Jakarta, INTI - Telkomsel is creating opportunities for startups participating in its NextDev incubation program to connect with government development initiatives through coordination with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi).
The initiative aims to expand development opportunities for Indonesian technology startups through both government programs and Telkomsel’s internal business ecosystem.
Telkomsel VP of Corporate Communications & Social Responsibility, Abdullah Fahmi, said the company would submit its evaluation results for NextDev participants to Komdigi, providing a basis for the ministry to assess each startup’s development potential.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, Fahmi explained that Telkomsel and Komdigi have maintained ongoing communication to align their respective digital ecosystem development initiatives.
“Telkomsel and Komdigi are always in communication, allowing some of our activities to be connected with their programs. We also report NextDev to Komdigi,” Fahmi said.
Telkomsel Explores Direct Connections Between NextDev Startups and Komdigi
Fahmi explained that ongoing coordination between Telkomsel and Komdigi allows their digital ecosystem development initiatives to complement and support one another.
Through this collaboration, Telkomsel may facilitate direct connections between NextDev participants and the ministry when a startup’s development needs align with available government programs.
“If there is a connection or a suitable match, we may connect the startup directly with the ministry,” Fahmi said.
However, this opportunity does not guarantee that every NextDev participant will automatically gain access to government development programs.
Telkomsel will first evaluate participants based on the categories and assessment criteria applied throughout the NextDev competition.
The results will then be submitted to Komdigi as a report outlining the achievements, quality, and development potential of participating startups.
Fahmi emphasized that decisions regarding potential participation in government programs remain subject to the ministry’s own evaluation.
“The purpose is more to report the results of Telkomsel’s NextDev evaluation, including the winners. Komdigi can then conduct its own assessment, and we will follow its decision,” he explained.
Through this mechanism, Telkomsel serves as a facilitator by sharing evaluation results and opening potential connections for startups whose capabilities align with government program requirements.
Startups Can Explore Opportunities Within Telkomsel’s Business Ecosystem
Beyond exploring development opportunities with Komdigi, Telkomsel is preparing further growth pathways for NextDev participants through its internal business ecosystem.
Fahmi said startups with strong potential and relevant business applications could be recommended directly to Telkomsel business units operating in related fields.
One potential destination for these recommendations is INDICO, which is part of Telkomsel’s digital business ecosystem.
This internal referral mechanism could give NextDev participants opportunities to develop their products, services, and technology solutions through connections with relevant business units.
The initiative also reflects Telkomsel’s efforts to ensure that startup development continues beyond the competition and incubation stages.
Through this approach, NextDev participants have two potential development pathways: connections with government programs and referrals to business units within Telkomsel’s ecosystem.
NextDev Focuses on Artificial Intelligence Innovation
This year, Telkomsel has adopted the theme “Artificial Intelligence-Based Innovation” for NextDev, emphasizing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The incubation program targets Indonesian technology entrepreneurs, or technopreneurs, developing digital solutions to address social and environmental challenges.
Telkomsel prioritizes participants who have integrated AI into their products and services or are exploring its potential in developing digital solutions.
The adoption of AI is expected to create added value while delivering tangible and sustainable benefits for communities and the environment.
A total of 20 selected technopreneurs will participate in business validation and pitching sessions as part of the NextDev selection process.
Following the assessment, the pool will be narrowed to 10 technopreneurs who will advance to the NextDev Academy program.
The 10 selected participants will receive mentoring from experts across various fields, including technology and AI, finance, marketing, and productivity.
The mentoring program is designed to help participants validate user needs, ensuring their products and digital solutions align with market demand.
Participants will also receive guidance on strengthening their business models, improving operational capabilities, and optimizing the use of AI in their businesses.
Strengthening business models is a key priority in helping startups establish clearer growth strategies and build sustainable operations.
Meanwhile, improving operational capabilities is expected to help participants manage their businesses more effectively as their products and services evolve.
Through selection, evaluation, mentoring, and potential connections with Komdigi and Telkomsel’s internal business ecosystem, the company aims to expand development opportunities for Indonesian technology startups.
NextDev also seeks to encourage the creation of AI-powered digital solutions that deliver sustainable social and environmental benefits.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Telkomsel is expanding growth opportunities for NextDev startups by exploring connections with government development programs through Komdigi and providing potential referrals to relevant business units within its digital ecosystem. The initiative aims to help Indonesian technology startups strengthen their business models, scale their solutions, and develop AI-driven innovations with sustainable impact.
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