NEX.Ai UNM Reaches Final of Bekasi Appropriate Technology Competition, Introducing Smart Sanitation Innovation

The Nusa Mandiri Excellent Center of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (NEX.Ai) from Nusa Mandiri University (UNM) has successfully advanced to the final round of the 202ng Bekasi City Appropriate Technology (TTG) Competition, part of the Bekasi PRIDE Award 2026.

The innovation presented by NEX.Ai is SEPTiQ-BEKASI (Smart On-Demand Septic Tank Inspection System with Communal Reader), a technology designed to assist the community in monitoring septic tank conditions more preventatively, regularly, and with proper documentation.

Dr Ali Khumaidi, Chairman of NEX.Ai, stated that SEPTiQ-BEKASI was developed to address sanitation issues in residential areas by prioritising technology that is simple, affordable, and capable of communal use.

“We want to present technology that is not only sophisticated but truly addresses community needs. SEPTiQ-BEKASI is designed so that septic tank conditions can be monitored before problems arise, using a concept that is affordable and easy to implement,” said Dr Ali in a press release received on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

According to him, the system utilises ultrasonic sensors, microcontrollers, and a communal reader to determine the condition of septic tanks. Inspection results can be displayed as Normal, Warning, or Full, and are then communicated digitally via QR codes or WhatsApp.

During the final round, the NEX.Ai team presented SEPTiQ-BEKASI before three expert judges from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The innovation garnered attention due to its use of on-demand concepts, edge computing, and communal readers to reduce costs.

The NEX.Ai booth also received a visit from the Head of Bapperida Bekasi City alongside the Vice Mayor of Bekasi. This visit served as a momentum to introduce the potential of utilising university technology to support urban sanitation challenges.

“Reaching the finals is both a source of pride and motivation for us. We will continue to refine this technology to ensure its sustainability and so that it can be replicated to provide wider benefits to the community,” expressed Dr Ali.

As a Digital Business Campus, UNM continues to encourage a research and innovation ecosystem that brings together lecturers, students, technology, and community needs. NEX.Ai’s participation in the Bekasi City TTG serves as evidence that campus innovation can be directed towards producing solutions for real-world problems.