Balikpapan — The Faculty of Science and Information Technology of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (FSTI ITK), in collaboration with KIDECO, has officially opened registration for the KIDECO Innovation Challenge (KIC) 2026. This competition serves as a platform for students across Kalimantan to showcase their best ideas, creativity, and innovations in addressing challenges in the mining and energy sectors, which increasingly require smart, adaptive, and sustainable solutions.

KIC 2026 carries the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Mining & Energy through AI-IoT Integration.” Through this theme, participants are encouraged to develop innovative ideas and works based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to support the development of the mining and energy industries in a more efficient, safe, modern, and environmentally friendly manner.

The competition is open to students across Kalimantan who are interested in technology, innovation, energy, mining, data, solution design, and digital system development. Participants can present their ideas and creativity through three competition categories: Hackathon, Essay, and Prototype.

Through this event, students will not only have the opportunity to compete but also to expand their networks, gain direct exposure to the industrial sector, and receive recognition from professionals. KIC 2026 also offers a total prize of IDR 74,000,000, along with certificates, industry appreciation, internship recommendations, and additional facilities for selected participants.

Competition Categories

Hackathon
 This category is intended for participants who want to develop digital solutions, systems, applications, or technologies based on AI and IoT that are relevant to the needs of the sustainable mining and energy industries.

Essay
 This category provides a space for students to express ideas, analysis, and strategic concepts in the form of popular scientific or conceptual writing related to sustainable mining, energy, AI, IoT, and technological innovation.

Prototype
 This category is designed for participants who have product designs, tools, systems, or innovation models that can be visualized or developed as practical solutions to support sustainable mining and energy.

KIC 2026 Timeline

• May 18, 2026: Registration announcement for KIC 2026 
• June 20, 2026: Submission deadline 
• June 21 – July 16, 2026: Selection process 
• July 17, 2026: Finalist announcement 
• July 18, 2026: Online technical meeting for finalists 
• August 5, 2026: Finalist presentation 
• August 6–7, 2026: KIDECO Mining Industry Visit 
• August 8, 2026: Winner announcement 

Registration for the KIDECO Innovation Challenge 2026 is available through s.itk.ac.id/kic2026. Participants can also access the complete guidebook through s.itk.ac.id/guidebookkic2026.

For further information, participants may contact Hanifah at 0851-7230-2157.

Through KIC 2026, students across Kalimantan are expected to take an active role in creating impactful technological solutions for the future of sustainable mining and energy. Prepare your team, develop your best ideas, and become part of Kalimantan’s young innovators.