Unsmoke: ITS ELECTICS Students Innovation Inspiring Smokers to Quit with AI and Gamification Technology

Offline Meeting of the Unsmoke Development Team at ITS: Clarissa (left), Nathan (second from the right), Farrih (right), along with two students from Telkom University.

In a rapidly advancing digital era, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) students continue to innovate to provide solutions for pressing social issues. One of these innovations from the creative minds at the Faculty of Intelligent Electrical and Informatics Technology (ELECTICS) is Unsmoke, a digital health startup designed to help smokers quit in a more personalized and enjoyable way.

Unsmoke is Indonesia’s first companion app that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification to help users quit smoking, setting it apart through its unique approach. By utilizing data such as age, gender, smoking duration, and cigarette consumption, Unsmoke offers a tailored and guided quit-smoking program, providing a more flexible experience for users. This gradual approach is a key advantage, increasing the chances of quitting successfully compared to abrupt methods.

The idea to build Unsmoke was born from the real-life experiences of team member Clarissa Luna Maheswari, an ITS Informatics student who saw the challenges faced by people around her who wanted to quit smoking but struggled despite strong intentions. “We found that only 12.3% of smokers succeed in quitting with external support, and 4% manage without any help. This made us realize the need for a more accessible and personalized solution,” explained Luna.

Team Presentation Moment During Evaluation

The team, composed of students from ITS and several other universities, collaborated to create Unsmoke. In 2024, the Unsmoke team secured funding of 140 million rupiah from the Bangkit Program, supported by Google and the Ministry of Education and Culture. Clarissa Luna Maheswari, along with her teammates Muhammad Farrih Mahabbataka Arsyada from ITS Informatics and Nathanael Putra Ganata from ITS Information Systems, successfully passed the selection process by developing a business proposal and an innovative app prototype.

Unsmoke’s uniqueness lies in its AI-Driven Personalized Gamification, adjusting challenges and motivations based on the user’s smoking behavior. In addition to offering a deeper solution compared to other apps, Unsmoke tracks financial and health progress, helping users stay motivated. The app allows for either a gradual or direct quitting method, depending on individual needs. If a relapse occurs, the app adjusts the program so users can continue from where they left off without having to start over.

Announcement of Unsmoke Passing Incubation

With the funding received, the Unsmoke team plans to continue developing app features and expand its reach to more smokers in Indonesia. The funds will be used for user research, advancing technology, and collaborations with local communities and healthcare providers to raise awareness of the importance of smoking cessation programs.

“Our long-term vision is to become a leading solution accompanying smokers in every step toward a sustainable healthy life. We want to create a supportive community where users feel accompanied and motivated,” said Nathanael Putra Ganata.

Reflecting on the experience of building Unsmoke, the team has advice for ITS students. Luna emphasized, “If you have an idea, just go for it. Don’t wait for it to be perfect.” Farrih added, “Don’t fear failure; every mistake is an important lesson.”