Environmental Engineering Student Wins Gold Medal at InTechSEA 2026 with Bahofood Cycle Innovation
Vhia Adelia Nayla Putri (D131251102), a student of the Undergraduate Environmental Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, has achieved an outstanding accomplishment by winning a Gold Medal in the The B57+ Awards for Sustainability Innovation category at the Innovation Technology for Social and Environmental Awards (InTechSEA) 2026.
Vhia achieved this recognition together with her team through Bahofood Cycle, an innovative Community-Based Solution that focuses on utilizing food waste from local food stalls as a resource for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae production. The initiative is implemented in Bahomakmur Village and Labota Village, Morowali Regency, as an effort to develop a community-based approach to organic waste management.
Through Bahofood Cycle, food waste generated by local food stalls is utilized as a feed source in the production of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This approach aims to transform food waste that would otherwise potentially become environmental waste into a resource with added value.
The innovation applies the principles of the circular economy, where materials that are commonly regarded as waste can be reintroduced into a productive cycle. By involving the local community, Bahofood Cycle also emphasizes the importance of community participation in developing sustainable waste management practices.
The achievement of a Gold Medal in the The B57+ Awards for Sustainability Innovation category highlights the ability of Environmental Engineering students at Hasanuddin University to develop innovative solutions that integrate environmental issues, appropriate technology, and community empowerment.
Participation in an innovation competition such as InTechSEA 2026 also provides students with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world environmental challenges. Through Bahofood Cycle, food waste is not viewed solely as a waste management problem, but also as a potential resource that can be utilized through innovative and sustainable approaches.
The initiative demonstrates how environmental knowledge can be combined with community needs to develop practical solutions. The utilization of food waste from local food stalls for BSF larvae production in Bahomakmur and Labota represents an example of how community involvement can become an integral part of sustainable waste management.
The Undergraduate Environmental Engineering Study Program, Hasanuddin University, extends its congratulations and appreciation to Vhia Adelia Nayla Putri and the Bahofood Cycle team for this remarkable achievement. This accomplishment is expected to inspire other Environmental Engineering students to continue developing innovative ideas and solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and community development.
Congratulations to Vhia Adelia Nayla Putri and the Bahofood Cycle team on winning the Gold Medal at InTechSEA 2026. Keep innovating and creating meaningful environmental solutions for the community!