Indonesian metro rail company MRT Jakarta announced its launching of its own accelerator program to create partnerships with startups and launch new solutions that would mutually beneficial.
MRT Jakarta is a government-owned company formed to operate Jakarta’s mass rapid transit systems it and it is the first subway service in the archipelago. Operations started in March last year.
As the first rail-based urban mass transportation company in Indonesia, PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda) has a mandate to develop its business through various avenues, one of which is through non-ticket revenues such as telecommunications, station naming rights, retail, and advertising.
The accelerator programme aims to collaborate with startups that share its vision. The objective of these partnerships would be to launch new solutions that would increase revenue, enhance branding and better customer experience.
The world of startups in Indonesia has seen rapid growth over last five years. The number of startups with commercialized products as of 2019 has touched 1,350 companies.
PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda) has launched the accelerator program as a form of support for the startup community.
The official announcement said, “MRT Jakarta Accel launch is in-line with PT MRT Jakarta’s vision to stimulate economic growth through mobility improvement, traffic reduction, and development of urban transit system.”
The new initiative is looking for startups with innovative products or services, with the aim of commercializing the solutions together with MRT Jakarta.
The MRT Jakarta accelerator for startups will have no particular focus on any specific industry.
MRT Jakarta head of business expansion Nicodemus Winata was quoted as saying, “Since this is our first accelerator program, we don’t focus on any particular industry, so all startups are encouraged to apply.”
Startups interested in applying can do so starting June 8. Qualification guidelines include having, at least, a viable product and a team comprising of Indonesian citizens.
The list of qualified startups will be announced on July 30 by MRT Jakarta. Selected startups will gain access to MRT Jakarta’s mobility ecosystem through the six-month program.
This will include its Jakarta MRT service users, station facilities, ratangga, vehicles and transit-oriented development areas around its stations.
The startups will also have mentoring by an MRT Jakarta team and other members of the Asian startup community. Mentors from the community include those from Bukalapak, BeliMobilGue, BRI Ventures, MDI Ventures, East Ventures and Vertex Ventures.
“This program aims to create beneficial cooperation for these companies and startups. And, of course, it will have a good impact on increasing revenue, branding, to the experience of Jakarta MRT service users,” said Director of PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda) William Sabandar.
In addition, startups will get many benefits through this collaboration, such as increasing value, because potential investors will see Jakarta MRT as an attractive partner.
The integration process will help participating startups finalize the business model of their projects, that must be geared towards revenue creation.
Currently, direct funding from the company will form part of the program. However, MRT Jakarta Accel is optimistic that they would be able to create investment opportunities for the participating companies.
MRT Jakarta may consequently offer long-term agreements with startups based on the performance of their projects.
Last year, MRT Jakarta collaborated with Gojek to provide transportation to access their nearest station.
