BISA (Blue Innovative Startup Acceleration) Program Launch: Cross-Sector Collaboration to Foster Partnerships for Advancing Blue Economy
January 16, 2025

Jakarta, 14 January 2025 – The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, in partnership with the UK-Indonesia Tech Hub of the British Embassy Jakarta has launched the Blue Innovative Startup Acceleration (BISA) Programme. Supported by the Government of Indonesia, this initiative aims to foster cross-sector collaboration, expand the technological impact of innovative startups, and enhance the blue economic, social, and climate resilience of Indonesia’s areas, targeting 100 innovative start-ups, 100 Community-based Organisations, and 500 university students.
The programme focuses on seven key areas essential to the blue economy such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine biodiversity conservation, and marine and water tourism. It also prioritises renewable marine infrastructure and energy, marine biotechnology, marine debris, and coastal waste management, as well as blue carbon initiatives. As a collective initiative, these focus areas reflect a holistic approach to harnessing the potential of Indonesia’s marine resources while ensuring environmental preservation and long-term economic growth.
“UNDP has consistently driven community-based solutions to build resilience and foster sustainable economic growth through collaboration and innovation. BISA is a concrete example of how collective efforts primed to drive lasting impact and make meaningful contributions to Indonesia’s long-term blue economy and development goals,” said Aretha Aprilia, Head of Nature, Climate, and Energy Unit, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia. [Quotes from UNDP Indonesia]
A Cross Sector Collaborative Approach
BISA brings together innovative startups, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and university students to drive sustainable impact. Three collaborative approaches will be implemented throughout a series of activities, including the Collaboration Lab, which fosters the replication of innovative startup technologies and expands local market opportunities. Serving as local pioneers, the initiative strengthens connections with communities and stakeholders while introducing innovative solutions to bridge the gap between technology and local needs.
A Vision for the Future
The launch event showcased a dynamic panel discussion titled “Cross-Sector Collaboration: A Key to Optimizing the Blue Economy and Climate Resilience Potential for Regional Development.” The discussion delved into the blue economy's vast potential for driving regional development across Indonesia, which is the key theme of the BISA project.
Esteemed panelists included representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Mohamad Rahmat Mulianda; Founder of Banoo Indonesia, Mr. Fajar Sidik Abdullah; and blue economy expert from Pesisir Lestari, Mrs. Dina Kosasih. The session underscored the power of partnerships between startups, CBOs, and students in fostering impactful, localized solutions for regional growth.
Through initiatives like BISA, the AIS Forum and UK-Indonesia Tech Hub is forging a bold path toward a sustainable and prosperous future. By spotlighting innovation and collaboration, it aims to unlock Indonesia’s blue economy potential and catalyse transformative economic growth.
For more information, please contact:
Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communication, UNDP Indonesia (nabilla.rahmani@undp.org)
Dafa Komarudin, Communication Officer for the AIS Forum (dafa.komarudin@undp.org)
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About AIS - Archipelagic and Island States Forum
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a platform initiated by the Government of Indonesia with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, designed to include 51 archipelagic and island countries across the ocean to take part in a collective action addressing marine-related challenges
About UK-Indonesia Tech Hub
The UK-Indonesia Tech Hub is part of the International Tech Hub Network, under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme (DAP) led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The programme promotes digital inclusion and inclusive growth in partner countries. The Hubs forge innovation partnerships between the UK and international tech sectors, stimulate local digital economies, and build high-end digital skills to drive sustainable jobs and growth.