Shaping Innovation in Indonesia

November 27, 2023

Education, Events, Heath & Medical, Launch Pad, Program, Students, Venture Makers, Western Sydney, Western Sydney University

Innovation Challenge powered by Launch Pad takes on Indonesia:

Shaping Tomorrow's World through AI Innovation

By: Mary Bul

Surabaya, Indonesia, recently played host to an extraordinary week of innovation and collaboration at the launch of the new Western Sydney University campus.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Australian Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare, the Indonesian Minister for Education, The Hon Nadiem Makarim, and the Governor of East Java. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter in education and technology, with the official campus opening scheduled for September next year.

The Innovation Challenge: A Glimpse into the Future

To commence the event, Launch Pad held an Innovation Challenge focused on AI for Impact. The challenge brought together local high school and university students, as well as entrepreneurs, to tackle a pressing question:

""How can we harness AI to tackle global challenges and ensure a sustainable tomorrow?"?"

With 66 participants, the challenge showcased the power of collaboration and creativity as 12 teams passionately delved into the world of AI. The atmosphere was electric, with teams competing to present ground-breaking ideas that could address some of the world’s most challenging problems.

"This is a very fun event and it's full to the brim with helpful information. I got a lot of new friends and gained a lot of insight from the spokesperson. I will definitely join again if there's another event similar to this in the future!"

"The Innovation Challenge in Surabaya was an inspiring convergence of innovative minds. Witnessing diverse talents unite to tackle global issues through AI was exhilarating—proof that impactful change starts with ingenious ideas and collaborative spirit."

1st Place

Team Member: Shannon Huang, Najma Alya, Reyna Arumanti Sukmarani, Yobel Filipus

An AI driven application that helps farmers avoid pests and diseases in the agriculture process. The application utilises convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to detect growth conditions and allow proactive prevention controls.

2nd Place

Team Member: Marcellino Jefferson, Louis Chandoko, Gabriela Bernice Handoko, Joan Chandra

An AI tool that matches donor profiles and aligns them with the needs of orphanages. The Orphamatch app enhances the current donor portals to bring positive change and greatly improve the quality of life of these vulnerable children.

3rd Place

Team Member: Nicolaus Suryanta, Nelson Dieter, Davina Wijaya, Hikari Kikuchi, Phebe, Vanessa Wijaya, Abraham Tanoko

Multi-platform management app that utilizes advanced AI algorithms to streamline the process of surplus food tracking, pickup, and redistribution. As a result, reducing food waste in the chain waste management system to alleviate food insecurity.

Looking Forward: The Impact of AI in Surabaya

As we move into an age dominated by smart technology and artificial intelligence, the Innovation Challenge in Surabaya has set the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future. These pioneering ideas not only showcase the power of AI but also highlight its potential to address global challenges.

The challenge was just the beginning. With the official opening of the Western Sydney University Surabaya Campus approaching in September 2023, we can expect more initiatives and collaborative efforts that harness the transformative power of AI for positive impact.

'Mate, getting paired up with strangers and brainstorming business ideas was so fun since you don't have prior experience with them.'

‘This challenge have brought my potential further than almost any other events I have taken, if you are scared to take on anything, just breath and take it, let things flow as you construct yourself. Thank you for everything!'

'I'm happy to know that there's actually an innovation challenge that embraces us to utilise the capabilities of AI in creating innovations.'

'I've never been really confident in presentations, but this was definitely a time for me to progress and become better for the future'

In a world where challenges are becoming increasingly complex, Surabaya has proven that the key to solving them lies in the minds of brilliant innovators. As we celebrate the success of the Innovation Challenge, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of AI-driven solutions that will shape a better tomorrow.