Get to know the "Foundry" Ecosystem that Connects Innovation Activists

An ecosystem that connects innovation leaders in Indonesia, Foundry, was officially launched on Tuesday (6/6). This initiative brings together corporations, investors, regulators, technology activists, and global partners. Foundry is an idea initiated by Kejora Capital Managing Partner Andy Zain and Young On Top Founder Billy Boen.

Richie Wirjan as Foundry Director revealed that his team saw great opportunities that could be explored in the current and future digital economy era. This is inseparable from the important role of industry players.

Foundry is here to be a forum that connects innovation leaders in various sectors, encouraging industrial collaboration and growth to bring a transformative impact on the Indonesian nation.

"We are very pleased to see high enthusiasm from various stakeholder against Foundries. We believe this initiative will continue to develop through various collaborations. We as a Foundry ecosystem are very open to various forms of collaboration to grow the industry together, especially in Indonesia's technology and digital sectors," he said.

Through its main programs, the Foundry aims to encourage positive collaboration in growing the industry, especially in Indonesia's technology and digital sectors. Currently, programs that are already in the planning include econnetworking, education, content & insights, investment, and industry advocacy.

Several startups also made brief presentations at this event, such as KedaiPangan which has now transformed into an ecosystem agritech  comprehensively, electric motor battery developer SWAP Energi Indonesia, startup building materials provider GoCement, biotech startup Asa Ren, and POS player Olsera which has now developed into a SaaS for MSMEs.

Innovation Catalyst

The first edition of Foundry Mixer was held with the theme "Indonesia Tech Investment: Unlocking the World's Best Kept Secret". This event featured the StartupVault Exhibition, Networking Nights, and Panel Discussions discussing technology investment in Indonesia and future projections in line with the development of the digital economy and startup investment trends.

Also attending the panel discussion was Andi Kristianto as CEO of INDICO, a subsidiary Telkomsel which focuses on overshadowing digital technology innovation. Andi revealed that currently corporations are trying to stay relevant in the midst of changing times and technology. Synergy with startup companies is one way that is being pursued.

In addition, this discussion also discussed investment in the ESG sector. Chief Investment Officer of the Indonesian Investment Authority (INA) Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja revealed that his party is also seeking global cooperation and investment to develop related sectors, one of which is by establishing a managed fund that focuses on electric vehicle (EVs) in Indonesia.

Initiative Pertamina, through its subsidiary Pertamina New and Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE), has also formed a similar fund, which will allocate $500 million or around Rp7,7 trillion for startup investment in the energy sector. The managed fund, named the Energy Fund, is jointly managed by MDI Ventures.

The Foundry admits that they are very open and expect collaboration within the ecosystem in the future. This initiative is expected to be created among corporate parties, investors, regulators, global partners, and startup founders. "For the industry leaders, change makers, innovators who want to make an impact for Indonesia. We can't do this alone, let's get together" Close Richie.