Image: The Spektronics ITS Team after winning the Gold Prize along with two special awards at SIIF 2025.
Surabaya, ELECTICS ITS — The Spektronics Team of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) achieved an international accomplishment by winning three awards at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2025, held in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, 5 December 2025.
The competition is an international innovation event organized by the Korean Invention Promotion Association (KIPA). SIIF 2025 serves as both an exhibition and an innovation competition, bringing together hundreds of participants from various countries. This was conveyed by one of the team members, Alexander Allan from the Department of Information Systems, ITS.
At the event, the Spektronics ITS Team won the Gold Prize SIIF 2025, the Special Award from the Swiss-Korean Association ASAMCO, and the VIFOTEC Award – The Best International Invention from the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC).
In the competition, the Spektronics ITS Team presented an innovation in the form of a rechargeable zinc–manganese battery developed from recycled alkaline batteries. Allan explained that zinc is extracted from used batteries, purified, and then processed through an energy-efficient electroplating method to form a new anode that is inexpensive, stable, and environmentally friendly. The anode is then assembled with an MnO₂ cathode, resulting in a battery capable of delivering voltage and current output and being recharged.
This innovation was developed to address the issue of environmental pollution caused by alkaline battery waste. In addition, the use of domestic waste as raw material and an energy-efficient electroplating process is considered to reduce battery production costs.
According to Allan, the main strength of the innovation developed by the Spektronics ITS Team lies in the problem it addresses. He noted that many countries, including South Korea, are currently developing electric vehicle technology that relies heavily on batteries. As battery production increases, so does the resulting waste, leading to various issues related to environmental pollution and high production costs. The team’s innovation is considered more economical because the raw materials come from alkaline battery waste and the electroplating process is energy efficient.
Regarding the preparation process, Allan stated that the innovation idea had been prepared since mid-year. The team required a considerable amount of time to refine the idea by holding discussions and seeking input from senior students, supervising lecturers, and fellow team members.
Image: The moment of the VIFOTEC Award presentation to the Spektronics ITS Team on the main stage of SIIF 2025, South Korea.
The most memorable experience for the team was being called onto the stage to receive the awards. In addition, the team had the opportunity to exchange ideas with institutions from various countries and gain inspiration for future research.
However, the international competition also presented its own challenges. Rifki, a Chemical Engineering student from the class of 2023, stated that language barriers were the biggest challenge, as not all judges were able to speak or understand English, even though translators were provided by the judging panel.
From this experience, Allan emphasized that team cohesion and togetherness were the most important lessons learned during the international competition. According to him, without these two aspects, the team would not have been able to achieve its current success.
Regarding the division of roles, Allan explained that each team member had diverse responsibilities. During the preparation phase, the team conducted a breakdown of the methodology to be used and assigned persons in charge for each stage. Collaboration and synergy were values highly upheld within the team.
Moving forward, the Spektronics ITS Team plans to continue developing the research that has been conducted. Azka, a Chemical Engineering student from the class of 2023, stated that the research would not stop at this competition, particularly in the further development of rechargeable zinc–manganese batteries.
Closing the interview, Allan delivered a brief message to ITS students to encourage them to take part in international competitions.
“Even if it looks difficult, just try it first,” he said.
Surabaya, ELECTICS ITS — The Spektronics Team of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) achieved an international accomplishment by winning
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