Telkomsel Seeks Technopreneurs with High-Impact AI Innovations Through 12th NextDev

Jakarta – Telkomsel has reopened applications for the 12th NextDev, an impact incubator programme for purpose-driven Indonesian technopreneurs developing digital solutions to address social and environmental issues.

Under the theme “AI-Powered Innovations”, this year’s NextDev prioritises technopreneurs who have adopted or are exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver tangible, sustainable benefits.

Funding for digital start-ups in Indonesia fell by 94.8% between 2021 and 2025, while Indonesia has received only about 4% of AI funding in Southeast Asia. NextDev seeks to support local technopreneurs in applying AI, while building strong business fundamentals, understanding the market and developing solutions that meet real societal needs.

“NextDev gives technopreneurs a platform to demonstrate how technology, including AI, can address real problems. As an impact incubator, NextDev will help them strengthen their technology, businesses and impact, while opening up opportunities to collaborate with the Telkomsel ecosystem,” said Abdullah Fahmi, Telkomsel’s vice-president of corporate communications and social responsibility, on Monday (12 October 2026).

“This CSR programme is one expression of Telkomsel’s ‘Serving with Heart’ spirit, through strengthening founders and digital solutions that can accelerate Indonesia’s progress,” he added.

The 12th NextDev comprises three stages: Scouting, Academy and Summit. From the Scouting stage, the selection process will prioritise solutions that have adopted or are exploring AI.

Assessment will cover business performance, impact, innovation and the quality and readiness of the technopreneurs.

Twenty selected technopreneurs will take part in validation and pitching before 10 are chosen for the NextDev Academy.

They will receive guidance from mentors in technology and AI, finance, marketing and productivity. The support is intended to help them validate user needs, strengthen business models, improve operations and create added value through AI.

“For us, NextDev is a valuable space to test solutions, strengthen business fundamentals and learn directly from mentors and industry players,” said Syekh A. Ageng, founder and director of Luarkampus.id and Best Technopreneur at the 10th NextDev.

“Coming from Pontianak, we have experienced how NextDev opens up connections, broadens our understanding of AI and creates opportunities to grow further. I encourage technopreneurs, wherever they are from, to bring their best solutions to NextDev. Don’t wait until everything is perfect: this process can help us build innovations that are more precise and impactful,” he said.