Two Final Year students from the School of Engineering (SoE) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) achieved international recognition after securing two Bronze Awards at the International Invention, Innovation, and Design Competition (I3DC) 2026.

The projects were developed under the mentorship of Ir Ts Dr Reena Sri Selvarajan (Senior Lecturer, SoE at APU), who guided the students throughout their project journey with a strong emphasis on innovation-driven engineering and practical problem-solving.

I3DC 2026; organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, serves as a premier hybrid platform that brings together innovators, researchers, and students from diverse academic institutions and international backgrounds to exchange ideas and present their innovations, research outputs, and conceptual solutions that highlight emerging technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and contemporary engineering applications aimed at addressing real-world challenges and advancing sustainable technological development.

SolarChargeX: Advancing Smart and Sustainable EV charging Systems

SolarChargeX is a next-generation electric vehicle (EV) charging solution designed to enhance convenience, accessibility, and sustainability within modern parking environments, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7, 9, 11, and 17 (SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 17).

The innovation features a mobile charging system powered by solar energy, enabling charging services to be delivered directly to EVs in a more efficient and user-friendly manner.

By integrating renewable energy with mobility solutions, the system supports more flexible and decentralised charging access, reducing dependency on fixed charging infrastructure.

The project reflects the growing importance of sustainable transportation, renewable energy adoption, and smart mobility solutions in shaping future urban infrastructure.

It demonstrates how engineering innovation can be applied to address real-world challenges, while supporting the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems.

SkyInspect: A Smart Drone-Based System for Safer Infrastructure monitoring

SkyInspect is an AI-enabled drone-based solution designed to improve safety and efficiency in building inspection processes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 and 11 (SDG 9 and SDG 11).

Developed as a smarter alternative to conventional inspection methods, the system enables real-time monitoring of high-rise buildings and other hard-to-access structures.

By reducing the need for manual inspections in hazardous environments, it helps to significantly minimise safety risks, while improving the speed and accuracy of structural assessments.

Through the integration of drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the system enhances infrastructure monitoring capabilities, supporting more proactive maintenance and safer urban environments.

The innovation demonstrates how modern engineering solutions can be leveraged to address industry challenges, while improving operational efficiency and workplace safety.

Cultivating Innovation-Driven Students

Dr Reena highlighted that this achievement reflects the students’ dedication, creativity, and perseverance in transforming engineering ideas into meaningful innovations.

“Their ability to develop sustainable and practical solutions demonstrates strong potential to contribute to future technological advancement.”

Through achievements such as this, APU continues to provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge beyond the classroom, while developing industry-relevant skills, innovative thinking, and the confidence to create solutions that address global challenges and contribute towards a more sustainable future.