Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) actively nurtures and assists student-led eco-entrepreneurs and green tech startups through dedicated incubation frameworks, mentoring programs, and pitching showcases. By providing young innovators with institutional support, UNNES fosters scalable ventures that address environmental challenges, promote circular economy practices, and accelerate Indonesia’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Kitaro: Tech-Enabled Waste Management for Cleaner Neighborhoods
Among the prominent low-carbon startups emerging from UNNES is Kitaro, founded by Information Systems students Akhmad Danil (CEO), Muhammad Ikhsanul Fikri Ramadhan (COO), and Adebayu Nizzar Azzami (CSO). Developed to address Indonesia’s waste crisis—where tens of millions of tons of refuse go unmanaged and household waste burning releases severe greenhouse gas emissions—Kitaro operates as a community-driven, tech-enabled WasteTech platform. The startup provides an affordable subscription-based door-to-door waste collection service alongside material resale partnerships with recycling hubs. By connecting urban households and local businesses with transparent sorting and recycling distribution, Kitaro prevents landfill buildup and unmanaged waste incineration.
Parivastra (Triesta): Upcycling Textile Scraps Into Circular Fashion
Addressing the growing environmental threat of textile waste, another UNNES-supported venture is Parivastra (Triesta), created by Anggita Prameswari, Wahyu Fitriani, and Istifarini Dzikri Nurfika Aguslia. Operating under a circular economy model, Parivastra converts discarded fabric remnants from local tailors, garment factories, and sewing students into multifunctional, high-value upcycled products, such as its signature vest-totebag patchwork.
Through its circular direct-to-consumer approach, Parivastra diverts fabric waste from landfills and prevents toxic incinerator emissions. During its early validation phase alone, the startup successfully saved ≥25 kg of fabric waste and avoided ≥60 kg CO₂e of greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the tangible climate impact of student-driven circular business models.
By backing ventures like Kitaro and Parivastra, UNNES demonstrates how higher education institutions can directly contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through mentorship, technical validation, and exposure to potential investors and partners, UNNES empowers student innovators to transform environmental challenges into viable, low-carbon commercial solutions.
