Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia Showcases Metaverse and AI-Powered Food Waste Detection at the 81st Pengayoman Day Celebration
Bandar Lampung – Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia (UTI) continues to demonstrate its commitment to using technology to address real-world challenges. This commitment was reflected in UTI’s participation in the 81st Pengayoman Day celebration organized by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law in Lampung, under the theme “Digital Transformation for Caring and Impactful Legal Services.” At the event, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia showcased a range of technology-based innovations and creative works developed by its students. The exhibition highlighted the role of higher education institutions in developing technologies that go beyond academic applications and have the potential to deliver practical benefits to society. Roblox-Based Metaverse for Interactive Digital Experiences One of the innovations that attracted attention was UTI’s metaverse technology based on the Roblox platform. The initiative forms part of the university’s efforts to develop an interactive and immersive digital ecosystem. The metaverse can be utilized for various purposes, including education, entrepreneurship, tourism, and technology-based services. It demonstrates how digital technology can create new experiences that are more interactive, educational, and relevant to the needs of society in the era of digital transformation. The development of metaverse technology also encourages students to move beyond being technology users and become creators and developers of digital innovations. Food Waste Smart: AI Technology for Detecting Food Waste In addition to the metaverse, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia introduced Food Waste Smart, an innovation developed by students from the Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program. Food Waste Smart uses computer vision technology to detect and analyze food waste left on trays during the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. The technology combines image processing and artificial intelligence to identify the amount of leftover food in a more measurable way. The resulting data can then be used to evaluate consumption patterns and support efforts to reduce food waste. This innovation demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be directed toward solving practical problems. Rather than remaining limited to classroom concepts, student-developed technologies are being designed with practical value and potential for implementation in society. Technology Designed to Address Real-World Challenges The presence of the metaverse and Food Waste Smart at the 81st Pengayoman Day celebration reflects an educational approach that connects learning, research, innovation, and community needs. Through these technologies, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia emphasizes that digital transformation is not simply about adopting new devices or applications. More importantly, it is about using technology creatively to develop solutions that generate positive impact. “Digital transformation is not only about introducing new technologies, but also about how those technologies can provide real benefits, solve problems, and improve people’s quality of life. Therefore, students need to be continuously encouraged to develop innovations that are relevant to the needs of their time.” Student Entrepreneurship Through UMKM Bazaar Beyond technological innovation, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia also participated in the event through an UMKM bazaar featuring student-developed creative and entrepreneurial products. The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UTI presented Bloom Tea, while the Faculty of Literature and Education (FSIP) UTI showcased Wastra Aksara. The two products demonstrate that student development at UTI extends beyond academic and technological competencies. Students are also encouraged to create products with economic value while developing their entrepreneurial mindset and creativity. Through activities like this, students gain opportunities to introduce their products, interact directly with the community, and gain practical experience in developing business potential and creative ideas. Strengthening Collaboration Between Higher Education and Government UTI’s participation in the 81st Pengayoman Day celebration also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions, government, businesses, and communities. The university’s presence demonstrates the strategic role of higher education as a center for developing knowledge, technology, innovation, and human resources that can contribute to regional development. Cross-sector collaboration is important to ensure that innovations developed within academic environments have opportunities to be tested, further developed, and implemented on a wider scale. In this way, the outcomes of education and research can extend beyond the campus and generate broader social and economic impact. Supporting Sustainable Digital Transformation Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia continues to foster an academic ecosystem that encourages innovation that is disciplined, high-quality, creative, and innovative. The development of metaverse technology, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and student entrepreneurship forms part of this broader effort. These innovations also demonstrate the important role of higher education in preparing young people for rapid technological change. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to create technology while considering the needs and interests of society. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals The activities and innovations presented by Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia are also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4 – Quality Education is reflected through student-led technology development as part of experiential learning, strengthening digital competencies, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The initiatives also contribute to SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the development of metaverse technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision as innovative approaches to real-world challenges. Meanwhile, Food Waste Smart is relevant to SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, particularly through the identification and reduction of food waste using data-driven technology. Student entrepreneurship initiatives also support SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and opportunities for young people to develop businesses. Through these contributions, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia continues to promote education and innovation that are not only focused on technological advancement but also designed to generate sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits. Becoming Part of Indonesia’s Innovation Ecosystem UTI’s participation in the 81st Pengayoman Day celebration provided an opportunity to introduce academic innovations to a wider audience. Through collaboration among universities, government institutions, students, entrepreneurs, and communities, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia continues to support the development of an innovation ecosystem capable of addressing the challenges of the digital era. With a commitment to inclusive and impactful digital transformation, Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia will continue encouraging its academic community to develop relevant and sustainable innovations that contribute meaningfully to society and regional development.
