On Saturday (August 30, 2025), the national student business proposal competition Marine Innovation and Leadership in Entrepreneurship (MARLIN) 2025 was successfully held. This annual event serves as an online-based business proposal competition aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among university students in the fields of fisheries and marine science, while promoting sustainable innovation within Indonesia’s blue economy sector. MARLIN 2025 featured four main subthemes — Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture, Innovative Fishery Product Processing, Marine Ecotourism and Education, and Blue Economy and Marine Circular Business. The event provided a platform for students across Indonesia to present their innovative business ideas aligned with these themes, focusing on developing sustainable business solutions that could positively impact the nation’s marine and fisheries industries.
Although the competition was conducted online via the Zoom platform, the organizing committee gathered at the Computer Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) to ensure smooth technical operations and effective coordination throughout the event. This collective setup was intended to maintain stable internet connectivity, facilitate real-time coordination, and ensure optimal management during the final presentations. Five finalist teams representing various universities across Indonesia presented their business proposals before a panel of expert judges. Each presentation showcased creativity, practical feasibility, and relevance to the chosen subtheme, reflecting the strong potential of young innovators in advancing Indonesia’s maritime sector.
The judging process was carried out comprehensively by a panel of professionals and academicians who evaluated each team based on predetermined criteria. Each finalist was given 15 minutes to present and 5 minutes for a question-and-answer session. The assessment considered multiple aspects including theme relevance, presentation delivery, content understanding, and time management. Winners were announced in five categories: First Place, Second Place, Third Place, Best Presentation, and Best Poster. This structure was designed to recognize different dimensions of excellence, from innovative ideas to effective communication and visual creativity. Each winner received a certificate of achievement and a monetary prize according to their respective categories, symbolizing appreciation for their dedication and innovative efforts.
The primary outcome of MARLIN 2025 was the selection of five winners across the five competition categories—three general champions based on overall scores and two special awards for Best Presentation and Best Poster. Beyond the competition results, MARLIN 2025 generated a collection of innovative business proposals addressing four key strategic themes in marine and fisheries development. These proposals have the potential to serve as blueprints for future maritime startups and could be implemented in real-world contexts. Finalists also gained valuable networking opportunities with industry practitioners and academic mentors, paving the way for future collaborations and mentoring partnerships to further develop their business concepts. Importantly, MARLIN 2025 succeeded in raising awareness among university students about the immense potential of Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sector, as well as the vital role of youth in advancing a sustainable blue economy through innovation in smart aquaculture, fish product processing, marine ecotourism, and circular marine business.
