UNAIR NEWS – Undergraduate students from the Nutrition Study Program at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), have posted an impressive achievement on the international stage. Nawang Ayu Mukti Laksono, Denaswa Hanindya Orcidaniar, and Amira Hasna Salsabila earned a Gold Medal at the International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation and Technology Exposition (IPITEX) 2026, held in Thailand on Friday (Jan. 9, 2026).
Beyond the Gold Medal, the UNAIR Nutrition team also secured one of the competition’s most exclusive distinctions, the Outstanding Invention & Innovative Prize. Only six trophies were awarded in this category across IPITEX 2026. Representing Indonesia, the team competed against innovators from 24 other countries participating in the event.
The recognition was awarded for an innovation titled “SPYRAGO: Spirulina platensis and Synbiotics for Advanced Growth,” a technology-based superfood designed as a sustainable approach to preventing stunting and improving digestive health. The product integrates the nutritional benefits of Spirulina platensis with synbiotics to support healthy growth and gut function.
Team member Denaswa Hanindya Orcidaniar said SPYRAGO applies spirulina and synbiotic formulations in the form of a protein bar for mothers and a ready-to-eat 2-in-1 baby food product. “Spirulina was chosen for its high nutrient density, digestibility of 85–95 percent, and sustainability, as it is easy to cultivate and harvest. Unlike most spirulina products currently available, which are often semi-processed and require additional preparation, SPYRAGO is ready for consumption, making it especially practical for time-constrained mothers, including those who work,” she said.
Orcidaniar added that the development of SPYRAGO involved an extensive and demanding research and development process. “Our team encountered repeated setbacks, particularly during formulation, ranging from nutritional composition and aroma to taste, color, texture, and overall acceptability. This experience was strongly supported by the academic foundation we gained in the Nutrition Study Program, especially through the Food Formulation course, which covers product design from ingredient selection and formulation to organoleptic testing. Access to the program’s laboratory facilities was also essential for processing, product development, and quality evaluation,” she explained.
IPITEX is a highly regarded international innovation exhibition that brings together researchers, academics, and innovators from around the globe. Winning two awards simultaneously highlights the innovation’s scientific rigor, originality, and relevance to pressing global health issues.
The achievement also underscores the undergraduate Nutrition Study Program’s commitment to promoting impactful, sustainable, and globally oriented student research and innovation.
Author: Ratu Fermeza
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
