University Students Invited to Shape Jakarta's Future Mobility Through Smart Move Challenge 2026

MRT Jakarta, in collaboration with Marketeers, is holding the Smart Move Challenge 2026, an innovation competition that gives university students the opportunity to develop ideas and solutions for Jakarta's urban mobility.

Bring fresh perspectives to Jakarta's future mobility needs

Under the theme 'Shaping Future Urban Mobility for 500 Years of Jakarta', the competition supports MRT Jakarta's efforts to engage young people in developing more integrated, sustainable, and customer-oriented public transportation.

Pedestrian Mobility Secured as Senen Sentral JPO Officially Reopens

MRT Jakarta Corporate Secretary Division Head Rendy Primartantyo said the Smart Move Challenge 2026 is one of the initiatives held to mark Jakarta's upcoming 500th anniversary.

Through the competition, students can explore various challenges and opportunities in the development of MRT Jakarta, covering both existing services and the development of MRT Jakarta Phase 2.

"The ideas are expected to bring fresh perspectives to Jakarta's future mobility needs," he said on Monday (8/24).

Rendy noted that the development of urban mobility requires diverse perspectives and the ability to understand people's needs from different points of view.

Through the Smart Move Challenge 2026, students are given the opportunity to develop ideas based on real challenges faced in public transportation development, he explained.

"The competition is not only about finding new ideas, but also encouraging participants to consider how solutions can be applied, deliver benefits, and create added value for the public. The ideas generated are expected to provide input and fresh perspectives on Jakarta's future mobility needs," he said.

According to Rendy, innovative ideas generated through the Smart Move Challenge 2026 will also have the opportunity to be developed further through MRT Jakarta's CABIN program.

The submitted innovations will undergo an evaluation process to assess their potential for implementation, alignment with operational needs, and feasibility for application within MRT Jakarta's operating environment.

He added that the Smart Move Challenge 2026 is part of MRT Jakarta's ongoing efforts to open more opportunities for participation and collaboration in urban transportation development.

MRT Jakarta hopes young people's involvement will bring broader perspectives and generate ideas and innovations that create added value for customers.

"This will also support Jakarta's journey toward a city with a more advanced and sustainable mobility system," he added.

The competition is open to university students from across Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek). Participants can form teams of three to five, including students from different universities. Registration and proposal submissions are open from August 18 to September 11, 2026.

Participants can develop their ideas in four categories: Operations and Maintenance, Construction, Business, and Sustainability.

Topics range from improving customer experience and station facilities to infrastructure and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), business and digital ecosystem development, energy efficiency, accessibility, and low-emission first- and last-mile connectivity.

Smart Move Challenge 2026 Schedule

• August 18-September 4, 2026: Team Registration and Proposal Submission

Participants register their teams and submit proposals based on their chosen category.

• August 27, 2026: Program Kick-Off

Participants attend the kick-off session as part of the opening stage of the Smart Move Challenge 2026.

• September 16, 2026: Top 15 Teams Announcement

Fifteen teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.

• September 17, 2026: Mentoring Session

The 15 selected teams will receive mentoring to strengthen their business cases, value propositions, solution feasibility, and presentation skills.

• September 18-23, 2026: Presentation Deck Submission

Participants submit their presentation materials in preparation for the semifinal round.

• September 25, 2026: Semifinal Presentations

Participants present their ideas to determine the five teams advancing to the Grand Final.

• September 29, 2026: Grand Final and Award Ceremony

The five finalist teams will present their ideas at the MRT Transport Hub Building.

The schedule and stages of the Smart Move Challenge 2026 may change depending on program needs and implementation conditions.

The first-place winner will receive Rp7 million and a special internship opportunity at MRT Jakarta. The second- and third-place winners will receive Rp5 million and Rp3 million, respectively.

Two teams will also receive honorable mentions and Rp1 million each, bringing the total prize pool to Rp17 million. Winners will also have the opportunity to earn certification.