Telkomsel has officially launched the 10th edition of its impact startup incubator program, NextDev, aimed at bolstering early-stage startups in Indonesia. This initiative, under the theme #ElevatingStartups, is part of Telkomsel's commitment to driving sustainable social impact through business practices aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

Saki H. Bramono, VP of Corporate Communications & Social Responsibility at Telkomsel, emphasized the growing importance of the digital economy in Indonesia, which is projected to reach IDR 22,513 trillion by 2045. He highlighted a recent Tinc Impact Report indicating that 96% of founders participating in incubator programs have reported positive outcomes for their businesses.

NextDev's 10th iteration introduces an updated curriculum that integrates the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business ethics, capabilities, and impactful innovation. The program aims to provide startups with global collaboration opportunities through partnerships with International Hub Connectors and mentorship from successful alumni.

Applications for the Startups Scouting phase are open from October 24 to November 30, 2024, with open sessions and local pitching events scheduled in key Indonesian cities: Bandung, Makassar, Batam, and Bali. During this period, participants will have the chance to advance to the competition's top 24.

Ten standout startups from three core categories—productivity enhancement, emerging technologies, and digital lifestyle—will be selected to attend the NextDev Academy, a four-month program featuring an orientation bootcamp and expert talks led by experienced mentors.

The culmination of the NextDev program will be the NextDev Summit, a prestigious platform that recognizes the top startups and fosters discussions among national and global digital ecosystem players. This event aims to strengthen networks and promote sustainable digital solutions.

Since its inception in 2015, NextDev has engaged over 6,500 startups and has produced 152 successful alumni. The program has enabled several startups to gain international recognition, such as Shieldtag, which won a Gold Medal at the ASEAN Digital Award 2024, and MyEco, which secured a Bronze Medal at the SingTel Group Future Makers 2023.

NextDev exemplifies Telkomsel's ongoing dedication to ESG principles and its role in supporting Indonesia's digital transformation towards achieving the Vision Indonesia Emas 2045. The initiative is a key component of Telkomsel's broader corporate social responsibility strategy and aims to cultivate innovation within the digital landscape.