Science & Tech · AI · 1 hr ago
Telkomsel Opens 12th NextDev Program for AI-Focused Indonesian Startups
Telkomsel has opened applications for the 12th NextDev, an incubator program for digital startups in Indonesia.
This year, it is prioritizing founders who are using or exploring artificial intelligence to address social and environmental needs.
The program comes as startup funding in Indonesia fell 94.8% between 2021 and 2025, while the country received about 4% of Southeast Asia’s AI funding.
NextDev aims to help founders improve their technology, business plans and understanding of what users need.
Twenty selected founders will take part in validation and pitching, and 10 will advance to an academy with specialist mentors.
Those 10 may also explore business partnerships with Telkomsel, depending on the fit and readiness of their solutions.
Applications are open from October 8 to November 9, 2026, and participants will present their progress at a summit in 2027.
Telkomsel has opened the 12th edition of its NextDev program to support Indonesian startups developing AI-based solutions to social and environmental problems.
The program, themed “AI-Powered Innovations,” prioritises technopreneurs already using or exploring AI.
Twenty selected technopreneurs will take part in validation and pitching, with 10 advancing to the NextDev Academy.
Academy participants will receive mentoring in technology and AI, finance, marketing and productivity.
Applications are open from 8 October to 9 November 2026, and participants’ progress will be presented at the NextDev Summit in 2027.
- Who
- Telkomsel is running NextDev for Indonesian digital startups and technopreneurs.
- What
- The 12th NextDev is an incubator focused on AI-based innovations.
- When
- Applications are open from 8 October to 9 November 2026. The summit is scheduled for 2027.
- Where
- Indonesia; the program’s roadshow is visiting Jakarta, Makassar, Batam, Denpasar, Bandung and Yogyakarta.
- Why
- To help startups develop AI solutions that address social and environmental problems and strengthen their businesses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sebagai impact incubator, NextDev akan mendampingi mereka memperkuat teknologi, bisnis, dan dampak, sekaligus membuka peluang kolaborasi dengan ekosistem Telkomsel
Saya mengajak para technopreneur, dari mana pun asalnya, untuk bawa solusi terbaiknya ke NextDev. Jangan tunggu semuanya sempurna, karena proses inilah yang bisa membantu kita membangun inovasi yang semakin jitu dan berdampak
Applications opened for the 12th NextDev program.
Technopreneurs can register their digital solutions.
Participants’ development and evidence of impact are due to be presented at the NextDev Summit.
- Edition
- 12th NextDev
- Theme
- AI-Powered Innovations
- Selection
- 20 technopreneurs enter validation and pitching; 10 advance to the Academy
- Application period
- 8 October–9 November 2026
- Previous editions
- 162 digital companies incubated from 6,798 applicants
- Mentors and experts
- 2,316 supported participants across the first 11 editions
Sources
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