SURABAYA – Taura Lingga Darmawan, a 2024 Aquaculture student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), has been named First Place Winner of Airlangga Young Entrepreneur (AYE) 2026 through his fashion service business, Kaizensub: Shoes & Care. The culmination of Universitas Airlangga’s student entrepreneurship development and competition program was held on August 15, 2026, at the ASEEC Tower Building in Surabaya.
What makes Taura’s achievement particularly remarkable is that he participated in AYE 2026 individually. His two years of experience in establishing and managing Kaizensub became a key foundation for presenting his business vision and future development strategy before the panel of judges.
“I truly understand the business that I am running, and I know where I want to take it in the future,” Taura said.
Rising Through the AYE 2025 Experience
AYE 2026 was not Taura’s first experience in the competition. In 2025, he participated in the same program and successfully secured funding for his business. However, at that time, he did not advance as one of the top candidates.
His experience of independently building Kaizensub over the past two years became one of his key strengths in AYE 2026. As someone directly involved in every stage of establishing and operating the business, Taura developed a comprehensive understanding of its processes, challenges, and future direction. This understanding became an important asset when presenting Kaizensub before the panel of judges.
Maintaining consistency also became one of the biggest challenges throughout AYE 2026. The program, which ran from February to August, required Taura to continue managing and developing his business while participating in various training sessions, assignments, and mentoring activities. Through this process, he also strengthened his pitching skills, enabling him to communicate Kaizensub’s potential and business development strategy in a more structured manner.
Student Innovation and Business Development
Taura’s achievement demonstrates how university students can develop their academic potential while gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship. Through Kaizensub: Shoes & Care, he has developed a fashion service business built through experience, consistency, and the ability to identify opportunities for future business growth.
“Do not be afraid to start a business, and do not be afraid of facing losses. Prepare yourself well and understand the business you are running, because that understanding will help you determine your next steps and the future direction of your business,” Taura shared.
This achievement aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by encouraging entrepreneurship and creating economic opportunities. In addition, the coaching, mentoring, and business strategy development provided through AYE 2026 are also relevant to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly in promoting innovation and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Through this achievement, Taura hopes that more FPK UNAIR students will be encouraged to start, develop, and transform their business ideas into sustainable opportunities.
Writer : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
