UNDIP, Semarang (May 15, 2025) – Students from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) have once again made their institution proud. A team from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) program at UNDIP’s Vocational School took home three awards at the 2025 Cipta Nusantara Fest (C.N. Fest), a national scientific competition held by EduHub Youth Invention in collaboration with the Universitas Riau on April 26–27, 2025.
The UNDIP’s TRKI team, consisting of Maya Qisthina Gaissani (team leader), Sigit Pramana, Mochammad Wibisono Faizun S., and Aisha Adinda Satyarani, stood out among hundreds of creative students from across Indonesia with their innovative project titled, “Edible Film from Tofu Waste and Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae as an Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternative to Support Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Amid growing concerns over climate change and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the team demonstrated how students can take real action for change. Using tofu waste as a starting point, they developed a forward-looking innovation that earned them a Gold Medal in the Energy and Environment category, the Best Idea Award, and Third Place in the Essay category.
Behind their success lies a brilliant idea rooted in environmental concern. By utilizing nata de soya fermented from tofu wastewater and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae, the team created an edible film—an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and consumable packaging material.
“This innovation was born out of concern for two major environmental issues: food industry waste—especially tofu waste—and single-use plastic pollution. We aimed to deliver a solution that is both functional and sustainable,” said Maya Qisthina, the team leader.
Beyond being environmentally friendly, the edible film also acts as an active packaging material capable of extending shelf life, particularly for food products. Incorporating principles of biodegradability, zero waste, and sustainability, the project aligns with circular economy models and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Maya expressed her pride and joy over the achievement. “This victory is the result of our hard work and collaborative research spirit, driven by our desire to make a real contribution to the nation. Looking ahead, we hope this innovation can be developed into a commercial product that benefits the wider public and industry,” said Maya.
The team’s success was supported by their faculty advisor, Yusuf Ma’Rifat Fajar Azis, S.T., M.T., who provided continuous guidance throughout the research and writing process.
Their achievement not only reflects academic excellence but also highlights the role of UNDIP, particularly the TRKI program, in encouraging students to engage in scientific activities and innovation development. The project’s strength lies in its cross-disciplinary collaboration—ranging from material formulation and environmental studies to strategic science communication in essay writing.
Mohamad Endy Julianto, S.T., M.T., Head of the TRKI program, expressed his appreciation. “We are extremely proud. May TRKI’s spirit of research and innovation continue to grow and make a real contribution to solving societal challenges,” he said.
The UNDIP Vocational TRKI program is committed to advancing the SDGs and the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. In this long-term vision, environmental sustainability and resource efficiency are seen as essential keys to inclusive economic and industrial development.
This latest success further cements UNDIP’s reputation as a university committed to nurturing a generation of innovative, solution-oriented youth who are ready to drive change with knowledge as their foundation. (Endy-SV; edited by Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)