Great Innovation Challenge 2026 – Empowering Sustainable Innovation
The Great Innovation Challenge (GIC) 2026, co-organized by UTM CAIRO, Great Eastern Takaful Berhad and IEEE Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Subsection, concluded on 13 May 2026 at UTM Kuala Lumpur with a showcase of groundbreaking student innovations.
Launched in 2025, the national competition brought together 32 institutions and culminated in five finalist teams presenting AI-driven solutions to transform plastic waste into valuable products. Over six months of training in AI, automation, sustainability and ethics prepared participants to deliver practical, scalable innovations that bridge academia and industry. Since 2022, the initiative has engaged more than 13,000 students and members of the public, raising awareness on recycling and sustainability.
The finale of the GIC 2026 celebrated outstanding achievements: Team Vanta emerged as the grand prize winner (RM12,000), followed by Green AI Innovator (RM8,000) and PVD (RM5,000). Monoglobal and Codespark each received a consolation prize of RM1,000 each. The event underscored a milestone collaboration between Great Eastern Takaful, UTM and IEEE, reflecting a shared vision to empower the next generation of innovators who combine technology, sustainability and values to build a better future.
AI Outreach & Campus Experience
Earlier in the day, ahead of the Closing Ceremony, 130 students from four Kolej Vokasional institutions: KV Sepang, KV Shah Alam, KV Setapak, and KV Sungai Buloh, joined an AI Tools and Techniques Sharing Session and a UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus Tour. The outreach programme introduced students to practical AI applications, digital tools and STEM-related career pathways, while the campus tour offered exposure to laboratories, faculty facilities and research environments. Supported by student facilitators and IEEE members, the session successfully provided early exposure to AI, innovation and university learning culture, strengthening collaboration between vocational colleges, universities and industry partners in promoting technology awareness and youth development.
Also in the Press are the relevant articles covering the event:
- https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/05/1438805/great-eastern-takaful-utm-spark-student-innovation-drive
- https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2026/05/1554218/great-eastern-takaful-utm-cetus-pemerkasaan-inovasi-pelajar
- https://ikimfm.my/great-eastern-takaful-dan-utm-iktiraf-inovator-terbaik-great-innovation-challenge/
- https://www.kosmo.com.my/2026/05/17/program-great-innovation-challenge-uji-kreativiti-pelajar-universiti-kolej/#google_vignette
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BZw1Dxuac/
All event photos are provided with thanks to UTM Kuala Lumpur.
