IKN – The 2026 Indonesian Flying Robot Contest (KRTI) has become a platform for developing student talent, not only by testing their ability to operate flying vehicles, but also by challenging them to design, evaluate, and develop reliable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies with the potential to deliver broader benefits.

This is reflected, among others, in the Technology Development (TD) Division. In addition to recognizing the main winners, the division also presents awards for innovation and technological development potential through the categories of Best Innovation Pitch, Best Technology Potential, and Best New Comer. These awards demonstrate that achievement in KRTI is not measured solely by competition ranking, but also by the quality of ideas, technological potential, and team development.

In the TD Division, EFRISA TEAM from Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya secured First Place, followed by Atyabrama from Universitas Brawijaya in Second Place and Akasha Seva BUV from Universitas Sebelas Maret in Third Place. Meanwhile, Khageswara from Universitas Gadjah Mada received the Best Innovation Pitch award, Aksa Vikara from Institut Teknologi Bandung received Best Technology Potential, and Pandhega Daksa from Institut Teknologi Kalimantan was recognized as Best New Comer.

The Chair of the KRTI 2026 Jury expressed appreciation for the improvement in the quality of student innovations demonstrated across all divisions. According to him, developing UAV technology is not simply about producing an aircraft capable of flying, but also about ensuring system reliability and establishing a clear direction for its future application.

“We appreciate the improvement in quality demonstrated by participants across all divisions. KRTI is not only about aircraft that can fly, but also about system reliability, technological quality, and how these innovations can provide benefits to the nation. Going forward, we hope the innovations developed through KRTI can continue to be advanced and create a broader impact, in line with the spirit of Kampus Berdampak.”

Through KRTI, students from various universities are brought together in one platform to test technologies, exchange experiences, build networks, and evaluate developments that began on their respective campuses. This process plays an important role in nurturing technology talent that is not only capable of competing, but also prepared to continue research and development beyond the competition.

KRTI 2026 therefore does more than produce competition winners. It also creates space for new ideas, technologies, and talent in the UAV field to grow. The experience gained throughout the competition is expected to serve as a foundation for developing innovations that are increasingly relevant to the needs of society, industry, and national development.