Kendari, October 23–25, 2024 – Students from Universitas Sugeng Hartono (USH) proudly represented their campus at the Kewirausahaan Mahasiswa Indonesia (KMI) National Expo, held at Halu Oleo University (UHO) in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. The student team, composed of Salsya Putrii Cikal Rabbanni (Nutrition Science, Class of 2023), Mustofa (Computer Science, Class of 2023), and Cindy Ninda (Informatics, Class of 2023), brought their innovative product, Avogelato, to the prestigious entrepreneurial event.

Introducing a Nutritious Twist to Dessert Culture

The Avogelato team introduced a refreshing concept in the dessert industry with their avocado gelato — a sweet and healthy fusion designed to offer a nutritious alternative to conventional desserts. By using local avocados rich in healthy fats, their product not only tastes great but also supports cardiovascular health and helps reduce cholesterol.

Their mission goes beyond flavor; the team aims to reshape public perception of desserts by promoting healthier lifestyle choices without compromising indulgence.

Driven by Passion for Entrepreneurship

The students joined the KMI Expo with the goal of expanding their entrepreneurial idea and receiving constructive feedback from the judges and fellow participants.

Salsya shared, “I’ve been interested in entrepreneurship since childhood. When I found out about this Ministry-funded program, I saw it as a golden opportunity to develop my business idea.”

Mustofa added, “I want to gain more knowledge and sharpen my business skills to become financially independent in the future.”

Meanwhile, Cindy highlighted the team’s curiosity, “We were excited to see how the public and judges would react to our unique product that blends health and indulgence.”

Thorough Preparation and Collaborative Innovation

Preparing for the competition required months of effort. The team conducted numerous trials to perfect the flavor, experimented with packaging solutions to maintain quality during transport, and incorporated feedback from their academic advisors.

“We did lots of trial and error to achieve the right taste, and we kept improving the product based on suggestions from lecturers and peers,” Cindy explained.

In addition, the team performed detailed nutritional analysis using digital tools and official guidelines from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. “We wanted to make sure that Avogelato is not only delicious but also nutritious and safe,” said Mustofa.

A Valuable Learning Experience

Participating in the KMI Expo provided more than just exposure—it offered meaningful connections and insights. The team interacted with students from various universities who showcased diverse products and creative approaches to entrepreneurship.

“We learned a lot from others, especially about deeper product development and more strategic preparation,” Salsya remarked. “We were also excited to introduce Avogelato to a wider audience and receive direct input from the judges.”

Despite the enriching experience, the team also faced challenges. They encountered technical issues with packaging and logistics but managed to overcome them. “We were worried the packaging wouldn’t hold up during the trip, but thankfully, everything went well and we preserved the product’s quality,” Cindy noted.

Representing Universitas Sugeng Hartono with Pride

For the Avogelato team, the 2024 KMI Expo was an unforgettable journey. “Even though we didn’t win, we’re proud to have brought Universitas Sugeng Hartono to the national stage and to have exchanged experiences with students from across the country,” said Salsya.

Through creativity, teamwork, and determination, the students proved that innovation rooted in health and local ingredients can capture attention on a national scale. Avogelato is just the beginning — a sweet taste of future entrepreneurial success.