Transformation of the Bakrie University Lit Competition: Creating Young Innovators Through the Indonesian Design Thinking Challenge 2026

Jakarta, 30 May 2026 — The Innovation and Transformation Lab (LIT) of the Bakrie University Management Study Program successfully held the final round of the Indonesian Design Thinking Challenge (IDC) 2026. This national innovation competition, which was attended by 14 teams of SMA/MA/equivalent students from various schools, became a stage to prove the creativity of the young generation in designing real solutions to various challenges in society. The peak event was interactive and full of enthusiasm at the Bakrie University Plaza Festival Campus.

With the theme "Youth Empowerment to Solve Real-World Problems: Empathy to Action", this year's competition marks a big leap for LIT Bakrie University. After consistently holding business plan competitions for the last four years, in 2026 LIT will undergo a full transformation by adopting a design thinking framework. This new approach ensures that the solutions designed by participants are not only creative, but also applicable, human-centered design, and in line with modern industry standards in creating optimal user experience and product solutions.

All finalists went through an intensive series starting from problem exploration, concept preparation, to prototype creation. Sharp and interactive discussions between participants and the jury in the presentation area showed the participants' high understanding of problem-solving and critical thinking in responding to the challenges given.

"The enthusiasm of the participants shows that the younger generation has great potential in creating innovative solutions to various problems in the surrounding environment. IDC 2026 is a space for them to learn, experiment, and dare to validate their ideas directly from the perspective of user needs," said Nita, Chair of the IDC 2026 Committee.

The awarding session was the highlight and closing of the event as a form of appreciation for the best prototypes developed by the finalists throughout the competition. The success of IDC 2026 also emphasizes the role of Bakrie University LIT in encouraging a culture of innovation and equipping young Indonesian talents who are relevant to the needs of the times.

In the future, Bakrie University's Management Study Program & Innovation & Transformation Lab (LIT) as the only Indonesian campus within the membership of the Global Design Thinking Alliance is committed to continuing to guard this spirit of innovation by opening wider collaboration spaces with various educational institutions. Through the application of a methodology based on modern industrial standards, it is hoped that the creative ideas that have been born from IDC 2026 alumni can continue to be developed into real solutions that are ready to compete on the international stage.

Head of Bakrie University's Innovation and Transformation Lab (LIT), Aryo Moedanton, S.E., M.M., added that LIT's doors will always be wide open for cross-sector collaboration. "We invite schools, educational communities and industrial partners to take advantage of the collaboration space at LIT. We are very open to facilitating training programs, workshops, and joint innovation research, so that this culture of critical thinking and solution-centeredness doesn't just stop at schools, but also has a real impact on industrial needs," he said.