Balikpapan, December 20, 2024 – The Food Technology Study Program at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) successfully hosted the Food Innovation Festival (FI Fest’24) on Friday, December 20, 2024, at ITK's Integrated Laboratory Building 1. Carrying the theme “Innovation in Food Product Processing,” this event served as an interactive educational platform designed to promote healthy and innovative food to the public. The festival primarily targeted high school and vocational school students in Balikpapan as the next generation expected to contribute to the food industry’s development. It also aimed to introduce ITK’s academic community to food product innovations that are not only healthy but also delicious.

The festival featured seven thematic stands showcasing products developed through Project-Based Learning (PjBL) courses, including:

1. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Fermented food products that help maintain body and digestive health.
2. Functional Food: Food products that provide health benefits when consumed.
3. Food Microbiology: Utilizing microorganisms in the creation of healthy food products.
4. Unit Operations: Introducing factory planning models for food processing.
5. Post-Harvest Technology: Innovations utilizing agricultural products for modern applications.
6. Herbs and Spices: Incorporating local herbal and spice products as raw materials for food innovation.
7. Food Entrepreneurship: Transforming students’ creative ideas into commercially viable products.

In addition to the exhibitions, visitors enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere with live music performances by ITK students. This event highlighted students’ dedication to applying and developing their soft skills.

FI Fest’24 was more than just an exhibition—it underscored the commitment of ITK’s Food Technology program to fostering innovative food solutions capable of competing in the global market. Through various creative ideas, Food Technology students proved their ability to pioneer the development of healthy and sustainable food.

As the event’s grand finale, an award was presented to the best stand, symbolizing appreciation for the hard work and dedication of students in creating innovations in the food sector.