Undip's Artificial Coral Reef Innovation from Waste Enters Lab2Market 2026

The Artificial Fish Apartment (AFA) innovation, created by a research team from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at Diponegoro University (Undip), has been selected to participate in the Lab2Market 2026 programme, a national initiative that promotes the downstreaming and commercialisation of university research.

AFA is an artificial coral reef technology that utilises Fly Ash Bottom Ash (FABA), or processed industrial waste, to create an environmentally friendly habitat for marine life. The innovation, led by Prof. Munasik, was developed to support the rehabilitation of coastal ecosystems, increase fisheries productivity, and strengthen the economy of coastal communities.

The technology has reached Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8 and has been tested in several coastal areas across Indonesia. Monitoring results have shown an increase in fish populations, greater biodiversity, and the formation of more productive marine habitats. Additionally, its production costs are considered more efficient compared to imported artificial reef products.

Prof. Munasik stated that participation in Lab2Market 2026 represents an important opportunity to accelerate the downstreaming of the innovation developed by his team. “We hope AFA will not only remain a research product but also become a real solution capable of supporting marine ecosystem recovery and the welfare of coastal communities,” he said.

Through the programme, the AFA team will receive mentoring in market validation, business model strengthening, intellectual property rights, commercialisation strategy, and investor networking. The team is also scheduled to attend the Lab2Market 2026 Kick-Off event in Jakarta on 25–26 June 2026, as an initial step towards broader implementation of the innovation at both national and international levels.