EduAsiaNews, Yogyakarta – Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) once again highlighted its commitment to practice-based learning through Capstone Expo 2026, an exhibition showcasing student projects resulting from a collaboration between the Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Study Programs, Faculty of Engineering, UMY. The event was held on Friday, January 23, at Plaza Sleman City Hall and ran until Sunday, January 25, open to the general public.
Capstone Expo 2026 served as a platform for students to present a variety of innovative projects developed in the Capstone Project course, a capstone class designed to address real-world problems in society and industry through engineering solutions and digital technologies.
Nurwahyu Alamsyah, S.Kom., M.Kom., M.I.M., Ph.D., Head of the Information Technology Study Program at UMY, explained that the Capstone Expo is more than an academic assignment showcase; it functions as a strategic learning medium to build students’ confidence, communication skills, and collaborative spirit.
“We train our students to design projects that provide solutions to real problems around them. Through this activity, they learn teamwork, critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration with Capstone Project partners,” he said.
He added that all student groups were deliberately involved in the expo to familiarize them with presenting and marketing the products they developed during their studies. The experience is expected to serve as a valuable foundation when entering the workforce or starting their own ventures after graduation.
“This expo encourages students to confidently present and market their work. We hope UMY graduates can become resilient and adaptive entrepreneurs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ir. Puji Harsanto, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, emphasized that the Capstone Project is a mandatory course with a strategic role in engineering education. He noted that the projects presented at Capstone Expo 2026 are expected to inspire not only participants but also early-year students, giving them a concrete view of the learning process at UMY’s Faculty of Engineering.
“The Capstone Project is vital because it is a field-application course. What is showcased today reflects the real-world challenges students will face after graduation,” he explained.
Cross-program collaboration was also a key highlight of the event. Ir. Karisma Trinanda Putra, S.ST., M.T., Ph.D., Head of the Electrical Engineering Study Program, noted that Capstone Expo 2026 merged two annual student agendas: Electroshock Wave from the Electrical Engineering Program and Specta from the Information Technology Program.
He elaborated that Capstone Design is a capstone course integrating competencies from previous courses, including problem identification, solution design, and prototype development ready for presentation and further refinement.
“Students work in teams to analyze real-world problems, understand industry needs, and propose engineering solutions, from both electrical engineering and information technology perspectives,” he explained.
Through Capstone Expo 2026, the Faculty of Engineering aims to increase interest among prospective students while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students through projects with commercial value and high relevance to industry needs.
“This activity aligns with UMY’s vision as an entrepreneurial university, where students graduate not only with a degree but also with experience, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset,” Karisma concluded.
