Country Focus Session: Funding Schemes from China & Indonesia

Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Time: Berlin (UTC+2) 10:00–11:45 am | Nairobi, Kenya (UTC+3) 11:00–12:45 pm | Jakarta (UTC+7) 3:00–4:45 pm | Beijing (UTC+8) 4:00-5:45 pm
Target Audience: Research Organizations, Universities, Industry Sign Up For Free!

This session provides participants with first-hand insights into funding opportunities and mechanisms from leading research organizations in China and Indonesia. Drawing on the expertise of representatives of WAITRO member organizations, participants will benefit from practical examples and strategies for successfully navigating their funding schemes.
Key takeaways include:

• Insights into NICE/JITRI’s industry-driven and demand-oriented funding programme
• Lessons from BRIN’s funding schemes, strategies, and priorities, including best practices for managing funding sources and fostering national and international partnerships
• Proven approaches to aligning projects with funding priorities and industry-driven models, as well as strategies for successful collaborations
• Access opportunities for networking with industry and learning from successful partnerships with global partners leading to commercialization

1. Welcome & Introductory Remarks by WAITRO Secretariat

Speaker: Dr. Benjin Luo (Secretary General WAITRO Secretariat – JITRI)
A short introduction by WAITRO Secretary General Dr. Benjin Luo, who will provide an overview of WAITRO, outline the session's objectives, and highlight its relevance for researchers and project managers.

2. Funding Schemes from China

Speaker:Lilly (Ye) Liu (Senior Manager – JITRI)
The WAITRO Secretariat host and JITRI member will provide insights into their funding schemes, modalities, and priorities. Our speaker, Lilly (Ye) Liu, who has extensive experience in international collaboration and is part of JITRI's Overseas Cooperation Department, will guide you in learning about…

• NICE/JITRI's industry-driven, demand-oriented funding 
• How funding by NICE is linking research directly to real market needs 
• The Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Fund for international partners to validate technologies
• Their Fellowship Program, offering short-term mobility to connect international researchers with China's industry

3. A Short 5-Minute Comfort Break

4. Funding Schemes from Indonesia

Speaker: Sasti Orisa (Analyst & Team Leader – BRIN)
Our long-term WAITRO member BRIN, represented by Sasti Orisa, Team Leader for Program Development, will share insights into her work fostering national and international collaborations, as well as her experience in screening and evaluating research proposals and monitoring research projects. Her presentation will include exclusive information on…

• Funding agencies such as BRIN and other executive agencies
• Best practices for managing funding sources and exploring new opportunities
• Examples of successful national and international partnerships, including lessons learned from different cooperation models
• Tips and tricks for preparing successful proposals, including criteria and communication strategies

5. Closing by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.

Lilly Liu is a Senior Manager in the Overseas Cooperation Department at Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), where she develops international partnerships and initiates joint R&D, technology transfer, and innovation projects with European universities, research institutes, and companies. With a Master’s degree from Georgetown University (US) and extensive experience as a Project Manager and evaluation specialist in the international field, she offers valuable insights for those interested in global research and industry collaborations.

Sasti Orisa is Team Leader for Program Development at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), where she develops research and innovation programs and fosters collaborations with national and international partners. Previously, she led BRIN’s Matching Fund Program, designing calls, evaluating proposals, and monitoring research projects. With over a decade of experience in research policy, program management, and international cooperation, she brings a wealth of expertise in advancing research initiatives and building global partnerships.