i3L University Hosts iCS 2026: Empowering High School Students Through Biotechnology Innovation
iCS Finalists 2026 with the judges in the Final Round at i3L University
Jakarta, 24 June 2026 — i3L University recently hosted the i3L Competition Series (iCS) 2026: Sustainable BioFutures, a national science competition that welcomed talented high school students from all over Indonesia. With the theme “Sustainable BioFutures” and the tagline “Shaping Tomorrow Through Sustainable Innovation!”, the event gave young innovators a chance to explore how science can help create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future.
This was the third edition of iCS, with strong support from the Biotechnology Study Program and faculty members from different fields at i3L University, who also served as judges. The event shows i3L University’s dedication to advancing STEM education and helping develop future biotechnology leaders in Indonesia.
One of the unique aspects of iCS 2026 was its integration of scientific research and business thinking. Participants were challenged to develop solutions that were not only scientifically sound but also practical, scalable, and capable of addressing real-world challenges.
The competition was open to high school students in grades 10–12 and focused on innovative ideas related to sustainability, environmental challenges, and biotechnology-driven solutions. The event consisted of three stages: the preliminary round, semifinals held on May 9–10, 2026, and the grand final on June 20, 2026.
During the semifinals, participants joined a special session led by Ilham Maulana from Generasi Energi Bersih. In the session, called “Empowering Young Innovators to Drive Real Change,” they learned how young people can make a real difference through innovation.
The enthusiasm for iCS 2026 demonstrated the growing interest of Indonesian youth in biotechnology and sustainability. This year’s competition attracted 146 registered teams, representing approximately 600 students from 60 high schools across 20 cities in Indonesia.
Following a rigorous selection process, 84 teams advanced to the semifinals, with only the top 10 earning a place in the final round.
The evaluation process was conducted objectively by a distinguished panel of judges comprising i3L University faculty members, industry expert Dhammiko Wonggo, a Biopharmaceutical Technology Scientist at PT Dexa Medica, and representatives from Generasi Energi Bersih, including Rosiana Agustin and Izzatia Zikra Wahyuni.
After the final judging session, these schools were named as winners: 1st Place went to Regina Pacis High School, Bogor; 2nd Place to Ekumene Christian School; 3rd Place to Santa Angela Bandung; and the Favorite Award to Tzu Chi School PIK.
These results show the impressive creativity, scientific understanding, and entrepreneurial spirit of Indonesian high school students.
Portable clean water filter prototype using coffee grounds from the 2nd Winner of iCS 2026
Dina Hermawaty, Head of the Biotechnology Study Program at i3L University, said the competition showed how young innovators can tackle real-world needs with meaningful ideas.
“This year’s competition stood out because students tackled real challenges around them with ideas that were creative, relevant, practical, and impactful,” said Dina Hermawaty.
She also highlighted how impressive the finalists’ innovations were, especially since many student teams had limited resources and equipment.
The first-place team from Regina Pacis Bogor created a smart food container that detects spoilage gases produced by microbes. This could help reduce food waste and make food safer.
The second-place team from Ekumene Christian School designed a portable water purifier made from used coffee grounds. It offers an affordable and sustainable option for remote communities and areas hit by disasters.
The third-place team from Santa Angela Bandung introduced Bucha-Bite, a kombucha gummy candy packaged in biodegradable material made from extra SCOBY. This product follows a zero-waste idea by turning fermentation leftovers into useful packaging.
The projects from both semifinalists and finalists show just how much potential Indonesia’s young people have in sustainable biotechnology. With the i3L Competition Series, i3L University hopes to keep inspiring students to create original, practical, and meaningful innovations, while helping them better understand sustainability in science and technology.
iCS 2026 succeeded thanks to the support of sponsors like Fitbar, Criscito, Enseval, BTN, ERHA Store, and Hydrococo. Media partners Kompasiana and Greeneration Foundation, along with the community partner Generasi Energi Bersih, also played important roles.
As biotechnology continues to play a critical role in solving global environmental and health challenges, initiatives such as iCS 2026 demonstrate how empowering young innovators today can help create a more sustainable tomorrow.
Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences (i3L) is a globally connected research and education institution that impacts society through science and innovation. The Biotechnology program at i3L is interdisciplinary education, where innovations are directed to enhance quality of life via the production of valuable products from Indonesian biodiversity. This program offers a broad content, which nurtures well-rounded graduates to become leaders in various fields of biotechnology.