UMY Mission: Transforming into an Entrepreneurial University
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) is undergoing a transformation into an Entrepreneurial University. UMY aims to strengthen the downstreaming of research while simultaneously developing revenue sources outside of student tuition fees.
UMY Secretary, Dr Bachtiar Dwi Kurniawan, stated that this concept is part of the campus’s strategic planning. Previously, UMY had progressed through a phase as a research university to strengthen its reputation as a high-ranking institution.
“Yes, we have designed this Entrepreneurial University concept based on our strategic planning. If previously we were a research university, then moved towards being a reputable university, and our reputation is now well-known, we are now proceeding to an Entrepreneurial University,” Bachtuar said when contacted on Friday (21/8/2026).
“Our entrepreneurial focus targets three areas. First, lecturers with patents through downstreaming; second, students through business incubation, such as the SEBI business incubator; and third, the university itself,” he added.
According to Bachtiar, one of UMY’s primary focuses is to ensure that research results do not merely end as scientific publications. Research will be directed towards being patented and developed into products with economic value.
“We are strengthening the Entrepreneurial University model for the downstreaming of innovative research products, so that patents and business incubations, both those established by UMY and by students, can generate added value,” he said.
Bachtiar explained that UMY has established a directorate to handle innovation downstreaming. The campus has also founded an integrated laboratory that serves as a centre for research, innovation, and patent development.
“The main goal is the transformation of research into products. Therefore, research does not stop at scientific journals, but is also patented and, hopefully, commercialised within the DUDI (Business and Industrial World),” he explained.
In addition to developing research outcomes, UMY is also building several business units. These include food and catering businesses, hotels, dormitories, construction, and healthcare services. Bachtiar noted that the development of these business units is part of UMY’s strategy to strengthen non-tuition revenue.
“Why an Entrepreneurial University? Because we want to strengthen the university’s non-tuition income. This way, we will not be dependent in the future on the tuition fees contributed or paid by students,” he said.
He mentioned that UMY has formed several companies and business units expected to serve as pillars for campus revenue.
“Companies managing healthcare services, such as AMC Hospital, polyclinics, and even pharmacies, have been established to support university income so that we are not too dominantly dependent on student inputs,” he concluded.