Empowering Innovation: A Recap of the 10th NextDev Roadshow Bali

Looking back on the 10th NextDev Roadshow in Bali, held at Bendega Restaurant in Denpasar on Thursday, 21 November 2024, it’s clear that the event left a lasting mark. It was a day filled with passionate conversations, inspiring pitches, and moments of genuine connection between startups and those who believe in the power of innovation.
A sincere thank you to Telkomsel and the NextDev community for providing a platform that goes beyond just showcasing ideas. It’s a space where startups have the chance to share their potential, gain insights from those who have walked the path before them, and build relationships that could shape the future. I was fortunate to be in the company of speakers like Harry Mawardi, Co-Head Mentor of NextDev; Andry P. Santoso, General Manager of CSR at Telkomsel; Biondi Sima, Digital Development Consultant; and Hadi Suciptio, Manager of CSR Education & Public Community Development at Telkomsel. Herjuno Syahputra also deserves a mention for hosting the event with such ease and energy.

For me, participating in this event reaffirmed why we at SLAB are dedicated to creating solutions that support the startup ecosystem. Every conversation and every idea shared felt like a step toward building something greater. As the startups shared their ideas, I could feel the excitement and anticipation that filled the air. It was a reminder of the immense dedication, creativity, and resilience that goes into bringing a vision to life. Innovation, market feasibility, the quality of the founder, and business performance — these are all factors that every startup must navigate on their journey, making this process a reflection of the challenges we all face in building something meaningful.

What resonated with me during the event was the understanding that NextDev isn’t just a competition. It’s a space for learning and growth. As Hadi Suciptio shared, the program begins with talent scouting and leads into NextDev Academy, where 10 startups are given the tools to refine their business models. From there, they present their ideas to investors and jurors, aiming to make lasting connections. It’s this blend of learning, mentorship, and connection that makes NextDev so valuable.
The categories for this year — Productivity Enhancement, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Lifestyle — are a reflection of the changing needs in Indonesia’s digital landscape. These aren’t just labels; they are the very areas that will drive the next wave of innovation. NextDev’s focus on social impact and its support for early-stage startups that meet the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) criteria aligns with our own values. The program offers mentorship, webinars, and boot camps to ensure that startups are prepared to tackle future challenges.

SLAB has also been part of this journey, collaborating with Telkomsel’s ecosystem, Majamojo (a joint venture with GOTO), to launch three of our games on the MyTelkomsel App. This partnership has been an incredible opportunity to reach a wider audience and strengthen our presence in the market, showing just how important it is to collaborate and build together.

As I reflect on the day, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the potential of Indonesia’s startup ecosystem. There is so much talent, creativity, and passion in this community, and it’s an honor to be part of it. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and I’m excited to see where it leads. To everyone who shared their ideas, collaborated, and took part in this event — thank you. The journey is just beginning.