Google Developers Launchpad and Kibar Introduce "Digitaraya" Acceleration Program

Google Developers Launchpad and Kibar on Monday (5/14), launches an accelerator program called Digitaraya. It is expected to boost the startup ecosystem growth in Indonesia. Yansen Kamto, CEO of Kibar, said to the media that the world-class accelerator program is focusing on the new local startup development.

"We want to work and learn from the best. Google believes in Indonesia [startups] and intend to help."

This program, supported by Google Indonesia, will present local and global mentors with Google's study material and opportunity for networking with Google.

Through partnership with Google Developers Launchpad, Digitaraya and Indonesia will join the best independent accelerator network in South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

"Partnership with Kibar is Google's effort to connect the accelerator programs in all countries. In addition, Google wants to give an opportunity for select startups to meet Silicon Valley's VC and other countries," Sami Kizilbash, Google SEA's Ecosystem Developer, said.

Digitaraya acceleration program

Located in Menara Kibar, Digitaraya accelerator program focused on recruiting qualified startups that have reached product/market fit, also to acquire more customers and increasing retention.

Select categories for Digitaraya are agriculture, academic, health, tourism, logistics, and energy. Any startups engaging in one of the six categories can register as a participant in the first batch of Digitaraya accelerator program.

Ensuring the accelerator program run effectively, Digitaraya selects only eight startups to join the program. It will take three months, and there will be two batches every year.

Digitaraya will be supported by global mentors, such as Steven Vanada (VP of CyberAgent Ventures), Yohan Totting (Google's Developer Advocate), Borrys Hasian (Google Developer Expert), and Eunice Sari (Co-Founder of UXiD)

"Not only training and mentoring with experts, Digitaraya will partner up with corporates and banking. Currently, it's on the preliminary stage with one of the banks to be Digitaraya's partner," Nicole Yap, Digitaraya's VP Strategy, said.

Digitaraya's to-be-launched program is Design Sprint to be held in August 2018, followed by Business Model and Go-To-Market in September 2018, and will be finished with Management Skills and Pitch Refinement in October 2018.

"In the end, we'll be hosting a Demo Day for the startups completing the accelerator program in three months," Alyssa Maharani, Digitaraya's Head of Startup Relations, said.

– Original article is in Indonesian, translated by Kristin Siagian