The Hitachi Global Foundation officially announced the recipients of the Asia Innovation Award 2025 from various asian countries in January 2026. The awards were presented directly by the Hitachi Global Foundation on Friday, 16 January 2026, at The Langham, Jakarta.
The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award is an annual award program launched since 2020 by the Hitachi Global Foundation to promote the advancement of science, technology, and innovation which contributes to the solving of various social issues and to fostering a sustainable society in the ASEAN region. The award is conferred to both individuals and groups which demonstrate outstanding research output and innovation (R&D) in the field of science and technology, delivering public benefits while also presenting a vision for future society and a clear plan for social implementation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2025, the Asia Innovation Award once again involved selected universities and research institutions from ASEAN countries to identify innovations that address pressing social issues and contribute meaningfully to the SDGs agenda. In this edition, two researchers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received awards in the Best Innovation Award and Encouragement Award categories. Since 2022, UGM researchers have consistently received this recognition, reflecting the internationally recognized quality and impact of UGM’s research and innovation.
n the Best Innovation Award category, Prof. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, S.T., M.E., D.Eng., received the award for his innovation entitled “Geothermal Beyond Energy: Circular Valorization of Geothermal Brine: Sustainable Recovery of Valuable Minerals for Clean Energy, Green Industry, and Advanced Material Applications.” Prof. Himawan is a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and an expert in mining engineering and mineral processing. His expertise focuses on mineral processing technologies, resource extraction, and the development of efficient and sustainable mining technologies.
Meanwhile, UGM researcher Dr. Widiastuti Setyaningsih, S.T.P., M.Sc., received the award in the Encouragement Award category. Dr. Widiastuti is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, whose work focuses on food technology and the development of bioresource-based products. Her research entitled “Green Analytical Methods for Rapid Assessment of Food Safety, Authenticity, and Functional Quality in Diverse Food Systems” earned The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2025.
The achievements of the two UGM researchers reflect UGM’s tangible contribution to generating knowledge that is not only academically excellent but also relevant to societal needs. This recognition is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s research ecosystem, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and generate broader and more sustainable impacts across various fields. Also present at the event were the Director of Research of UGM, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc., as well as recipients of the Asia Innovation Award 2024, Prof. Dr. Ir. Alim Isnansetyo, M.Sc., and Rachma Wikandari, S.T.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D.
Congratulations to the Faculty of Engineering for the Best Innovation Award Hitachi Global Foundation received by Prof. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, S.T., M.E., D.Eng. and Faculty of Agricultural Technology for the Encouragement Award Hitachi Global Foundation received by Dr. Widiastuti Setyaningsih, S.T.P., M.Sc.
