Unique Corn-Cob Watches from UKDW Students Poised for Global Reach
Yogyakarta — What began as a simple idea to create sustainable fashion products has grown into ABHINAYA, a creative brand by students of Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), which has successfully developed innovative wristwatches made from a combination of corn-cob waste and wood—an underutilized material with promising potential in the creative industry.
Long dismissed as agricultural waste, corn cobs have been reimagined through research and a series of experiments since 2023. The ABHINAYA team managed to process the material into a durable, aesthetically unique base that, when paired with natural wood textures, produced timepieces with strong character. By 2024, the brand introduced its first two collections—Abhimana and Abhimanyu—which were warmly received by the public. The first 25 units sold out quickly, and ABHINAYA was even chosen as the official merchandise for UKDW’s anniversary celebration, marking a promising milestone for the young brand.
The innovation is anchored in academic research, drawing from a journal study titled “Designing Wristwatches from Corn-Cob-Based Materials,” which provided the foundation for developing this sustainable product. Building on that vision, in 2025 ABHINAYA—led by product design students Theodora Anggun Chintyaamora, Eleonora Bintang Dahayu Prabasari, and Galuh Setyawan Supatno—secured funding through the national Student Entrepreneurial Development Program (P2MW) in the Growing Business category, organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Carrying a Social and Environmental Mission
More than a brand, ABHINAYA carries a social and environmental mission. By applying principles of upcycling, it contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, by transforming agricultural waste into value-added products. The initiative also aligns with SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by involving local artisans and corn farmers in the production chain, creating new economic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the creative sector.
Marcellino Aditya Mahendra, S.Ds., M.Sc., the team’s faculty advisor, expressed pride in his students’ achievements. “This is the result of extraordinary dedication and persistence. From the idea of turning corn cobs into eccentric watches, they have built a mature business model that is ready to grow,” he said.
Team leader Theodora Anggun Chintyaamora added her gratitude for the support received. “We are truly thankful to everyone who has helped us, from faculty mentors to university units. The P2MW funding is a huge motivation for us to scale up ABHINAYA and reach wider markets,” she noted.
Towards a More Sustainable Future
Looking ahead, ABHINAYA aims to expand its use of natural materials, enrich its watch collections, and broaden its market presence. The brand seeks to prove that innovations based on organic waste can shape the future of sustainable design while empowering local communities.
With creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, ABHINAYA is ready to take a local Indonesian story onto the global stage—representing a generation of young designers who care deeply about the future of the planet.
Humas UKDW | Ed. (ENG): drr
