Ahead of the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026, KUMPUL has opened registration to business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives, corporations, development organizations, communities, and ecosystem enablers who play a role in driving inclusive growth and economic transformation across Asia.

Under the theme “Reimagine Impact,” the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 will take place on October 20–21, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, Jakarta. Now in its second year, the Summit is designed as a cross-sector platform that brings together diverse perspectives, builds strategic connections, and turns conversations into tangible collaboration opportunities.

This year's event builds on the positive momentum of the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2025, which welcomed more than 800 participants from 15 countries across Asia-Pacific, representing startups and SMEs, multinational corporations, nonprofit organizations, investors and funders, as well as government institutions.

Reimagine Impact: Opening New Perspectives on Growth and Impact

The KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 will explore four key focus areas that will shape discussions throughout the Summit:

• Advancing the Tech and Innovation Enterprise Landscape
• Building Social & Environmental Impact Through Inclusive Value Chains
• Communities as Infrastructure for Innovation & Growth
• Orchestrating Global Partnerships for Regional Transformation

Addressing Southeast Asia's Missing Middle Challenge

One of the key issues underpinning the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit is the “Missing Middle” challenge, referring to small and growing businesses that play an important role in the economy but continue to face barriers to accessing financing, technology, markets, and growth opportunities.

Over the past decade, startup investments in Southeast Asia have reached USD 95.8 billion. However, approximately 71 million Small Growing Businesses (SGBs), or 97% of all businesses in Southeast Asia, remain underserved. Fewer than 30% of SGBs have access to formal financing, while the region's annual financing gap exceeds USD 300 billion.

Faye Wongso, Founder & Chairperson of KUMPUL, said:

“Closing the Missing Middle gap requires rethinking how support is delivered at different stages of growth, from readiness and access to capital to partnerships and long-term assistance. When ecosystems are built around the actual needs of entrepreneurs throughout their journeys, more businesses can grow without relying solely on existing networks.”

Bringing Together Cross-Sector Perspectives

Discussions at the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit are guided by three approaches: cross-sector connector, conversation to collaboration to commitment, and grounded impact and sustainability. The Summit is supported by various partners that contribute perspectives, knowledge, and cross-sector connections, including BNI Ventures as a Strategic Partner.

Announced speakers include Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia from 2014 to 2024; Rudiantara, Minister of Communication and Information Technology of the Republic of Indonesia from 2014 to 2019 and Advisor to KUMPUL & KUMPUL Impact; Rahayu Saraswati, Senior Advisor at Tribhuwana Advisory; Nobu Kawasaki, President Director of Bank Danamon; and Miguel Soriano, Country Anchor for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Financial Institutions Group Advisory, at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group.

Rudiantara, Minister of Communication and Information Technology of the Republic of Indonesia from 2014 to 2019, who was among the speakers at the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2025, said:

“I commend KUMPUL for organizing the Connect for Change Summit 2025 and drawing attention to important issues surrounding funding for startups and SMEs. One of the keys is building business models with clear supply chains and off-takers, making financing needs more manageable and attractive to funders.”

Bringing the Right Participants Together to Build Collaboration

Ahead of the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026, KUMPUL invites professionals and organizations with an interest in or contribution to inclusive economic growth to register and become part of the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 community.

The KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 is relevant to:

Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

Founders, CEOs, business leaders, startups, and small and growing businesses seeking access to markets, strategic partners, financing, knowledge, and regional expansion opportunities.

Investors, Funders, and Financial Institutions

Investors, impact investors, funders, financial institutions, and development finance stakeholders seeking to understand financing needs and growth opportunities among businesses that remain underserved.

Corporations and Industry Leaders

Companies seeking opportunities in innovation, strategic partnerships, supply chain collaboration, technology, and access to new businesses and ecosystems.

Government and Development Organizations

Ministries, government agencies, NGOs, and development organizations working in entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, inclusion, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

Ecosystem Builders and Community Leaders

Accelerators, incubators, hubs, communities, universities, ecosystem enablers, and organizations connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities across different markets.

How to Join the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026

The KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 is open to business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives, corporations, development organizations, communities, and ecosystem enablers who play a role in shaping inclusive growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Over two days, participants will take part in cross-sector discussions on access to capital, technology, markets, innovation, communities, and regional partnerships.

Readers interested in attending the KUMPUL Connect for Change Summit 2026 can register through c4csummit.kumpul.id. Information on the theme, discussion tracks, speakers, session lineup, and participation requirements is available through the official website.