Ericsson, a global leader in the telecommunications sector, has just announced the launch of “Ericsson Hackathon 2024,” which aims to drive digital transformation in Indonesia through Generative AI (Gen AI) and 5G technology. This event is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, PIDI 4.0, the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Swiss German University, and KORIKA.
The hackathon focuses on Smart Manufacturing—a concept that combines advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, robotics, and AI to boost manufacturing efficiency. Participants are expected to present creative solutions to enhance automation, predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain management.
Beyond direct engagement with cutting-edge technology, participants will also receive mentorship from experts throughout the competition. Registration is open until October 31, 2024, with winners to be announced on November 28, 2024. A prize of IDR 50 million will be awarded to the winner.
Judges will evaluate submissions based on technical, business, and design criteria. For the business criteria, key focuses include problem identification, proposed solutions, and market potential. Meanwhile, the technical criteria will assess the level of technological understanding and application, along with code complexity. Design aspects are equally crucial, encompassing aesthetics, creativity, and user experience (UX).
Krishna Patil, Head of Ericsson Indonesia, stated that this Hackathon is a tangible manifestation of Ericsson’s commitment to supporting digital innovation in Indonesia, particularly within the manufacturing sector. “We want to help Indonesia unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0 with Gen AI and 5G,” he said.
Saiful Bahri, Director of PIDI 4.0, added that amidst numerous new technological opportunities, significant challenges persist, especially concerning investment, work culture, and skill development. This Hackathon is expected to provide solutions to these challenges and build a robust innovation ecosystem for Indonesia’s manufacturing industry.
Boni Pudjianto, Director of Digital Economy, also expressed hope that this Hackathon would foster young innovators capable of delivering solutions with a positive societal impact. According to him, manufacturing is a key sector in Indonesia’s digital transformation, where 5G adoption will play a vital role. 5G connectivity enables fast and efficient two-way communication between machines and workers, creating more flexible and modular factories.
An Ericsson study on the business potential of 5G indicates that digitalization using this technology could generate revenue opportunities of USD 8.49 billion for operators in Indonesia, with the manufacturing sector identified as one of the most promising. Ericsson Hackathon 2024 is expected to drive the creation of innovations capable of addressing the challenges of Indonesia’s manufacturing industry and elevating it to the next level.
Participants will also receive intensive training and mentoring from experts, spanning technical, business, and design skill development. With this support, it is hoped that they can sharpen their solutions to be more precise and relevant to industry needs.
