Prasetiya Mulya University Students' Cocoa Axis Innovation Wins First Place in Carbon Youth Challenge 2025

Students from Prasetiya Mulya University (UPM) have achieved a brilliant milestone by securing First Place in the Carbon Youth Challenge (CYC) 2025. This international-scale climate technology business competition reached its peak at the final showcase held at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Ganesha Campus on 8 December 2025. Organised by the Indonesia Carbon Trade Association since April 2025, the event serves as a platform for the younger generation to present concrete solutions for developing the carbon market and green economy. The UPM team successfully outperformed finalists from various prestigious institutions, including ITB, UGM, UI, UNSW Sydney, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. This victory was attained through interdisciplinary collaboration between two schools at UPM. The team consists of Ni Luh Ade Sinta Dewi (Renewable Energy Engineering 2023), Mey Lani Faransiska Situmorang (Business Mathematics 2023) from the School of STEM, as well as Luh Putu Mery Trisnayani (Accounting 2024) from the School of Business and Economics. They presented an innovation titled Sumbu Kakao: Environmentally Friendly Briquette Innovation from Cocoa Husk Waste. This product processes cocoa husk waste into eco-friendly briquettes as a low-emission alternative energy source to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Utilising a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) business model, Sumbu Kakao targets small and medium-sized culinary enterprises based on charcoal and households. This strategy not only promises rapid distribution and optimal margins but also creates direct social impact for cocoa farmers through the utilisation of previously valueless waste. Ni Luh Ade Sinta Dewi emphasised that the carbon market must serve as a real driver for energy transition. “We view the carbon market not merely as an economic instrument, but as a mechanism that can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in a tangible way. Through data- and technology-based innovation, we aim to ensure that every carbon credit represents a measurable and sustainable environmental impact,” she stated. In agreement, Luh Putu Mery Trisnayani highlighted the aspect of farmer welfare in this innovation. “This innovation not only helps reduce emissions but also opens opportunities for improving the welfare of local farmers. At UPM, we learn with a commitment to climate change and sustainability, so this innovation is part of our spirit to deliver sustainable solutions,” she added. Co-Provost I of Prasetiya Mulya University, Dr.rer.pol. Christiana Yosevina, stated that this achievement is the fruit of a learning ecosystem that integrates technology, business, and sustainability. According to her, interdisciplinary collaboration is key to producing real solutions for the future. This success in the CYC 2025 further solidifies Prasetiya Mulya University’s position as an institution consistently promoting innovation in the carbon market, green economy, and energy transition in Indonesia.