Five AI Startups Selected for GVV Batch 9, Aiming for Solutions Across Various Sectors
The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indonesia is entering a new phase. Rather than merely developing technology, startup players are beginning to focus on finding practical applications to resolve business and operational issues. Amidst this trend, the potential for developing the national AI startup ecosystem remains wide open, particularly regarding access to funding.
Based on data from Grab Ventures Velocity (GVV), an accelerator programme owned by Grab Indonesia, there are currently more than 45 AI startups in the country. However, significant challenges remain, as the proportion of funding received by Indonesian AI startups has only reached approximately 4% of the total funding for similar sectors within the ASEAN-10 region.
In response to this condition, Grab Indonesia is once again organising GVV Batch 9 under the theme “Grab For Indonesia: Building an AI-Powered Resilient Ecosystem”. This programme aims to strengthen the resilience of the digital ecosystem through the effective utilisation of AI.
From hundreds of applicants, five startups have been selected, bringing AI solutions to various strategic sectors, ranging from human resources to the halal food supply chain.
CEO of Grab Indonesia, Neneng Goenadi, explained that GVV Batch 9 serves as a bridge to share Grab’s experience in implementing AI with startup founders. During the Kick-Off event in Jakarta on 31 August 2026, Neneng emphasised the importance of an “AI-First with Heart” approach.
“Through GVV Batch 9, we are bringing Grab’s experience in developing and implementing AI closer to startup founders in Indonesia,” said Neneng.
She added that AI technology must be directed towards supporting productivity, helping partners increase their income, and providing an integrated experience for users.
The programme is also supported by strategic partners such as Superbank, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), and the Sweef Institute. The President Director of Superbank, Tigor M. Siahaan, stated that collaboration is the key to new business growth. Superbank has even expanded its involvement by running a pilot project with one of the selected startups this year.
In addition to ecosystem access, GVV has proven to have a high success track record compared to similar programmes on a global level.
The implementation of GVV Batch 9 is part of the “Grab Bersinergi untuk Indonesia” (Grab Synergising for Indonesia) initiative. Through mentoring and pilot projects, startup founders are expected to not only strengthen their internal businesses but also contribute to the sovereignty and prosperity of Indonesia’s wider digital ecosystem.