The Rodent Watch Program, consisting of a cross-disciplinary team from the University of Sumatera Utara (USU), successfully participated in the Asia-Pacific Global Health Innovation Hackathon Incubation Programme organized by SingHealth DUKE-NUS in Singapore on October 13-15, 2025. This prestigious event was part of the award received by the team as one of the three main winners of the Asia-Pacific Health Innovation Competition, with a total development grant support of SGD 25,000.
The team was led by dr. Sunna Vyatra Hutagalung, MS, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Medicine, USU, together with team members Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc. from the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Dr. Erna Budhiarti Nababan, M.IT. from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, USU, and Drh. Rita Rosmala Dewi, M.Si., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien. This cross-faculty collaboration represents a tangible embodiment of USU’s multidisciplinary spirit in advancing innovation grounded in science, technology, and humanity.
During the three-day program, the Rodent Watch Team took part in intensive training sessions and mentoring activities involving international mentors with expertise in health, artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and innovative business development. Participants also had the opportunity to visit leading innovation and technology institutions, including SGInnovate, Microsoft, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through these activities, the team was introduced to the process by which startups present their innovative ideas and solutions to investors (venture capital), broadening their understanding of health innovation-based business development.
Through this program, the Rodent Watch Team not only deepened their technical competencies but also expanded their international collaboration network. This experience strengthened the team’s foundation in developing data-driven digital solutions for zoonotic disease mitigation and environmental health improvement, while also reinforcing USU’s position as a university actively contributing to global issues in the fields of health and technology.
USU’s participation in this international event reflects the university’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). With a spirit of cross-disciplinary collaboration and strong global networking, the Rodent Watch Team stands as proof that innovation from Indonesian universities can compete globally and create meaningful impact at the international level.