Jakarta, INTI - Technology and innovation cooperation between Indonesia and France continues to gain momentum.

Through the French Tech Innovation Summit 2026, both countries are seeking to expand collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, trade, and startup development to strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.

Held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at The Summit Club in Jakarta, the event was organized by La French Tech Indonesia in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Indonesia. It brought together approximately 150 decision-makers, including CEOs, innovation leaders, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) representatives, European companies, startups, and public institutions.

Supported by Steinberg Protocol, the summit served as a platform for expanding business networks, exchanging knowledge, and exploring investment and technology partnership opportunities between Indonesia and Europe.

In his opening remarks, La French Tech Indonesia President Reza Pir Nazar emphasized the importance of strengthening the Indonesia-France partnership amid growing global fragmentation driven by geopolitical conflicts, economic competition, and unequal access to technology.

He noted that La French Tech Indonesia, which has 450 members representing 19 nationalities, is committed to connecting individuals, organizations, and countries through innovation, diversity, and cross-sector collaboration.

During the event, La French Tech Indonesia also introduced the French Tech Indonesia Business Guide, a resource designed to support business communities, and launched the New Currents podcast to encourage broader discussions and knowledge exchange within the technology ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Faisal, Head of Partnerships and Investment Ecosystem at the Directorate of Digital Ecosystem Development, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), highlighted Indonesia's ambition to move beyond being a consumer of digital technology and become a nation capable of developing its own technological innovations.

With Southeast Asia's largest digital market and an increasingly mature startup ecosystem, Indonesia has significant opportunities to develop innovations that address societal needs, strengthen industries, create jobs, and enhance national technological capabilities.

Artificial intelligence is among the key sectors receiving particular attention.

To accelerate the development of this ecosystem, Komdigi is developing the Government Smart Innovation Hub, a platform designed to connect startups, investors, industries, academics, and digital talent.

The government is also working to establish regulations that encourage innovation, promote fair business competition, and ensure public protection.

Faisal further emphasized the importance of expanding Indonesia's partnerships with France and other European countries through research collaboration, technology development, investment, and startup ecosystem strengthening.

In a similar vein, Fabrice Fize, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Indonesia, highlighted the increasingly close bilateral relationship between the two countries in innovation, research, technology, entrepreneurship, and creative industries under the France-Indonesia Innovation 2026 framework.

The collaboration involves French companies and startups in the development of several strategic sectors, including AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, software, and cloud computing.

He explained that strengthening the partnership is not only intended to deepen bilateral relations but also to create new market and investment opportunities for both countries. The cooperation is also expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and talent development, including opportunities for researchers and students.

AI and Cybersecurity Take Center Stage

During the summit, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity emerged as two major topics through panel discussions featuring industry leaders and technology practitioners.

The first panel focused on artificial intelligence, examining Indonesia's strategies for developing and managing AI technologies while remaining open to international collaboration.

The discussion featured Amvestindo Chairman Eddi Danusaputro, Denny Muktar from Google, and Pandu Wisaksono Sastrowardoyo from Blocksphere.

It was moderated by Bruno Zysman, Founder and Software Director of WWWASTE, Founder and CEO of PT Clean Medic Indus, and a member of the La French Tech Indonesia board.

The second panel addressed cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of protecting data and critical systems amid Indonesia's rapidly expanding digital economy.

The session featured Eva Noor from Xynexis International, Guilhem Garrel from Thales, and Firlie Ganinduto from DigiScore. Budianto from Deloitte served as the moderator.

CEPA and Indonesia's Export Opportunities in Europe

Beyond AI and cybersecurity, the summit also featured a dedicated session on the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-Indonesia CEPA).

The session explored how the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the European Union could reshape trade and investment, including opportunities for Indonesian companies to expand their access to European markets.

A key focus was the readiness of Indonesian businesses to comply with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards applied in the European market.

The session involved the EU Delegation and EcoVadis, providing perspectives on trade opportunities and the importance of meeting sustainability requirements.

Women-Led Startups Showcase Their Innovations

The French Tech Innovation Summit 2026 also provided a platform for women-led startups and innovators through presentations by the finalists of the She Builds – Women in Tech Hackathon.

The eight finalists were Aroliani Munte, Bungbangs, Keren Banget Group, Lagrup, Worcestershire Sauce, PALAVI (AREUM x PALAVI), Sadar.id, and Team KANE.

Among the finalists, Team KANE secured first place, followed by Aroliani Munte in second place and Keren Banget Group in third place.

The event continued with business matching sessions, featuring pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between innovative startups and established companies.

These sessions provided startups with opportunities to present their solutions and technologies while exploring potential business partnerships with corporations. The summit also featured startup exhibition booths, allowing participants to showcase their innovations.

Overall, the French Tech Innovation Summit 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for strengthening business and technology connections between Indonesia and France, while creating broader opportunities for collaboration between Indonesian and European startup ecosystems in addressing the challenges of the global digital economy.

Conclusion

The French Tech Innovation Summit 2026 highlights the growing strategic partnership between Indonesia and France in advancing technology, innovation, and digital cooperation. With AI, cybersecurity, trade, and startup development taking center stage, the summit opens new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, and cross-border partnerships. These efforts are expected to strengthen Indonesia's digital ecosystem and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

Read more: Indonesia Outlines Digital Transformation Strategy at ITU 2026, Strengthens Internet Connectivity, 5G, AI, and Cybersecurity