ACCESS Project Successfully Holds Business Plan Competition in Renewable Energy (BPCRE)

Throughout October to November 2022, the ACCESS project organized an event called the Business Plan Competition in Renewable Energy (BPCRE). The goal of this BPCRE event was to invite active students from diploma (D3), associate degree (D4), and bachelor's degree (S1) programs at universities across Indonesia to create a business plan that can be used or implemented by rural communities that previously lacked access to electricity but will soon have 24/7 access, albeit in limited capacity.

A total of 34 groups participated in this event and submitted their proposals, comprising 152 students, including 96 males and 57 females. Among the 34 proposals submitted, 8 were selected to proceed to the final stage.

The BPCRE final took place on November 29, 2022, in person at the SDG Academy Indonesia. The finalist groups came from various locations in Indonesia, including Surabaya, Malang, Jember, Yogyakarta, and Riau. The judging criteria for the proposals included business ideas, business applications, and social impact. During the final stage, the judges assessed the presentations based on four criteria: compliance with the requirements and presentation clarity, time management, creativity, and teamwork in delivering responses.

Furthermore, the first prize was won by Visco Company, with a product of virgin coconut oil (VCO) from the University of Indonesia. The second prize was awarded to SchiColar, presenting chicken farming technology from Brawijaya University. The third prize went to Labkul, featuring an environmentally friendly fishing net product from the University of Indonesia. Lastly, the audience's favorite award, judged based on digital content on Instagram Reels and TikTok, was won by F-Light from Jember University, showcasing solar lamps for fishermen.

"BPCRE is an event that leaves a significant impact. Besides honing students' academic skills, BPCRE also cultivates students' independence. It also imparts new knowledge about areas in Indonesia that lack electricity. My hope is that the proposals submitted can help ACCESS communities in the villages," said Rahayu, a representative of the SchiColar group from Brawijaya University.

"I hope that BPCRE will be held again next year because I want to participate in it again!" added Ahmad Ishamul, a representative of the F-Light group from Jember University.

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Written by: Elizabeth Gabriela