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  • Sinar Mas Land and UD IMPACT collaborate to establish AI Entrepreneurship Academy in BSD City in May 2026.
  • This program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s digital talent through innovative AI-based entrepreneurship development.
  • The initiative begins with the BSD City AI Hackathon in the third quarter of 2026 to equip students with startup development skills.

Indonesia has the highest AI adoption rate in Southeast Asia, alongside Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Malaysia. This is based on the e-Conomy SEA 2025 report from Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company.

However, research by AWS and Strand Partners indicates that AI utilization in Indonesia is still at a basic automation level of 90 percent. Seeing this opportunity, Sinar Mas Land and UD IMPACT have officially formed a strategic partnership to introduce the AI Entrepreneurship Academy in BSD City.

Through this Academy, Sinar Mas Land emphasizes the importance of strengthening talent and AI-based entrepreneurship ecosystems to boost Indonesia’s competitiveness in the digital era.

This project was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 19, 2026, at the Biomedical Campus in BSD City.

The partnership signifies a commitment to making BSD City a hub for AI-based entrepreneurial incubation and producing digital talent in Indonesia.

Officials pose for a photo after the MoU signing for the AI Entrepreneurship Academy in BSD City.
Officials pose for a photo after the MoU signing for the AI Entrepreneurship Academy in BSD City.

BSD City has evolved into an integrated area where educational institutions, business communities, and digital ecosystems converge.

The collaboration with UD IMPACT also enriches the new mBrace initiative (Make BSD Research and AI Center of Excellence), a research and artificial intelligence center aimed at positioning BSD City as a birthplace for AI-based innovation and young entrepreneurs.

“This program is a concrete step to prove that the university ecosystem in BSD City has the readiness, talent, and infrastructure to produce relevant and impactful technological solutions for the community,” said a statement on May 24, 2026.

Through this MoU, both parties officially begin their collaboration on the AI Entrepreneurship Academy program, starting with the BSD City AI Hackathon in Q3 2026.

“This inaugural program will involve students from several renowned universities in the BSD City area, such as Prasetiya Mulya University, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, and Monash University Indonesia.”

UD IMPACT believes that the best future entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are currently still in university.

“They not only need an AI curriculum but also space to experiment, experienced mentors, and access to a global ecosystem,” was explained.

Through the AI Entrepreneurship Academy in BSD City, the goal is to prove the readiness of the university ecosystem in BSD City to produce future AI startups. For teams that pass the incubation stage, UD IMPACT also opens access to the Asia Growth Track starting in 2027.

“With networks in Korea through TIPS Town and Busan City, Japan through Underdogs Tokyo, and India and South Asia through Underdogs Delhi, complete with market entry support and cross-border matching, Indonesian startups will be ready to compete at a regional level.”

The AI Entrepreneurship Academy will begin with the BSD City AI Hackathon, a four-week intensive program including an online pre-camp and an onsite hackathon in BSD City. This program equips participants with AI fundamentals, technology solution development, and AI-based MVP creation to address real-world problems.

“The best participants from this program will then have the opportunity to join an advanced incubation program focused on startup development, business model validation, mentorship, and connections with investors up to Demo Day.”

The AI Entrepreneurship Academy also offers a ‘Regular Startup Program,’ an advanced class open to the public and hackathon participants, with deeper and more practical material.

“This program is designed so that hackathoners do not stop at the idea development stage but can also understand the market, test business potential,<div

BSD City

BSD City, officially known as Bumi Serpong Damai, is a large-scale integrated township located in Tangerang, Indonesia, just west of Jakarta. Developed since the late 1980s by the Sinar Mas Land group, it was designed as a self-sustained satellite city to alleviate Jakarta’s congestion, featuring residential, commercial, and green spaces. Today, it has grown into a major urban center with a diverse population, modern infrastructure, and a thriving business district, reflecting Indonesia’s rapid suburban development.

Biomedical Campus in BSD City

The Biomedical Campus in BSD City, located in Tangerang, Indonesia, is a modern hub designed to advance healthcare, medical research, and life sciences. Developed as part of the larger BSD City master plan, the campus integrates hospitals, research facilities, and educational institutions to foster innovation in biotechnology and medicine. Its establishment reflects Indonesia’s strategic push to become a regional leader in biomedical sciences and health technology.

Prasetiya Mulya University

Prasetiya Mulya University is a prestigious private business university in Indonesia, founded in 1982 by a group of prominent Indonesian business leaders and academics. It was established with the aim of developing high-quality, ethical business leaders and entrepreneurs, and has since grown to become a leading institution in business and management education in the country. The university is known for its rigorous curriculum, strong industry connections, and a campus located in Jakarta.

Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia

Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, founded in 1960 in Jakarta, is a prominent private Catholic university established by the Atma Jaya Foundation to provide higher education rooted in Christian values and academic excellence. It was initially named the University of Atma Jaya and later expanded to include multiple faculties, becoming a key institution for fostering intellectual and ethical development in Indonesia. The university has grown to offer a wide range of programs, emphasizing service, integrity, and social responsibility.

Monash University Indonesia

Monash University Indonesia is a campus of Australia’s Monash University, located in BSD City, South Tangerang. Established in 2021, it is the university’s first campus outside of Australia and Malaysia, offering postgraduate programs focused on innovation, technology, and business. The campus aims to strengthen educational ties between Australia and Indonesia while supporting the region’s growing demand for high-quality higher education.

TIPS Town

TIPS Town is a unique cultural and educational destination in South Korea, designed as a miniature replica of the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. It was created by a Korean businessman who was inspired by his experiences living in the U.S., and the town features vintage American-style buildings, shops, and streetscapes. The site serves as both a tourist attraction and a film set, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th-century American life.

Busan City

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and a major port hub, known for its dynamic blend of beaches, mountains, and urban energy. Historically, it served as a vital refuge during the Korean War, temporarily housing the national government and countless displaced people. Today, it is celebrated for cultural landmarks like the Gamcheon Culture Village and the iconic Jagalchi Fish Market.

Underdogs Tokyo

Underdogs Tokyo is a renowned sports bar and cultural hub in Shibuya, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to showcasing international football and rugby matches. Originally founded as a place for expats and locals to gather, it has become a symbol of community spirit, often hosting events that celebrate underdog teams and fostering a sense of camaraderie. The bar’s name reflects its ethos of supporting lesser-known athletes and teams, making it a unique fixture in Tokyo’s nightlife and sports scene.