Startup Zona Farm, developed under UGM’s Innovative Academy, achieved a new milestone by winning 1st Place at the PLN ICE Startup Competition 2025, held at ITS Surabaya on 22–23 November 2025 (22/11).

The victory also earned the team a prize of Rp200 million, marking a significant step in their journey.

Young Team Led by Founder and Supported by Mentors

This achievement was driven by Founder and CEO Muhammad Hasani, together with team members Ihza Surya Pratama (Co-Founder & CTO), Armedina Radine (CFO), Intan Rahma Dinni (CMO), Afifah Diaz Restu Mawarni (COO), and Nadia Cecilia Ginting (CCC).

They received guidance from advisors, including Ir. Galuh Adi Insani, S.Pt., M.Sc., IPM., who specializes in Animal Genetics and Production, and Denny Wijayanto, Head of Program at Innovative Academy.

IoT and AI-Based Agriculture Ecosystem

Created by alumni and students of FMIPA UGM, Zona Farm develops a digital agriculture ecosystem that uses Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help poultry farmers face climate change, increase productivity, and reduce electricity use.

The team also applies circular agriculture by processing chicken waste into organic fertilizer and maggot feed. “We are grateful that our work can provide added value for farmers while reducing environmental impact,” Intan said on Tuesday (02/12).

Focus on Sustainability and Empowering Farmers

Intan emphasized that the win strengthens Zona Farm’s commitment not only to technological innovation but also to sustainability and community empowerment.

Through a data-based and smart technology approach, the team aims to ensure that small and medium-scale farmers can experience the benefits of digital transformation.

Experience at PLN ICE and Its Broader Impact

Intan explained her experience at PLN ICE (Innovation & Competition in Electricity), an annual competition held by PT PLN (Persero) as a platform for students, academics, and young innovators to present solutions in electricity, energy, and future technology.

“So Zona Farm appeared here because it was considered capable of providing real contributions to energy efficiency while presenting broader social impact,” she said.

Gratitude filled the team as this achievement added to their list of accomplishments and demonstrated that Indonesian youth have the capacity to build startups that are not only competitive. Intan also expressed hope that this process will strengthen their orientation toward sustainability and long-term impact, noting that with a strong vision and continuous innovation, Zona Farm is ready to move further in transforming the national agriculture sector.

PHOTO: UGM

This article was created with AI assistance.