In an inspiring rise from a local university project to international recognition, the Drillytics innovation award at the Tokyo Global Innovation Challenge (TGIC) 2025 represents a breakthrough moment for Indonesian student entrepreneurship. Presented by TSUCREA Inc., this prestigious accolade was earned by the Drillytics team, comprised of young innovators from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Cirebon, outcompeting more than 200 participants from over 40 countries. The achievement reflects not only the creative potential of these young engineers and entrepreneurs, but also Indonesia’s growing footprint in the global technology and energy innovation landscape.

This article explores the journey of the Drillytics team, the significance of their award, the role of national innovation ecosystems like Pertamuda, and the broader implications for Indonesia’s future innovators.

The Birth of Drillytics and Its Innovation Award Achievement

Drillytics began as an idea developed by a group of five students from ITB Cirebon under the Pertamuda Seed and Scale program, an entrepreneurship initiative led by PT Pertamina (Persero) that supports young innovators in developing sustainable business concepts. The team was composed of Khairunnisa Aulia Rahma, Khairunnisa Noor Fadillah, Feodora Glory Roserina Munthe, Ahmad Naufal Ramadhan, and Aryaputra Roseno, who together brought to life an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solution for drilling hazard analysis in the energy sector.

Their innovation stood out at the Tokyo Global Innovation Challenge (TGIC) 2025, held at Tokyo Innovation Base in Japan, where over 200 startups and innovators from 40 countries competed. Drillytics not only represented Indonesia, but also emerged as a top performer, earning the Drillytics innovation award from TSUCREA Inc., a Japanese incubator firm known for fostering technologies with international scalability.

The award includes three mentoring sessions, extended networking opportunities with Japanese and global innovation ecosystems, as well as follow-up support for development and potential collaboration. This recognition is more than a trophy; it is a gateway to strategic growth, mentorship, and international partnerships.

Pertamuda, Pertamina, and the Innovation Ecosystem Behind the Success

Drillytics did not emerge in isolation. Its journey was enabled through Pertamuda Seed and Scale 2025, a flagship program by PT Pertamina (Persero), which aims to identify, nurture, and accelerate student-led startups with solutions aligned to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly within the energy sector.

Being one of the TOP 3 startups in the Energy Founder – Energy Optimization category through Pertamuda offered the Drillytics team the platform and endorsement necessary to compete internationally. Pertamuda serves not only as a competition, but as an incubator and bridge to real-world markets and investors. As part of the program, participants receive coaching, access to industry mentors, business planning guidance, and exposure to investor networks—tools that transformed Drillytics from an academic project into a contender on the global stage.

Pertamina’s broader vision goes beyond mere competition awards. According to the company’s Corporate Secretary, Arya Dwi Paramita, the organization sees programs like Pertamuda as instrumental in developing globally competitive tech talent and innovation ecosystems in Indonesia. Drillytics represented the only Indonesian delegation at TGIC 2025, underscoring both national pride and Pertamina’s commitment to supporting young innovators.

The company’s support extends to facilitating networking with Indonesia’s diplomatic missions abroad, as evidenced by the Drillytics delegation’s engagement with the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, strengthening both cultural and technical exchange.

What the Innovation Award Means for Young Innovators

The Drillytics innovation award is significant in several dimensions. First, it confirms that Indonesian student-led startups can successfully compete at high levels of international innovation challenges. Emerging victorious among participants from more than 40 countries highlights the team’s technical excellence, problem-solving capability, and readiness to engage with complex global challenges.

Second, earning this award opens doors to wider global networks. The mentoring sessions included as part of the prize allow Drillytics to access seasoned minds in business development and innovation strategy—resources that can accelerate their path to commercialization and real impact in the energy sector. Collaboration with Japanese innovation ecosystems also presents potential investment opportunities, pilot projects, and knowledge transfer.

Third, the success of Drillytics offers an inspiration reference point for other young innovators. It demonstrates that local creativity, when supported by structured programs like Pertamuda and backed by corporate support, can navigate the leap from local problem solving to global relevance.

The specific focus of Drillytics on AI algorithms for drilling hazard analysis reflects broader industry trends where artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly central to predictive analytics, operational safety, and efficiency improvements in energy and engineering sectors. Their innovation responds to real-world needs in energy exploration and optimization, signaling that student ideas can meaningfully influence mature industrial fields.

Strengthening Indonesia’s Innovation Pipeline

The success of Drillytics underscores the importance of institutional support mechanisms that link education, industry, and global exposure. In recent years, programs like Pertamuda and similar innovation initiatives across Indonesia have drawn attention for catalyzing student entrepreneurship and strengthening research-to-market pathways.

Beyond Pertamuda, collaborations with universities, industry partners, and government agencies form a comprehensive innovation pipeline. For instance, various Indonesian universities, including ITB, actively participate in research showcases, innovation summits, and collaboration platforms that connect students with businesses and policymakers. These ecosystems contribute to elevating Indonesia’s profile in global innovation rankings and fostering talent that can tackle pressing technological challenges.

Indonesia’s focus on innovation resonates with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals that emphasize industry innovation, decent work and economic growth, and partnerships for the goals. Initiatives encouraging student entrepreneurship, like Pertamuda, align with these broader aspirations by nurturing solutions that not only drive commercial success but also address systemic challenges in sectors like energy, mobility, and sustainability.

Challenges and Pathways Forward

While the Drillytics team has achieved remarkable success, the journey ahead involves navigating common challenges faced by startups transitioning from prototype to market entry. Startups, especially those led by students, often face hurdles such as securing early-stage funding, scaling operations, and integrating with industry partners. The innovation award provides a valuable platform, but sustained support—financial, technical, and strategic—will be crucial for Drillytics’ long-term success.

Mentorship gained through the award is expected to help the team refine their business model, identify market opportunities, and build stronger operational frameworks. Japan’s innovation ecosystem, known for its depth in technology transfer and industrial partnerships, may also offer beneficial collaborations that help Drillytics navigate commercialization pathways.

Moreover, the growing recognition of Indonesian startups at international innovation challenges may encourage more investment interest and cross-border partnerships. As digital transformation and AI continue reshaping global industries, young startups with domain expertise—especially those addressing real sector needs—are well positioned to capture niche markets.

Drillytics as a Model for Future Innovators

The Drillytics innovation award at the Tokyo Global Innovation Challenge 2025 is more than a personal triumph for a group of young entrepreneurs from Cirebon. It is a testament to the potential of Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem, the value of structured support for student-led startups, and the impact of global exposure in shaping future technologies.

By winning an international award, strengthening their networks, and gaining access to mentorship and collaboration opportunities, Drillytics exemplifies how local ingenuity can evolve into global impact. Their journey not only inspires emerging innovators but also highlights the importance of continued investment in programs that bridge academia, industry, and international platforms.