Astech 2026 is an action generation program organized by MBC HME ITB cadres. This activity involves students from three fields within the Electrotechnics group: Electrical Engineering (EL), Electrical Power Engineering (EP), and Biomedical Engineering (EB).

Carrying on a tradition that has persisted for years, ITB's MBC HME participants were challenged to produce electrotechnical innovations that could address real-world problems in society. This year, the process resulted in 13 innovative works that originate from 13 community studies.

Astech 2026 Chair Gideon explained that the innovation development process doesn't begin with determining the technology to be created. Participants first conduct field surveys and community interviews to identify issues that then form the basis for innovation development.

"Astech is actually a learning platform that happens to be an exhibition. The starting point isn't the technology, but rather a community study through surveys and interviews," said Gideon.

This approach is a crucial part of the cadre development process. Students are not only required to produce a product but also to learn to understand user needs before determining appropriate technological solutions.

One of the innovations that emerged from this process is 7arvis, which stems from the issue of public space access that is not yet fully accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities. Interviews revealed that visually impaired people face difficulties using guiding blocks, which often obstruct sales activities. Meanwhile, elderly people face risks when crossing the road due to unruly driver behavior.

Based on this issue, the 7arvis team developed obstacle-detecting glasses that can alert users when obstacles are detected. This innovation is designed to help users navigate public spaces more safely and independently.

According to Gideon, the diverse backgrounds of participants from electrical engineering, electrical power engineering, and biomedical engineering enriched the solution-creation process. These three fields are grouped into 13 groups, or small families, of ITB's MBC HME participants.

"The solutions and products created are more comprehensive because they incorporate multiple perspectives and complementary skill sets than if they were developed separately based on majors," he explained.

Before being exhibited to the public, each work goes through several stages of development and evaluation. After participants compile a community study and innovation proposal, the proposals receive assistance from the 2024 HME ITB MBC committee to obtain feedback and ensure the designs are well-developed.

The curation process is then carried out by an internal committee of ITB HME MBC participants through the technical and exhibition lead. In addition to conducting evaluations, the team ensures that each tool is functional and ready for exhibition, following established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Not stopping at the exhibition, Astech 2026 also presents a learning space through a talk show with Mr. Nugi Nugroho, President Director of PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) and an alumnus of ITB's Electrical Engineering program. Nugroho was chosen to provide perspective on career paths, problem-solving, creativity, and how an electrical engineering graduate can have a broader impact.

"What I want to transfer from him is his fighting spirit, how he solves problems creatively, and also how students can have an impact on their surroundings," said Gideon.

Although the work produced at Astech 2026 does not yet have a follow-up plan in the form of collaboration with industry for further implementation, the experience is seen as part of the students' learning process. For participants, the exhibition provides a space to test ideas, introduce their work to the public, and build experience for larger projects within the HME ITB environment.

Furthermore, Astech's openness to the public is part of an effort to expand the benefits of its activities. Through exhibitions and talk shows, the public can see how electrotechnical science is translated into solutions to problems encountered in everyday life.

For Gideon, the essence of Astech lies not solely in the 13 products on display but rather in the process that shapes students' way of thinking.

"We hope they will become more aware that electrical engineering knowledge is only valuable when it reaches the public and that this will be a foundation for greater work in the future," he concluded.

Through Astech 2026, the cadre development process not only provides a space for students to hone their technical skills but also fosters awareness of issues around them. Surveys and interviews generate ideas; from these ideas, technologies are developed; and through exhibitions, these innovations are introduced to the public. Thus, Astech serves as a learning space for ITB Electrical Engineering students, connecting scientific knowledge with real-world needs.