Indonesia’s BRIN Chief Astonished by Indian 3D-Printed Rocket Startup, Eyes Deep Tech Revolution at Home

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Head of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, has expressed profound admiration and surprise following a recent visit to India, where he encountered a pioneering startup successfully developing rockets using advanced 3D printing technology. This encounter has significantly invigorated BRIN’s ambition to cultivate a robust deep technology ecosystem in Indonesia, with the upcoming Indonesia Innovation Summit & Expo (IISE) slated to be a pivotal platform for this national transformation.

Satria’s revelation, made during the launch event of the IISE on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Thamrin, Central Jakarta, underscores a global shift towards disruptive manufacturing techniques in high-stakes industries like aerospace. His firsthand observation of a private entity achieving spaceflight capabilities through additive manufacturing has ignited discussions within BRIN about accelerating Indonesia’s own trajectory in advanced technological innovation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurial daring.

"Just last week, before my visit to America, I was in India for a BRICS meeting concerning Research and Innovation Ministers," Arif Satria recounted, detailing the genesis of his astonishment. "During that visit, I toured a facility known as a Research Park. It was there that I encountered a startup that truly captivated me."

Unlike many typical startups focused on digital services or small-scale product development, this Indian company had ventured into the highly complex and capital-intensive field of rocketry. What made their endeavor particularly groundbreaking was their adoption of 3D printing for rocket manufacturing – a method that promises to revolutionize space exploration by drastically reducing production costs and timelines while enhancing design flexibility.

"While many startups focus on developing small machines or digital products, this Indian startup is developing rockets based on 3D printing technology," Arif clarified, emphasizing the profound implications of such an approach. He further highlighted that this was not merely a theoretical concept; the startup’s rockets had already proven their capability by successfully launching into space. This tangible achievement, he noted, firmly positions the Research Park as an extraordinary hub for deep technology innovation.

This eye-opening experience has solidified BRIN’s commitment to nurturing similar ambitious projects within Indonesia. Arif Satria articulated a vision where the IISE would serve as a crucial nexus for collaboration, bringing together advanced technologies developed by BRIN, universities, and private research entities. The aim is to create an environment where Indonesian innovators can emulate, and potentially surpass, the achievements witnessed abroad.

Chronology of Inspiration: From BRICS to Jakarta’s Innovation Summit

The journey of inspiration for BRIN’s head began in the bustling innovation landscape of India, a nation increasingly recognized for its burgeoning startup ecosystem and advancements in science and technology. Arif Satria’s itinerary was strategic, starting with his participation in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) ministerial meeting focused on Research and Innovation. These gatherings are critical forums for member states to share insights, discuss collaborative projects, and benchmark national progress against global standards in scientific and technological advancement.

Early September 2026: The BRICS Ministerial Gathering in India
Arif Satria arrived in India to represent Indonesia at the BRICS ministerial meeting for Research and Innovation. While Indonesia is not a full BRICS member, its growing economic and scientific influence often leads to invitations for engagement and collaboration on specific fronts. The meeting provided a crucial opportunity for Satria to engage with his counterparts from some of the world’s largest emerging economies, exchanging perspectives on national innovation strategies, research priorities, and the role of science in economic development. Discussions likely centered on fostering innovation ecosystems, facilitating technology transfer, and addressing shared global challenges through collaborative research.

Post-Meeting: A Visit to the Research Park
Following the formal BRICS proceedings, Satria undertook a strategic visit to a prominent Research Park in India. These parks are typically designed as vibrant innovation hubs, bringing together academic institutions, government research bodies, and private sector startups under one roof. They are conceived to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into marketable technologies and products, fostering a dynamic environment for R&D, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. It was within this specialized ecosystem that Satria encountered the unnamed startup pioneering 3D-printed rockets. The visit was not merely a casual observation but a deep dive into the practical application of cutting-edge research. Witnessing a fully functional, space-proven 3D-printed rocket from a startup—rather than a well-established state-owned or large private aerospace corporation—was the pivotal moment that sparked his awe and served as a powerful testament to the potential of agile, deep tech entrepreneurship.

September 8, 2026: Launch of the Indonesia Innovation Summit & Expo (IISE) in Jakarta
Returning to Indonesia, Arif Satria brought with him not just insights from the BRICS discussions but a tangible example of disruptive innovation. His experience in India became a key anecdote during his address at the launch of the Indonesia Innovation Summit & Expo (IISE) in Thamrin, Central Jakarta. This event itself marks a significant milestone for Indonesia, signaling a concerted effort by BRIN to elevate the nation’s innovation profile. Satria leveraged his recent exposure to galvanize support and inspire confidence in Indonesia’s capacity to achieve similar feats, emphasizing that the IISE is designed precisely to facilitate the kind of deep technology breakthroughs he witnessed firsthand. His speech effectively connected a global inspiration to a national ambition, positioning IISE as the crucible for Indonesia’s innovative future.

Supporting Data: The Global Surge in 3D-Printed Rockets and Deep Technology

The Indian startup’s achievement, while remarkable, is part of a broader global trend seeing additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, redefine the aerospace industry. This "deep technology" approach is not just a novelty; it represents a strategic shift with profound implications for cost, efficiency, and capability.

The Rise of Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace:
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, involves building three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital design. In aerospace, this technology offers several compelling advantages:

• Cost Reduction: By consolidating multiple parts into a single, complex component, 3D printing reduces assembly time, labor costs, and the need for specialized tooling. It also minimizes material waste compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing.
• Speed of Production: Prototypes and even flight-ready components can be produced in weeks or months, drastically cutting down development cycles. This agility allows startups to innovate rapidly and bring new designs to market faster.
• Design Complexity and Optimization: 3D printing enables the creation of intricate geometries and internal structures impossible with conventional methods. This allows engineers to optimize parts for weight reduction, improved performance (e.g., better cooling channels in rocket engines), and enhanced structural integrity.
• Material Innovation: New high-performance alloys and composites are being developed specifically for additive manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in extreme environments like space.

Companies like Relativity Space in the United States are at the forefront of this revolution, aiming to 3D print entire rockets, including their engines, from raw materials to launch. Their Terran 1 rocket, for example, boasts a significant percentage of 3D-printed mass. Similarly, Rocket Lab, though not exclusively 3D printing full rockets, extensively uses additive manufacturing for its Rutherford engines, demonstrating the reliability and performance benefits. The Indian startup, by successfully launching a 3D-printed rocket, joins this elite group, showcasing the global diffusion and maturation of this critical technology.

Deep Technology: The New Frontier of Innovation:
Arif Satria’s description of the Indian Research Park as a hub for "deep technology" is particularly insightful. Deep tech refers to innovations based on tangible scientific discoveries or engineering breakthroughs, rather than incremental improvements or business model innovations. These technologies often require extensive R&D, significant capital investment, and a longer development cycle, but they have the potential to create entirely new industries, solve fundamental societal challenges, and yield substantial economic and strategic advantages.
Examples of deep tech include:

• Advanced Materials: New alloys, composites, and functional materials with superior properties.
• Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology: Gene editing, advanced therapeutics, bio-manufacturing.
• Quantum Computing: Revolutionary computational paradigms.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Particularly in specialized applications requiring significant scientific underpinning.
• Space Technology: Advanced propulsion, satellite systems, in-situ resource utilization.
• Clean Energy: Next-generation solar, fusion power, advanced battery technologies.

Investing in deep tech is crucial for nations seeking to move beyond being technology consumers to becoming technology creators. It fosters economic resilience, enhances national security, and positions a country at the forefront of global innovation.

BRICS and Global Research Collaboration:
The BRICS group, initially conceived as an economic bloc, has increasingly expanded its agenda to include scientific and technological cooperation. Ministerial meetings on Research and Innovation serve as platforms for:

• Knowledge Exchange: Sharing best practices in R&D policy, funding mechanisms, and innovation ecosystem development.
• Collaborative Projects: Identifying areas for joint research in fields like climate change, health, and advanced materials.
• Capacity Building: Discussing strategies to strengthen scientific infrastructure and human capital development in member states.
• Benchmarking: Allowing nations to assess their innovation performance against peers and identify areas for improvement.
  Satria’s presence at such a forum indicates Indonesia’s strategic interest in global R&D partnerships and its ambition to learn from and contribute to the innovation discourse among leading emerging economies.

Indonesia’s Innovation Landscape and BRIN’s Role:
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has historically focused on resource extraction and manufacturing. However, there is a growing recognition of the need to shift towards a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation. BRIN, established in 2021, is at the forefront of this national endeavor. Its mandate includes:

• Coordinating National Research: Harmonizing the efforts of various research institutions, universities, and government agencies.
• Developing Research Infrastructure: Investing in state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.
• Fostering Innovation: Creating policies and programs to support startups, technology transfer, and commercialization of research.
• Building Human Capital: Nurturing a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
  The challenges are significant, including a relatively low R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP, a fragmented research landscape, and a need to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. However, the government, through BRIN, is committed to overcoming these hurdles.

The Indonesia Innovation Summit & Expo (IISE): A Catalyst for Change:
The IISE, as envisioned by Arif Satria, is not just another conference or trade show. It is designed as a multi-functional platform aimed at galvanizing Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem:

• Conference: A forum for thought leadership, policy discussions, and knowledge sharing.
• Exhibition: A showcase for cutting-edge technologies and innovative products from BRIN, universities, and private sector.
• Marketplace: A dedicated space for innovators to connect with potential investors (venture capitalists, philanthropists), industry partners, and customers. This "matchmaking" function is crucial for deep tech startups that require significant funding and strategic partnerships.
• Lab: An experiential zone offering direct demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and exploration of various innovations, allowing the public and industry stakeholders to engage directly with new technologies.
• Festival: An inclusive event incorporating creative activities, public engagement programs, and cultural elements to foster a broader appreciation for science and innovation across society.
  By combining these elements, IISE aims to create a dynamic environment that accelerates technology adoption, facilitates investment, and inspires a new wave of Indonesian innovators.

Official Responses: BRIN’s Vision for an Innovative Indonesia

Arif Satria’s statements clearly articulate BRIN’s strategic response to the global advancements he witnessed. His vision extends beyond mere admiration, translating into concrete plans for fostering a vibrant deep technology ecosystem within Indonesia.

"We cannot close off the possibilities for what we can develop here, especially with the upcoming expo and summit," Arif declared, underscoring the immediate relevance of the IISE. "At the summit, we anticipate a significant convergence of advanced technologies – those developed by BRIN, by our universities, and by private research institutions." This emphasis on convergence highlights BRIN’s role as a central orchestrator, bringing together diverse stakeholders to amplify collective innovative power.

BRIN’s Head expressed optimism that the IISE would serve as a launchpad for aspiring Indonesian startups. He specifically highlighted the critical role of funding mechanisms: "Through IISE, BRIN hopes that aspiring startups can grow and thrive, supported by both philanthropy and venture capital." This acknowledgment of external funding sources is crucial, as deep technology ventures are inherently capital-intensive and often require patient, long-term investment that traditional bank loans cannot provide. Philanthropic support can provide early-stage, de-risking capital, while venture capital is essential for scaling promising technologies.

Satria conveyed his strong belief in Indonesia’s inherent innovative potential. "I am confident that the Indonesian nation holds immense promise for innovation, especially with the advent of the IISE summit, which we envision as a crucial platform for the collaboration within our innovation ecosystem," he affirmed. This sentiment is not just aspirational but reflects a strategic commitment to leverage national talent and resources.

He elaborated on the multi-faceted role of IISE, positioning it as a comprehensive innovation hub:

• A Place for Conferences: Facilitating intellectual discourse and knowledge exchange among experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
• A Venue for Exhibitions: Showcasing the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological prototypes from across Indonesia.
• A Marketplace: Directly connecting innovators with potential investors, industrial partners, and end-users, thereby bridging the gap between research and commercialization. This function is particularly vital for deep tech, where market adoption often requires strategic partnerships.
• A Living Lab: Providing an immersive experience where participants can witness live demonstrations, interact with new technologies, and explore their potential applications firsthand. This experiential learning environment aims to demystify complex technologies and inspire further engagement.
• A Festival: Incorporating creative and public activities to broaden the appeal of science and innovation, engaging a wider audience beyond the scientific and business communities. This approach seeks to cultivate a national culture that values and celebrates innovation.

Through these integrated functions, Arif Satria envisions the IISE as a powerful engine for igniting a new era of scientific discovery and technological entrepreneurship in Indonesia, ultimately driving the nation towards greater self-reliance and global competitiveness in advanced technologies.

Implications: Forging Indonesia’s Deep Tech Future

The insights gained by BRIN’s Arif Satria from the Indian startup, coupled with BRIN’s strategic response through the IISE, carry profound implications for Indonesia’s future across several critical domains. This experience is a catalyst, signaling a potentially transformative period for the nation’s scientific, economic, and strategic landscape.

Forging a Path for Indonesian Space Exploration and Advanced Manufacturing:
The direct observation of a 3D-printed rocket achieving spaceflight is a powerful validation for Indonesia’s own space aspirations, traditionally spearheaded by the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), which is now integrated into BRIN. Indonesia has long pursued an independent space program, including satellite development and launch capabilities. The Indian example demonstrates that advanced, cost-effective space access is no longer solely the domain of heavily funded national agencies or a few established private giants.

• Accelerated Development: Embracing 3D printing could significantly accelerate Indonesia’s rocket development timelines, reducing the years typically required for design, prototyping, and testing.
• Cost Efficiency: For a developing nation, cost is a critical factor. 3D printing offers a path to more affordable launch vehicles, potentially making access to space more viable for Indonesia’s scientific and commercial needs.
• Technological Sovereignty: By mastering advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing for aerospace, Indonesia can reduce its reliance on foreign technology and suppliers, enhancing its strategic independence in space.
• Broader Manufacturing Impact: Beyond rockets, the adoption of advanced additive manufacturing technologies fostered by this inspiration could spill over into other critical industries, such as automotive, medical devices, and defense, boosting the overall industrial capacity and sophistication of Indonesia.

Economic Transformation and Technological Sovereignty:
The focus on deep technology, as championed by Arif Satria, is crucial for Indonesia’s long-term economic transformation.

• Shift to High-Value Industries: Moving away from a reliance on raw material exports and low-value manufacturing towards knowledge-intensive, high-tech industries. This creates higher-paying jobs and fosters a more resilient economy.
• Global Competitiveness: Developing indigenous deep tech capabilities will enable Indonesian companies to compete on a global stage, not just as consumers or assemblers of technology, but as creators and innovators.
• Intellectual Property Creation: Investment in deep tech leads to the generation of patents and proprietary technologies, which are vital assets for national wealth and influence.
• Solving National Challenges: Deep tech innovations can provide tailored solutions to Indonesia’s unique challenges, such as sustainable energy, smart cities, disaster mitigation, and healthcare access across its vast archipelago.

Enhancing Global Positioning and Collaboration:
Indonesia’s proactive engagement in deep tech, exemplified by the IISE, will elevate its standing in the global innovation landscape.

• Attracting Foreign Investment: A vibrant deep tech ecosystem, supported by government initiatives and platforms like IISE, will naturally attract more foreign direct investment, particularly from venture capitalists and multinational corporations looking for innovative partnerships and talent.
• Strengthening International Partnerships: Collaborations with global research institutions and technology leaders will become more robust, moving beyond traditional aid models to genuine peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and joint ventures. Indonesia’s participation in forums like BRICS, even as an observer or guest, becomes more impactful when backed by tangible national innovation efforts.
• Talent Magnet: A reputation as a deep tech hub will help retain top Indonesian scientific and engineering talent and attract international experts, fostering a dynamic intellectual environment.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead:
While the potential is immense, the path to becoming a leading deep tech nation is fraught with challenges.

• Funding Gap: Bridging the gap between early-stage research and commercialization requires substantial, patient capital. The call for philanthropy and venture capital is a recognition of this need, but building a mature funding ecosystem takes time.
• Talent Development: A consistent supply of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs is essential. This requires sustained investment in education, STEM promotion, and fostering a culture of innovation from an early age.
• Regulatory Environment: Creating a supportive regulatory framework that encourages risk-taking, protects intellectual property, and facilitates technology transfer is paramount.
• Infrastructure: Developing state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including advanced laboratories and testing facilities, is a continuous investment.
• Bridging the "Valley of Death": The notorious "valley of death" between laboratory prototypes and market-ready products is particularly wide for deep tech. BRIN and IISE’s role in connecting innovators with industry and funders is critical to overcome this.

Arif Satria’s encounter in India serves as a powerful reminder that groundbreaking innovation can emerge from unexpected corners, driven by audacious vision and cutting-edge technology. For Indonesia, it is not just a story of foreign success but a direct challenge and an inspiring blueprint for its own journey towards becoming a nation defined by its ingenuity and technological prowess. The Indonesia Innovation Summit & Expo is poised to be the crucible where these aspirations begin to take concrete shape, propelling Indonesia into a future built on deep technology and boundless innovation.