From Lecture to Innovation: BioEt Team Showcases BioEthylene Generator and Wins 1st Place at GSIC 2025
By Indira Akmalia Hendri - Mahasiswa Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2021
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – A team of students from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), consisting of members from various departments, won first place in the Engineering Application category at the Global Student Innovation Challenge (GSIC) 2025.
GSIC is a platform focused on the professional development, work, and innovation of ITB students. This event is under the auspices of the Keluarga Mahasiswa (KM) ITB and serves as a venue for students to present scientific and technological solutions to various global challenges.
The team, named BioEt, consisting of Abdul Hakam (Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering, 2021), Nailah Zakiyyah Lanjarsari (Agricultural Engineering, 2021), Annisa Ramadina (Craft Design, 2021), Ghani Naoval Prawiradikarta (Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering, 2021), and Nabil Karim Abdurrahman (Engineering Physics, 2022), achieved success through their innovative research. The research focuses on the development of a portable bioethylene generator, which can be used in the post-harvest distribution of palm oil to accelerate ripening and ease the stripping process. This innovation allows for space-saving in the sterilization process since the empty bunches no longer need to be placed in the sterilizer.
“This idea originated from one of the courses in Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering taught by Dr. Carolus Borromeus Rasrendra, S.T., M.T., which inspired the team to look for intensification opportunities within the palm oil processing chain,” said the team leader, Abdul Hakam.
Globally, similar devices have been developed in the United States and China, but they have not been specifically applied to improve the efficiency of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production. Therefore, the team began this project by conducting research, inspections, and reverse engineering of the devices developed in those countries. After ensuring that these devices could produce ethylene through alcohol dehydration, the team performed several optimizations, including collaborating with the Chemical Engineering Department at ITB to design a gamma-alumina catalyst made in Indonesia.
“Our innovation goes beyond just replication. We conducted further engineering to improve the quality of the ethylene produced. After the engineering phase was considered sufficient, we started manufacturing the prototype, designing the instrument control system, and testing the device in the FTI ITB laboratory to ensure the purity of the produced ethylene,” said Ghani.
Throughout the project, the team simultaneously worked on drafting a patent, manufacturing the device, and preparing for testing. After completing all of these stages, they prepared presentations and scientific posters to showcase at GSIC 2025.
This process culminated in presentations before the jury and an exhibition, followed by the announcement of winners at the East Hall.
The success in this competition was not solely dependent on technical mastery, but also on a deep understanding of the expected outcomes and the ability to present ideas with novelty and clear urgency.
According to the team, by developing the portable bioethylene generator, they not only created an original solution but also offered an innovation that has a real impact on the palm oil industry, from post-harvest process efficiency to reducing empty bunch waste.
Reporter: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2021)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri
