentally friendly supply chain management. Pupuk Indonesia believes that innovations aligned with industry needs and technological readiness will be key to accelerating the transition toward modern and sustainable agriculture.

The paper selection process will identify the Top 1,000, followed by the Top 10, and conclude with a Final Pitching session. The FertInnovation Challenge 2025 awarding ceremony will take place in December.

The best ideas will be evaluated and developed through Pupuk Indonesia Group’s incubation program for potential commercialization. Additionally, winners of the FertInnovation Challenge 2025 will receive prizes, mentoring and coaching access, internship opportunities, and collaboration prospects with Pupuk Indonesia.

Since its first implementation in 2021, the program has attracted more than 1,300 innovative ideas and involved 37 institutions/partners, making it one of the most prestigious innovation platforms in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. Registration and complete information are available through Pupuk Indonesia’s official social media (@pt.pupukindonesia), the official website www.fertinnovation.sustagri.id

, and social media accounts @fertinnovationid on Instagram and TikTok.

“Through this event, we invite all stakeholders to actively participate in continuously fostering sustainable innovations for a more advanced Indonesia,” Rahmad concluded.