23 September 2026
Threesna Sharfina
 2026.webp)
The Faculty of Agriculture, USU, as a University Partner of Work Beyond Seeds 2026, invites students to participate in a series of webinars and the Panah Merah Innovation Award (PMIA) 2026 to learn about challenges in the agricultural industry and develop innovations for the future of Indonesian agriculture.
The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), provides information on the Work Beyond Seeds (WBS) program and the Panah Merah Innovation Award (PMIA) 2026, initiated by PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO).
This program invites students to understand various real-world challenges in the agricultural sector, ranging from climate change, productivity, seed production, supply chains, and technology to sustainability, while encouraging students to develop ideas and innovations as part of solutions for the future of Indonesian agriculture.
Universitas Sumatera Utara was selected as one of the University Partners in the #WorkBeyondSeeds program. Through this collaboration, USU students have the opportunity to gain insights from academics and industry professionals, build networks, and participate in a series of webinars and the PMIA 2026 competition.
Opportunities for Students
As a University Partner, USU has the opportunity to involve:
Campus Ambassadors – 4 people
2 Outstanding Students (Mawapres)
2 representatives of BEM/HIMA
Encourage students to participate in PMIA 2026
Participate in the PMIA 2026 series
Exclusive access to the Career Masterclass: “Interview & Portfolio Review”
Webinar Participants – 50 selected students
Participate in the Work Beyond Seeds Webinar series
Participate in PMIA 2026
Access to the Exclusive Online Masterclass: “Building Professional Branding”
Work Beyond Seeds Webinars
Webinar 1 – Beyond Adaptation
“Growing Faster, Growing Stronger in a Changing Climate”
Topic: Speed Breeding – Abiotic Stress
September 24, 2026
Webinar 2 – Beyond Innovation
“Why Great Ideas Don't Always Reach Farmers”
Topic: Seed Production – Supply Chain
September 30, 2026
Webinar 3 – Beyond Today
“Building Agriculture For The Next Generation”
Topic: Precision Farming – Sustainability
October 2, 2026
Webinar & PMIA Registration: September 24, 2026
Speakers
The webinar series features academics and professionals from higher education institutions and industry, namely:
Nugraheni Vita Rachma – Deputy General Manager Breeding, PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO)
Abu Hanifah – General Manager Seed Operation, PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO)
Bhaskara Anggarda Gathot S. – Deputy Farm & Facility Manager, PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO)
Prof. Dr. Ir. Trikoesoemaningtyas, M.Sc. – Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University
Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP. – Professor, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology and Biosystems, Universitas Brawijaya
Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng. – Research Group Coordinator/Lecturer, Smart Agriculture Research Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
Panah Merah Innovation Award 2026
Carrying the theme “Growing Together, Solving Better,” PMIA 2026 has two competition categories:
Business & Technology Innovation Challenge – innovations focused on implementation within the EWINDO environment.
Horticulture Social Impact Challenge – innovations focused on implementation in farming areas.
PMIA 2026 Timeline
Explore The Challenge
September 24, 2026: Webinar & PMIA Registration
September 24, 2026: Webinar 1
September 30, 2026: Webinar 2
October 2, 2026: Webinar 3
Be Part of The Solution
October 26, 2026: Deadline for idea submissions. Each university and BEM/HIMA is expected to submit 5 candidate ideas.
November 17, 2026: Announcement of 30 selected ideas to be developed into proposals.
December 20, 2026: Deadline for submission of 30 proposals.
January 6, 2027: Announcement of the top 3 in each category.
January 18, 2027: Proceed to the Grand Final at the EWINDO headquarters, Purwakarta.
January 19, 2027: PMIA 2026 Grand Final at the EWINDO headquarters, Purwakarta.
Through Work Beyond Seeds and PMIA 2026, students are expected to broaden their knowledge, build networks with industry and academia, and develop agricultural innovations. This activity also supports SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 17 through capacity development, innovation, and collaboration between higher education institutions and industry.
Information and Registration:
info.panahmerah.id/events/wbs2026/
Contact:
Arief Budiman – 0817 9966 589
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