EduAsiaNews, Banjarmasin — The Rocket Incubation by YABN 2026 Scholarship Program was officially launched through a virtual kick-off event on Sunday (15 February 2026). The event was attended by 50 recipients of the Indonesia Bright Future Leader (IBFL) scholarship, 47 of whom are students of Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM).
Representing the Rector of ULM, Acting Rector Dr. Ir. Yusuf Azis, M.Sc., warmly welcomed the implementation of the Rocket Incubation 2026 program, noting that it aligns with the university’s commitment to encouraging students to become innovative young entrepreneurs. He emphasized that the program provides comprehensive practical entrepreneurial experience through intensive mentoring, ensuring that students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also applicable business skills.
“This program is in line with efforts to promote national economic growth, which is targeted to reach eight percent annually. From the hands of this young generation, we hope to see the emergence of future national entrepreneurs,” he stated.
The Rocket Incubation by YABN 2026 program is a six-month entrepreneurial capacity-building initiative designed for IBFL scholarship recipients. It features structured mentoring, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms. The program aims to cultivate a generation of adaptive and resilient young entrepreneurs capable of delivering both economic and social impact.
In his remarks, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Founder of Yayasan Indonesia Setara and Sandination Academy, expressed his appreciation for Universitas Lambung Mangkurat as one of the leading universities in South Kalimantan. He also regarded the participants’ enthusiasm as a crucial asset in building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“I truly appreciate the enthusiasm of all participants in this program. Moving forward, this initiative will not be merely ceremonial; it will be directed toward tangible and measurable collaboration to accelerate the creation of new brands and start-ups,” he remarked.
Sandiaga further noted that more than 250 brands have been accelerated through the entrepreneurial ecosystem he has developed, with several successfully entering international markets. He expressed hope that participants of Rocket Incubation 2026 would follow this path by strengthening character as the foundation of future business leadership.
Meanwhile, Zuraida Murdia Hamdie, Chairperson of Yayasan Amanah Bangun Negeri (YABN), emphasized that Indonesia requires more entrepreneurs to sustain national economic growth. According to her, the program is designed to facilitate students with entrepreneurial interest and potential, enabling them to develop sustainable businesses.
“Through this initiative, we hope that students with interest and potential in entrepreneurship will receive maximum support,” she stated.
Zuraida added that the 50 program participants are students from areas surrounding the foundation’s operational regions and have demonstrated achievements at both national and international levels. Based on these accomplishments, she encouraged participants to continuously enhance their capabilities and competitiveness.
“Prove that students studying in Banjarmasin are not inferior to those in Java,” she affirmed.
Through the Rocket Incubation by YABN 2026 program, students are expected to graduate not only with academic excellence but also with strong entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and global competitiveness, in line with ULM’s vision and mission. The program is anticipated to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university environment and to foster meaningful contributions from ULM students to regional and national economic development.
