Future Entrepreneurs Flock to Pertamina Pertamuda Business Idea Competition
In a bustling city like Jakarta, where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive, the fourth annual Pertamina Pertamuda Business Idea Competition has once again captured the hearts and minds of aspiring young entrepreneurs. This year, a staggering 3,245 students from 696 public and private universities across Indonesia have eagerly signed up to participate in this prestigious event.
From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Success
Since its inception, the Pertamuda competition has seen a steady rise in participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among students to delve into the world of startups and business development. With 3,245 applicants in 2024, a significant jump from previous years, it is evident that the allure of building a successful business from the ground up has never been stronger.
Universities such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Hasanuddin, and ITB are among the top 10 institutions with the highest number of participants, showcasing the diversity and breadth of talent present in the competition.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The brainchild of PT Pertamina (Persero), the Pertamuda competition serves as a launchpad for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas in various sectors aligned with the pillars of economic, social, and environmental sustainability outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With two distinct categories – Early Stage Startups and Energy Founder – the competition aims to foster creativity and ingenuity in the field of energy entrepreneurship. This year, 2,438 students have thrown their hats into the ring for the Early Stage Startups category, while 807 students have ventured into the realm of Energy Founder.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Innovators
As the Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, aptly puts it, the Pertamuda Seed and Scale initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the startup ecosystem in Indonesia. By bridging the gap between industry players and academia, Pertamina aims to cultivate a culture of continuous innovation and collaboration.
Through a rigorous selection process, the competition will culminate in Demo-day, final pitch presentations, and business matching sessions with 20 potential investors and business partners. The top three innovations from each category will receive funding exceeding Rp 500 million, along with scholarships for a 6-month business academy program and personalized mentoring for 3 months.
In the grand scheme of things, the Pertamuda competition serves as a conduit for meaningful dialogue between Pertamina and the academic community, driving sustainable energy innovation and paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.
