MDI Ventures, in collaboration with PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, is set to host the Next Billion Ecosystem Festival (Nex-BE Fest) 2024. This annual event aims to foster collaboration between startups and major corporations, including State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and Telkom Group’s business units. Through this initiative, organizers target generating partnerships worth IDR 2.6 trillion, building on the event’s track record of high-value synergies.

Since its inception in 2019, Nex-BE Fest has established itself as a platform for addressing real-world business challenges through digital innovation. Key activities include business matchmaking and one-on-one sessions, facilitating targeted discussions between startups and enterprises. The collaboration between digital identity provider Privy and fintech company Finnet stands out as an example of the practical outcomes facilitated by the event.

Donald Wihardja, CEO of MDI Ventures, emphasized that Nex-BE Fest is not merely about initiating partnerships but ensuring their long-term impact through careful implementation and monitoring. By leveraging the technological solutions provided by startups, the event supports the digital transformation agenda across Telkom Group and other BUMN.

This year’s event also highlights the importance of sustainability. MDI Ventures will release eight impact reports showcasing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) contributions of its portfolio startups, including Amartha, Julo, and Aruna. The reports address diverse topics such as digital empowerment and increased access to financial technology services. These publications aim to provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of MDI Ventures' role in fostering a sustainable ecosystem.

The 2024 Nex-BE Fest is expected to attract over 250 participants, including startups, Telkom Group business units, and other BUMN entities. By facilitating interactions between startups and corporate participants, the event seeks to drive innovation in strategic sectors such as technology, finance, logistics, healthcare, and education.

Previous editions of Nex-BE Fest have demonstrated the potential for such collaborations to scale rapidly. Between its launch and the end of 2023, the festival facilitated synergies valued at over IDR 12 trillion, while business matchmaking activities grew by 5.4 times. The increasing participation and partnership success underline the event’s importance in Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem.

MDI Ventures and Telkom Indonesia remain committed to enhancing the scope and scale of Nex-BE Fest, providing a bridge between startups and established enterprises to create impactful, innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving market.

KOMPAS.COM