Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) gained international attention as its startup, Nestra Kottama, took part in Try Everything 2024, an annual global startup festival organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The event, held from September 11–12, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and experts to share ideas and foster global collaboration.
Led by Dr. Eka Yuli Astuti from the Faculty of Language and Arts, and joined by students Nalendra Iffata (Faculty of Engineering) and M. Saiful Arni (Faculty of Education and Psychology), the team represented Indonesia with products rooted in sustainability and research-driven innovation. Guided by the Business and Export Development Organization (BEDO), the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Industry, BRIN, and APINDO, Nestra Kottama showcased its flagship offerings — Sustainable Coffee and Sustainable Spices — promoting environmentally and socially responsible production practices.
During the festival’s opening, the team served Central Javanese coffee to Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon and other international guests. “Nestra was selected as one of 30 curated startups from 400 Indonesian startups in the NEXT–Kemendag program,” said Jeff Kristianto, Board Officer and Expert at BEDO. “After three months of export mentoring, we hope these startups are ready to face global trade challenges and adapt their business strategies for international markets,” he added.
Eko Prilianto Sudrajat, Indonesia’s Trade Attaché in South Korea, praised Nestra’s participation as a significant achievement for university-driven innovation. He said the initiative demonstrates “how academic-based startups can enter global markets, particularly in South Korea,” adding that he plans to involve Nestra in future international trade events in Seoul to strengthen market access.
On the second day of the festival, Nestra joined five other Indonesian startups in a session titled “Unleashing Giants: Indonesian Fast Track to Unicorn Success and Next Big Startups to Watch.” Their presentation on sustainable products captured the attention of investors and global startup observers.
As part of its research commercialization strategy, Nestra engaged in business matching sessions arranged by the Seoul Business Agency and the Indonesian Trade Attaché, meeting potential buyers to discuss export opportunities. Negotiations are expected to continue toward business contracts aimed at expanding the startup’s global reach.
Nestra Kottama’s presence at Try Everything 2024 highlights the growing influence of Indonesian university startups in the international innovation ecosystem, bridging academic research with sustainable business solutions that emphasize environmental, social, and economic responsibility.