Jakarta Startup Challenge to Send Two Top Startups to Berlin

The Jakarta Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency (Diskominfotik) has shortlisted 10 startups through the Jakarta Startup Challenge. The two highest-scoring startups will go on to represent Jakarta at the AsiaBerlin Summit in Berlin, Germany, from November 23 to 27, 2026.

Two startups with the highest scores will be sent to the AsiaBerlin Summit

The selection process took place through a pitching session at JB Tower in Central Jakarta on Monday (10/12). During the session, participants presented their innovations, business potential, and development plans to a panel of judges.

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Jakarta Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency Head Marulina Dewi said the Jakarta Startup Challenge is part of the provincial government's efforts to foster innovation and help local startups grow.

"Through this challenge, we want to support young people who have developed their own innovations and are working in the startup sector. We want to be part of the ecosystem that supports the industry," she said.

Marulina explained that 20 applicants initially registered for the program. Following the selection process, 10 startups were chosen to take part in the pitching session.

The startups were evaluated by a panel of judges comprising representatives from the Jakarta Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency, the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), HI Incubator, and the AsiaBerlin team, which took part in the assessment virtually.

"The AsiaBerlin team participated virtually but remained involved throughout the evaluation. With input from these different parties, we will assess the startups from various perspectives to determine which ones perform best," she explained.

The two startups with the highest scores will be sent to the AsiaBerlin Summit. Through the event, they are expected to showcase their innovations, expand their international networks, and exchange knowledge and experience with industry players, investors, and professionals from various countries.

Beyond the opportunity to attend the summit in Berlin, the winners will receive two months of free workspace at Jakarta Future Hub to help them grow their businesses and further develop their innovations.

Marulina emphasized that developing the startup ecosystem is part of Jakarta's efforts to establish itself as a global city. She noted that the digital transformation of government services requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including those in the startup industry.

"The government cannot work alone. We must collaborate with many different parties, including those working in the startup industry," she noted.