Combining a love for coffee with a passion for innovation, M. Akif Tholibul Huda, an alumnus of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) class of 2023, created Seramu Coffee—a coffee business powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology that allows customers to craft their own coffee experience right on the Universitas Indonesia campus.
Guided and mentored by Dr. Eng. Radon Dhelika from the Department of Mechanical Engineering FTUI, Akif formed a team with Muhammad Faqih Hilmi (Electrical Engineering alumnus, 2023) and Bachtiar Mardiansyah (Vocational UI alumnus, 2022). Later, in late 2024, Fathan Akbar (FMIPA UI alumnus, 2023) joined the team to support product development and business expansion.
Launched in September 2024, the name Seramu Coffee comes from the phrase “meramu semaumu” (brew it your way), reflecting its unique concept that enables customers to make their own coffee. By simply scanning a QR code and completing the payment, customers can choose their preferred coffee type and portion—no lines, no waiting, and no need for a barista.
According to Akif, the idea for Seramu Coffee was born from his concern as a student about the rising prices of coffee, which has become a daily necessity for many young people.
“As a coffee lover, I realized that monthly coffee expenses could equal or even exceed food costs. We wanted to provide quality coffee at an affordable price that students and the academic community can easily access,” said Akif.
Built with user-friendly, IoT-based technology, Seramu Coffee offers an automated brewing system that is practical, fast, and scalable. The machine is designed to be easy for anyone to use—even for those who have never brewed coffee before. The key advantages of Seramu Coffee lie in its accessibility, product quality, competitive pricing, and strategic on-campus locations.
Starting this venture was not an easy journey for Akif and his team. They admitted to facing major challenges in building a business right after graduation.
“The key is to stay focused and not get carried away by distractions. We have to define our goals, build a long-term vision, and stay consistent. Business is a learning process full of failures, and it’s through those failures that we discover solutions,” Akif explained.
He added that in business, ideas alone are not enough.
“What matters is to start. Create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test it in the market, and keep evaluating. The process itself teaches you more than planning ever could,” he said.
According to Prof. Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, M.Eng., M.Sc., Dean of FTUI, Seramu Coffee represents the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated at FTUI.
“Through the application of IoT technology, our alumni not only create real solutions to everyday problems but also demonstrate that engineering graduates can become pioneers across various fields—including the creative and business industries,” said Prof. Kemas.
Seramu Coffee received funding support through the UI Incubate Program, while FTUI assisted in the form of facilities and operational permits. Akif expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to test their MVP product within FTUI, which allowed him to collect valuable data to help scale up the business. He noted that such institutional support played a crucial role in the startup’s success.
Based on a survey conducted by the Seramu Coffee team, students and staff have responded positively to the coffee stand’s presence, citing its strategic location, convenience, and affordability. With an average daily sale of 200 cups at FTUI, Seramu Coffee has attracted investor interest. It has been recommended to advance to the scale-up funding phase within the UI Incubate program.
Currently, Seramu Coffee stands are available at several locations across UI, including the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Economics and Business, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. By 2025, Akif aims to open 10 to 20 new outlets, both inside and outside UI. His long-term vision:
“Seramu Coffee in every strategic location across Indonesia—with a target of 100,000 outlets.”
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
