Jakarta, Indonesia – Dr. Iwan Adhicandra, Head of the Informatics Program at Bakrie University, has been awarded a prestigious grant of USD 25,000 from the IEEE Computer Society Emerging Technologies Fund for his project titled “Empowering Rural Communities in Indonesia through AI-Driven Agricultural Solutions.”
The announcement was officially made by IEEE Computer Society Senior Program Manager Brian Kirk on behalf of Jyotika Athavale, Chair of the Emerging Technologies Grant Selection Committee. Dr. Iwan’s proposal was recognized as a well-conceived and ambitious initiative aligned with the IEEE Computer Society’s mission to leverage advanced technologies for societal benefit.
This year, the Emerging Technologies Fund received over 360 proposals from around the world, with only 11 selected for funding. Dr. Iwan’s project stood out for its innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into rural farming practices in Indonesia.
AI-Driven Solutions for Rural Empowerment
The project aims to boost agricultural productivity in rural areas by equipping farmers with AI-based tools and knowledge. Through a series of hands-on workshops and training sessions, participating farmers will learn to apply AI technologies to optimize crop production.
Spanning six months, the project will include:
- Development of training materials and procurement of AI equipment (Months 1–2)
- On-site training in selected farming communities (Months 3–5)
- Impact assessment and feedback collection (Month 6)
The project targets measurable outcomes, including training 100 farmers, increasing crop yields by up to 20% in one planting season, and establishing a sustainable model for technology integration in agriculture.
Project Team
Dr. Iwan leads the initiative with expertise in artificial intelligence. He is supported by two fellow faculty members from Bakrie University:
- Kurnia Ramadan, Head of the Food Science and Technology Program, expert in sustainable agriculture
- Zakiul Fahmi Jailani, M.Sc., Lecturer in Information Systems, specialist in data science and community development
This recognition places Bakrie University on the global stage of innovation and highlights the vital role of technology in transforming rural livelihoods.
More information about the IEEE Emerging Technologies Fund is available at: https://www.computer.org/communities/emerging-technology-fund