FutureGen for Change Winners Bring Tech-Driven Solutions to Bogor, Semarang, and Palembang

Six technology startups participating in the FutureGen for Change (FGC) program have been named top winners from among hundreds of applicants, following a recent Demo Day held in Jakarta.

The FGC program is supported by the British Embassy Jakarta in collaboration with Pijar Foundation and PoliPoli Inc.

The selected innovators will move forward to a three-month pilot project phase, working closely with local governments in Bogor, Semarang, and Palembang to implement and test their tech-based solutions in support of future-forward local policymaking.

This year’s FGC attracted hundreds of applicants from Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Japan. A total of 25 startups were selected to undergo an acceleration and business-matching process.

The innovations presented address key sustainability challenges such as stunting reduction, coastal flooding adaptation, waste management, and urban agriculture optimization.

These initiatives align with local development strategies and directly support the implementation of Regional Medium-Term Development Plans (RPJMD).

“We help innovators understand real-world government systems, planning processes, and public service delivery,” said Cynthia Krisanti, Director of Innovation at Pijar Foundation, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

“FutureGen for Change creates a rare space where technology and policy intersect—allowing brilliant ideas to be tested, implemented, and scaled to help cities achieve their strategic goals,” she added.

Each of the six selected startups will collaborate with local stakeholders, including city leaders and civil society organizations, to execute their pilot and deliver measurable impact.

The project aims to generate significant social and economic outcomes, benefit thousands of residents, and potentially serve as a replicable model for other regions and countries in the future.

Following Demo Day, FGC now enters the Implementation Phase, where the selected teams will receive tailored technical assistance, strategic connections, and visibility support to help maximize the success of their pilots.

“PoliPoli is proud to join forces with Pijar Foundation and the British Embassy in supporting these visionary social innovators. Congratulations to our six winners! We look forward to co-creating policy and offering grant support as their solutions are rolled out across Indonesia,” said Asuka Ishii, Director of PoliPoli Inc.

The six outstanding startups selected to advance to the implementation phase are:PrimaKu (stunting intervention in Bogor),Lokatani (urban agriculture optimization in Bogor),Cexup (stunting intervention in Semarang), ReservoAir (coastal flooding adaptation in Semarang), Parongpong (waste management improvement in Semarang), and Bantubumi (TPA waste management in Palembang).

One of the winners, PrimaKu, provides a digital solution that empowers health cadres in Bogor to monitor child growth in real time, detect stunting early, and coordinate more effectively with pediatricians.

“We’re honored to be among the six winners of FutureGen for Change. This opportunity strengthens our mission to combat stunting through a data-driven child health management tool in our pilot city, Bogor,” said Didit, CEO of PrimaKu.

Another winner, ReservoAir, is piloting its solution in Semarang by deploying water sensors, debris barriers, and a real-time dashboard to help the Public Works Department improve pump efficiency and reduce flood risk.

“Being selected as a Top 6 winner of FutureGen for Change is a huge honor. This project helps us strengthen sustainable water management and protect vulnerable urban areas,” said Salsabila, CEO of ReservoAir.

According to her, by supporting fresh ideas and real-world solutions, FutureGen for Change empowers cities to build a more sustainable future—not just for today, but for generations to come.

This article was originally published by Tribun News.