Local Collaboration Advances Youth-led Innovation in Central Java

July 1, 2025

Final Pitching and Graduation Day Youth Co:Lab Sub-National2025 Chapter Central Java

PURWOKERTO, 15 June 2025 - Youth Co:Lab Sub-National Central Java 2025 convened in Purwokerto, Banyumas, bringing together key partners, local stakeholders, and youth innovators aiming to advance sustainable development through green and digital entrepreneurship. Youth Co:Lab, co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, is a regional initiative that aims to empower and invest in young people by equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and platforms needed to develop innovation-driven solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In Central Java, the initiative is implemented by the Startup Development Foundation, a regional incubator serving as the program’s implementing partner. Working closely with community stakeholders, the foundation adapts the program to local needs and context to maximize its impact. The bootcamp also received strong support from the Banyumas local government, which recognized its contribution to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

The Youth Co:Lab Central Java is an outstanding event. The business ideas presented by these young teams reflect fresh thinking and the potential to shape the next generation of enterprises that can elevate the regional economy. The Banyumas Government remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders and supporting MSMEs to foster inclusive and sustainable local economic growth” said Wahyu Dewanto, M.Si, Head of the Department of Manpower, Cooperatives, and MSMEs of Banyumas Regency.

Now in its second year, the Central Java chapter of Youth Co:Lab has expanded. While the first year focused solely on engaging youth from Purwokerto, this year’s bootcamp brought together participants from across all areas of Central Java, broadening its reach and impact on the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The 2025 chapter engaged 51 youth teams from diverse sectors, including food and beverages, technology, handicrafts, fashion, and more. Participants took part in a series of intensive workshops and mentorship sessions led by experts from the financial industry, private sector, accelerators, and civil society organizations. These sessions were designed to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, product innovation, business modeling, pitching, and sustainability planning.

Following the workshops, 20 teams from all areas of Central Java were selected to attend and present their businesses in a final pitching day at Hetero Space, Purwokerto. The curated teams demonstrated diverse and impactful business concepts, from upcycled fashion brands and digital learning platforms to AI-based agricultural monitoring. Each business not only addressed local problems but also incorporated innovative elements that reflected the green-digital theme.

The event culminated in a final pitching session, where three top-performing teams were selected based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, scalability, and social impact.

“Through the Youth Co:Lab Sub-National Central Java, I was able to learn and build valuable connections, which have motivated me to take more action. If I have the opportunity to advance to the national level, I hope to further develop and expand my business, making it even better, especially in terms of its social impact,” said Yossy Oktafiani, Founder of Yoshie Bakery.

The Sub-National Bootcamp in Central Java underscored the importance of supporting youth innovation beyond major urban centers, showing that with the right opportunities and guidance, young people can drive meaningful change. The involvement of local stakeholders throughout the program also reflects growing interest in incorporating similar models into future local initiatives in Central Java to support inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Author:
Rizqi Izzizti

About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org/Indonesia or follow at @undpindonesia.

About Youth Co:Lab
Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth, to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.youthcolab.org or follow @youthcolab

About Citi
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management, and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions, and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. Additional information may be found at
www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi

About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com