This new report is brought to you by ANGIN and JICA
Introduction
For the second consecutive year, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and ANGIN as the implementing partner proudly announce the successful culmination of the NINJA Accelerator 2023. After months of intensive learning and connecting among impactful startups from diverse backgrounds, DoctorTool, HearMe and Parakerja went on to take the stage in Jakarta and Tokyo spotlighting their growth, skills and businesses in hopes of finding capital or finding the perfect partner to take them to the next level. An exciting part of the program is also co-creating an impact report for each startup to understand their impact values that align with ESG and SDGS, click here jump to impact report section!
What's NINJA Accelerator Program?
NINJA (Next Innovation with Japan) is a highly selective program designed to empower impactful Indonesian startups. In partnership with ANGIN, this initiative provides selected startups in health, disability, education, social security, nutrition, gender and poverty reduction sectors with access to curated investor networks, expanded partnership opportunities, and financial support from local, regional, Japanese, and global investors.
How it Started
Having open application in November 2023, there were 255 applicants from all over Indonesia. A numerous number had fantastic innovation, ideas and impact. It was tough to find the top 10 let alone 3 to say the least. But after careful deliberation at the top 10 pitching, it was DoctorTool, Hear Me and Parakerja who rose to the occasion.
DoctorTool
DoctorTool developed a SaaS solution in healthcare (clinic information management system) that enables digital transformation to health clinics, moving them from manual paper-based to cloud-based operations. Additionally, they have cutting-edge IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) technology that brings convergence between hardware and software in the medical world. Their mission is aligned with the national digital transformation (both under the Ministry of Health and National Insurance), where they focus on underserved markets, the primary care clinics who serve Indonesian patients under the National Health System. Visit their website at https://doctortool.id.
Hear Me
Hear Me is the first Indonesian Sign Language Translator with a 3D animation display to give information access and bridge the communication between the Deaf and the non-Deaf (Hearing). Their vision is to create an inclusive ecosystem and increase the equality rights of people with disabilities. Visit their website at https://hearme.id/
Parakerja
Parakerja is a social impact startup that provides job training for individuals with disabilities and connects them with employers while also preparing and helping companies to create an inclusive and accessible working environment. Visit their website at https://parakerja.my.id
Staying Connected at Alumni Day
This year, with the aim of creating a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and growth leading up to demo day, NINJA hosted its first-ever Alumni Day to celebrate the achievements of past cohorts and facilitate knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
The event, held Tuesday, 27th February 2024, featured an intimate fireside chat with the successful alumni. Participants had the invaluable opportunity to exchange insights, experiences, and best practices to give additional insights about Japan for the current 2023 NINJA cohorts before they participate in the NINJA Demo Day Jakarta and Demo Day Japan (Tokyo), further fuelling their entrepreneurial endeavors. By uniting all the cohorts, it created an open conversation with the combined insights of the 9 startups – Fishlog, Plepah and Sampangan (2021), Bell Living Labs, CarbonEthics and Surplus (2022) and DoctorTool, HearMe and Parakerja (2023). The event culminated in a networking session where alumni had the chance to forge new connections, explore potential collaborations, and reignite old friendships.
Demo Day - Excitement and Opportunity
The Jakarta Demo Day, which took place on 1st March, brought together over 50 mentors, investors, and potential partners, marking a significant milestone for the cohorts. The cohorts showcased their innovative solutions to pressing challenges and showing opportunities in health and disability sectors, highlighting the transformative potential of technology and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development.
Japan Trip and Demo Day in Tokyo
The NINJA team embarked to Japan to connect with partners and investors to grasp the Japanese landscape. Prepared with a wishlist of potential partners and investors and the connections of the NINJA team which proved to be fruitful and insightful, a total of 14 meetings were engaged over the course of the Japan trip from 3-9th March 2024. On the 5th March in Tokyo, the vibrant energy of the startup ecosystem was palpable as the founders and teams presented their cutting-edge ideas and solutions at the heart of Southeast Asia’s burgeoning innovation hub to a wide range of Japanese investors and Venture Capitals.
Commenting on the event in Tokyo, Ms. Yasuyo Okumoto, senior director of JICA’s Economic Development Department remarked, “The NINJA Accelerator Demo Day 2024 exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that lies at the heart of JICA’s mission. We are incredibly proud of the remarkable achievements of our entrepreneurs and their potential to drive positive change in society.”
Both demo days provided a platform for the startups to connect with potential investors, mentors, and strategic partners, fostering new collaborations and opportunities for growth. Through pitch sessions, networking events, and additional tailored meetings with potential investors & strategic partners, participants engaged in meaningful exchanges aimed at accelerating the scaling of their ventures.
As the world continues to navigate unprecedented challenges, events like the NINJA Accelerator Demo Day serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the power of innovation to address complex global issues and create a brighter future for all.
Looking ahead, JICA remains committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through initiatives like the NINJA Accelerator, driving sustainable development and fostering inclusive prosperity across borders.
Impact Report Creation
To truly showcase the extent of dedication to impact that these startups have, there is no better way than to showcase it through an in depth impact report.
As the world continues to navigate unprecedented challenges, events like the NINJA Accelerator Demo Day serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the power of innovation to address complex global issues and create a brighter future for all.
Looking ahead, JICA remains committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through initiatives like the NINJA Accelerator, driving sustainable development and fostering inclusive prosperity across borders.
Recognition
About JICA
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a governmental organization that coordinat in es official development assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan. With a focus on sustainable development, JICA works to promote economic growth, alleviate poverty, and improve infrastructure in developing countries around the world. Through initiatives like the NINJA Accelerator, JICA supports entrepreneurship and innovation as catalysts for positive social change.
Previous Report by ANGIN
66 People and Organizations Moving Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investment in Indonesia (2nd Edition)
This report is the follow up of 2018 ecosystem mapping report ANGIN released in 2019.
52 Figures and Organizations Moving Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investment in Indonesia (1st Edition)
This report is the first edition of ANGIN ecosystem mapping report released in 2018.
