Indosat empowers Indonesian startups on trip to Sydney

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has successfully hosted a SheHacks trip to Sydney, Australia, aimed at supporting five Indonesian women-led startups.

The SheHacks Validation Trip programme facilitates Indonesian female entrepreneurs' connections with government officials, industry leaders, and Australian investors. The initiative is backed by the Australia Indonesia Institute, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and KUMPUL.ID.

The event forms part of the broader SheHacks 2024 series, which explores investment, mentorship, and global innovation opportunities for women-led startups. The programme aims to foster strategic activities that support startup development, explore collaboration opportunities, and share insights with global business players.

Steve Saerang, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, remarked, "SheHacks is our commitment to creating opportunities for women to lead and bring transformative change. This trip to Australia is one of Indosat's efforts to empower Indonesian women in technopreneurship. This programme not only strengthens the domestic startup ecosystem but also encourages cross-country collaboration. We believe that through this initiative, Indosat can help expand the network of startup players globally and open up greater opportunities on the world stage."

The five startups participating in the trip included Mebiso, an intellectual property platform; Waterhub, a water management system; KasirPintar, a cloud-based cashier app; Dietela, a health and nutrition platform for women; and Pin'J, a funding solution for informal workers. These startups were allowed to present their ideas to Australian investors and venture capitalists.

Mega Prawita, Managing Director of KUMPUL, stated, "These startups are the most promising in Indonesia, with very fast growth. They have great potential for success, not only in Australia but also in other international markets. We are very excited to be part of their journey."

This initiative is poised to attract more attention to innovations by Indonesian female founders. It encourages investors in both Indonesia and Australia to realise the potential of female talent in the startup ecosystem.

The programme facilitates collaboration between Indonesian and Australian investors. It offers insights, professional consultations, and partnership opportunities that support business developments and facilitate international expansion. Additionally, it strengthens Indonesia-Australian relations and boosts industrial growth in both nations.

Professional mentorship emerges as a critical component for success in the startup sector, particularly for young entrepreneurs facing the rapid challenges of innovation. Aspiring startups need support in areas such as funding, recruitment, intellectual property, and marketing.

Keren Natalia, Founder and Director of SmartQMS, a laboratory-based company in Sydney, expressed her support by stating, "This is an incredible opportunity for Indonesia's top female entrepreneurs to learn from the Australian startup ecosystem. On the other hand, we can also share perspectives on technopreneurship in Indonesia, one of the world's largest economies. I am proud to support and mentor these amazing women in growing their businesses globally."