ITB PACE Team Secures Two Awards at [RE]Energize Hackathon 2023 with NTTani

By Anggun Nindita

Editor Anggun Nindita

Dokumentasi Instagram @pace.nttani

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id — A team of four students from the Graduate School of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) made the institution proud by securing two awards at the [RE]Energize Hackathon 2023: Hacking the Climate Crisis in Indonesia. The PACE Team, consisting of Pray Putra Hasianro Nadeak (Electrical Engineering), Arif Purwanto Kaban (Biotechnology), Charlos Malino (Environmental Engineering), and Esther Yolandyne Bunga (Mathematics), claimed the 1st Winner Prize and the Audience Favorite Prize.

At the Top 10 Demo Day on September 7, 2023, the PACE Team presented NTTani, a renewable energy-based smart irrigation system that utilizes IoT and AI technology. The inspiration for NTTani came from Esther's concerns about the challenging water supply for agriculture in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), known for its dry climate.

Despite facing competition from startups with validated solutions, the PACE Team showcased the uniqueness of NTTani. Throughout the competition, they received valuable feedback from the judges. Despite initial expectations of winning only the Audience Favorite Prize, the team secured both awards, surprising themselves with the 1st Winner Prize.

The PACE Team acknowledged the crucial support from family, friends, and relatives who voted for them. They also expressed gratitude to the Smart City and Community Innovation Center ITB (SCCIC ITB) and the ITB Graduate School for funding, accommodation, and unwavering support.

With NTTani's success, the team received several incubation offers but currently plans to focus on completing their theses. The team emphasized the importance of collaboration, focus, and seeing competitions as learning opportunities rather than just a quest for victory.

In their advice to aspiring competitors, they highlighted the significance of youth awareness regarding global developments and environmental issues. The team's achievements not only bring recognition to ITB but also open doors for future innovations and contributions to addressing climate challenges.

Reporter: Puti Nabilla Aidira (Teknik Informatika, 2021)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)
Editor: Vera Citra Utami