UMN Students Demonstrate Business Innovation Excellence at Ignite Future Fest 2026

The UMN student team received the Silver Medal in the Agriculture, Food, & Livestock category at the Ignite Future Fest 2026 – National Essay & Business Plan Competition held on April 4–5, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Michael Romeo Allegro Da Cello Soentara)

Tangerang – Another achievement has been successfully achieved by Universitas Multimedia Nusantara students at the national level. Through business innovations sorghum based, UMN’s student team achieved 3rd Place (Silver Medal) in the Agriculture, Food, & Livestock category at the “Ignite Future Fest 2026 – National Essay & Business Plan Competition,” held on April 4–5, 2026. This achievement is also a proof that the issue of food security can be developed into practical, applicable solutions.

UMN’s team joined this competition whom consists of three students from different study programs from year 2024, which is Communication Strategic students Audrey Aurantica Harjoto as Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Information System students Michael Romeo Allegro Da Cello Soentara as Chief Technology Officer (CTO); and Management student  Peter Huang as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Three of them had their own strategic role in developing their business idea, which was advanced to the presentation stage at the national level.

The competition is held by Futura Innovation Hub with UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, this event is a space for students to test their ideas in real-world conditions. The participants are challenged to build a well developed business idea. This shifts the challenge from mere analysis to the full execution of ideas, starting from problem mapping to implementation strategy. In this process, the ability to craft a strong business narrative becomes the key factor.

“The main challenge in this competition doesn’t come from the given case, but it’s how we developed and presented a comprehensive business idea. We had to be capable to show that our solutions are relevant, innovative, and had the real potential to be implemented”, stated Michael. 

In the competition, the UMN student team developed a business idea focused on sustainability issues and food security through an innovation called “Sor-Go.” Behind this idea lies an approach that is quite different from conventional food innovations.

Instead of using the common food ingredients, UMN’s students are choosing sorghum as the main ingredient of the business idea “Sor-Go”. The underrated commodity is seen to have the big potential as a food alternative. Michael explained that sorghum is known to be more resilient to dry conditions, making it a promising long-term solution in addressing climate change challenges and food security.

It didn’t just stop at the product aspect, the business model is also designed to integrate the empowerment of local farmers as part of the production chain. In this way, the innovation presented does not only impact consumers, but also improves the welfare of producers at the grassroots level.

Michael Romeo Allegro Da Cello Soentara (left) together with Peter Huang (right) posing with their Silver Medal and certificate while traveling after participating in Ignite Future Fest 2026 in Bandung. (Photo courtesy of Michael Romeo Allegro Da Cello Soentara)

“We also empower the local farmers as part of the production chain, so it could give an impact to the economy and also sustainability”, explained Michael. 

This approach strengthens the idea they proposed as a solution that is not only innovative but also applicable in real-world contexts. More than just a competition, this experience also became a space for the team to test and validate their ideas directly. “Competitions like this are very important for students because they serve as a platform to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills,” said Michael.

Michael also highlighted that in joining this competition, the students should provide an unique idea that has a clear value, and also give real positive impact. He also reminds us of the importance in giving authentic innovations, which are supported with critical thinking and problem solving, so the given solutions aren’t just interesting but also relevant and could be implemented. 

By Melinda Chang | UMN News Service

English Translation by Rachel Tiffany

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara.