NEWS

On October 16, 2025, a team from APU achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing 2nd place at the global sustainability competition “Schneider Go Green 2025” organized by Schneider Electric, a company that is widely recognized as a global leader in energy management and automation.
Schneider Go Green is an international contest aimed at addressing sustainability and energy access challenges. It invites students and young entrepreneurs to propose practical solutions leveraging renewable energy. This year’s competition attracted more than 11,000 entries worldwide, and APU’s team, “Knights of the Sun,” became the first team from Japan to reach the top ranks.

The team’s proposal, “BanyuSurya,” is a solar-powered Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) designed to provide a sustainable water source for farmers struggling with drought. This innovative solution integrates:

• AWG technology to extract water from humidity in the air
• A fully solar-powered system for clean energy operation
• AI-driven smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting to ensure consistent water supply year-round

For implementation, the team selected Java, Indonesia as a pilot region and designed a sustainable financing model combining village funds, CSR initiatives, and agricultural loans. This holistic approach covering technology, finance, and social structure earned high praise from the judges.

The team earned second place thanks to several key factors: their solution made a direct contribution to addressing global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, incorporated innovative use of renewable energy, featured a sustainable financial scheme, and presented a clear roadmap for global scalability.

Members of “Knights of the Sun”

Nicole Indrani Japari（College of International Management, 4th year, Indonesia）
Katarina Jocelyn Chandra（College of International Management, 4th year, Indonesia）
Nala Amirah Putri Denza（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 4th year, Indonesia）
Pablo Salvary-Gassilloud（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 4th year, France）

Message from Katarina J. Chandra

“Throughout the competition, we faced many moments of doubt, especially since none of us had a technical background. That uncertainty, however, became our greatest driver. It pushed us to think creatively, step outside our comfort zones, and leverage networks within and beyond APU to fill the gaps in your knowledge.
If you’re considering joining this competition, take the leap. Do thorough research, understand your customers deeply, and consult experts. What matters most is not having all the answers at the start, but asking the right questions, learning quickly, and adapting.
This experience will challenge you, but it will also empower you. You’ll strengthen your problem-solving skills, build meaningful connections, and gain confidence to tackle complex, unfamiliar problems. Most importantly, you’ll realize that the moments you feel limited are often the starting point for creativity and growth. Enjoy the challenge!”