Telkomsel backs local technopreneurs developing AI with real-world impact

NextDev provides technopreneurs with a platform to demonstrate how technology, including AI, can address real-world problems.

Denpasar (ANTARA) - Telkomsel has reopened its NextDev programme for its 12th edition, aiming to encourage local technopreneurs to develop AI-based digital solutions with a tangible and sustainable impact on society.

Under the theme “AI-Powered Innovations”, this year’s NextDev will prioritise start-ups that have used or are exploring AI to address a range of social and environmental challenges.

Telkomsel Bali Nusra Region Household Consumer Business General Manager Ricky Erickson Panggabean said in a statement in Denpasar on Friday that NextDev provides technopreneurs with a platform to demonstrate how technology can solve real-world problems.

“NextDev provides technopreneurs with a platform to demonstrate how technology, including AI, can address real-world problems. As an impact incubator, NextDev will support them in strengthening their technology, businesses and impact, while also opening up opportunities to collaborate with the Telkomsel ecosystem,” he said.

He said the programme reflected Telkomsel’s “Serving wholeheartedly” spirit by strengthening founders and digital solutions that can accelerate Indonesia’s progress.

The 12th NextDev programme consists of three stages: Scouting, Academy and Summit. During Scouting, the selection process will prioritise solutions that have adopted or are exploring AI, assessing business performance, impact, the distinctiveness of the innovation, and the technopreneurs’ quality and readiness.

Twenty selected technopreneurs will take part in validation and pitching before ten are chosen for the NextDev Academy. They will receive mentoring in technology and AI, finance, marketing and productivity.

The mentoring is intended to help participants validate user needs, strengthen their business models, improve operations and create added value through the use of AI.

He explained that the ten leading technopreneurs will also have the opportunity to explore business collaboration with relevant Telkomsel units. This could involve identifying needs, developing and testing solutions, and progressing to integration or commercialisation, depending on each solution’s readiness and relevance.

Participants’ progress and evidence of the impact of their innovations will then be presented at the NextDev Summit in 2027.

As part of a roadshow in Jakarta, Makassar, Batam, Denpasar, Bandung and Yogyakarta, Telkomsel is also holding Pitching Battles.

The events give local technopreneurs who pass the initial screening an opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of judges, receive feedback and compete for a place in the national selection process.

Three start-ups took part in the Pitching Battle in Denpasar: Tripbone, Drillo and CABE Akademi.

They presented digital innovations in tourism, education and digital talent development.

Drillo earned a fast-track opportunity to join the top 20 technopreneurs in the 12th NextDev programme.

Drillo.id representative Syifa said the company was developing an AI-based educational solution that not only provides practice questions but also helps pupils and schools analyse exam results to identify areas where students need to improve.

Drillo currently works with eight schools in Bali and reaches more than 1,900 pupils.

Across its 11 previous editions, NextDev has incubated 162 digital companies from 6,798 applicants, with support from 2,316 experts and mentors.

Technopreneurs from across Indonesia can register digital solutions that address relevant problems, have the potential to make an impact, offer distinctive innovation and have a foundation for business growth until 9 November 2026 through the NextDev registration website.