Through the Hack-Go-Thon 2026 program, Singapore Polytechnic and Universitas Tarumanagara successfully established a collaborative partnership. This program served as a platform for students to develop creative ideas through a series of activities such as workshops, mentoring sessions, and cross-cultural exchange held from April 6–10, 2026, across Jakarta, Bandung, and BSD.
The program began with a campus tour at Universitas Tarumanagara, aimed at introducing the campus environment and student life culture. During this session, Kayla Giovanna presented the Faculty of Communication building (Fikom Untar), along with insights into student activities and daily campus life. This activity marked an important first step in strengthening interaction between students from both institutions.
Next, all participants attended a session explaining the products and challenges faced by MYCL (Mycotech Lab), a company that utilizes the natural growth cycle of mycelium to transform agricultural waste into high-performance materials.
Based on their understanding of MYCL, each group was tasked with developing innovative products using mycelium, with concepts ranging from B2B (Business to Business) to B2C (Business to Consumer). Each group explored ideas based on their respective interests. To support this ideation process, Hack-Go-Thon collaborated with and facilitated participants to learn directly from institutions and companies such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), BLOCK71, KUMPUL, Bobobox, Agate, and Sinar Mas Land over the course of five days.
In addition to focusing on innovation, Hack-Go-Thon 2026 also offered meaningful cultural exchange experiences. One of the highlights was a visit to Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung. Participants gained deeper insights into Sundanese culture through traditional performances such as wayang golek, traditional musical instruments, and dances from various regions of Indonesia. They also had the opportunity to learn how to play the angklung and successfully performed a song together, while enjoying a variety of Indonesian traditional cuisine.
Representing Fikom Untar, Artha Kimandana and Kayla Giovanna, along with other Universitas Tarumanagara students from various faculties, actively contributed ideas, insights, and participation throughout the event. On the final day, each group delivered their pitching decks at the Sinar Mas Land Plaza office in BSD City. Through these presentations, each group showcased different areas of interest despite using the same base material. The product concepts spanned across sectors such as beauty, entertainment, lifestyle, accessories, and more.
This program enriched Kayla’s experience and broadened her perspective. “I am happy to learn from many more experienced individuals through this program, as it has opened my perspective while sharpening my skills,” she said.
Through Hack-Go-Thon 2026, participants not only gained academic knowledge and practical experience but also expanded their global perspectives and strengthened cross-cultural connections. This program is expected to continue as a commitment to nurturing innovative and globally competitive Communication students at Universitas Tarumanagara. (KG)