A collaborative team of students from Syiah Kuala University (USK) achieved outstanding success at the IGNITE Future Fest National Essay & Business Plan Competition. In the competition, held at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung on April 4–5, 2026, the USK team won the Silver Medal in the Creative Industries Business Plan category as well as the prestigious “Best Idea” award.
This interdisciplinary team was led by Muhammad Rifat (USK School of Dentistry), with members M. Rinaldy Gunawan (USK School of Economics and Business), Leah Jannah Hall (USK School of Social and Political Sciences), and M. Fitrah Azcha (ITB Faculty of Mechanical Engineering). Their success was made possible by the guidance of Dr. Citra Feriana Putri, M.Si., Dr. Sri Rezeki, Sp.PM., and Abdi Reda Wira Pratama as mentors.
Muhammad Rifat explained that they are launching a business venture called SENARA Magazine. It is a locally-based creative magazine specifically designed as a space for expression and professional publication for Generation Z in Aceh.
“SENARA was created to address the lack of local media capable of representing the creative potential of Aceh’s youth. We want to bring together writing, photography, and art in a single platform that is modern and contemporary, yet still preserves local identity,” said Rifat.
More than just a media outlet, SENARA Magazine—designed in both print and digital formats—also positions itself as a strategic partner for SMEs and young people’s creative ventures in Aceh. This is expected to generate tangible economic impact in addition to social benefits.
The SENARA concept was judged by the panel to have high development potential because it aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education (SDG 4), economic growth (SDG 8), industrial innovation (SDG 9), and partnerships (SDG 17).
The team’s sharp business analysis and convincing presentation were key to winning the Best Idea title, an award given to the idea deemed most creative and relevant for implementation.
This achievement serves as clear proof that cross-faculty—and even cross-university—collaboration can produce comprehensive and practical business ideas. This achievement also reinforces USK’s position in fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among its students at the national level.
With this proud achievement, it is hoped that it will motivate other USK students to continue daring to take on challenges in various competitions and generate productive solutions for the wider community.