Balikpapan – Students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) once again demonstrated outstanding achievement at the Kideco Innovation Challenge (KIC) 2026. Three ITK student teams secured podium finishes in two competition categories, winning 1st and 2nd Place in the Hackathon category and 3rd Place in the Prototype category.

In the Hackathon category, 1st Place was achieved by a team consisting of Mahardika Arka, Dicha Wijaya Kusuma, and Raditya Yusma Nata from the 2023 Informatics cohort, along with Marsa Naufal from the 2023 Electrical Engineering cohort. The team was supervised by Ramadhan Paninggalih, S.Si., M.Si., M.Sc.

The team developed FUMORA (Fuel Monitoring, Forecasting, Reporting, and Assistance), an integrated platform designed to support the monitoring and analysis of fuel ratios in mining operations. The system features fuel monitoring, fuel consumption forecasting, contractor performance analysis, an operational parameter simulator, and an AI-based Copilot.

Another achievement came from Team Initial_D, which secured 2nd Place in the Hackathon category. The team consisted of Taufik Ilham, Muhammad Daffa Rayhan, and Hikmah Alusmawati from the 2022 Information Systems cohort, under the supervision of Aidil Saputra Kirsan, S.ST., M.Tr.Kom.

During the competition, Team Initial_D developed MATRIX (Monitoring Analytics Tracking Contractor Fuel Ratio), a system designed to support contractor fuel ratio monitoring and analysis. MATRIX enables users to identify contractors and operational activities contributing to fuel consumption deviations, validate operational data, and simulate several improvement scenarios.

ITK students also earned recognition in the Prototype category. A team led by Naufal Tiarana Putra from the 2023 Informatics cohort, together with Ferry Ramadhan from the 2023 Mechanical Engineering cohort and Almar'u Zaim Mizan from the 2023 Electrical Engineering cohort, secured 3rd Place. The team was supervised by Dr.Eng. Lusi Ernawati, S.T., M.Sc.

The team presented AQUA-SENSE, a prototype for monitoring post-biofiltration Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) quality using Internet of Things (IoT) and Fuzzy Logic technologies. The system utilizes pH, TDS, and turbidity sensors to monitor water quality in real time while automatically classifying its suitability for reuse.

These achievements highlight the ability of ITK students to address real-world industrial challenges through technological innovation. Beyond competing for awards, the students were required to understand mining operational issues, process data, build digital systems, develop prototypes, and present their solutions within a limited timeframe.

Winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place at the Kideco Innovation Challenge 2026 also demonstrates the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty mentorship in producing competitive solutions that are relevant to industry needs. The achievement is expected to encourage more ITK students to participate in competitions, develop innovative ideas, and create works that deliver meaningful impact to society and industry.