Indonesia
Indonesian Tech Startups Invited to Compete at Global Pitch Stage in SelectUSA Summit 2026: Indonesian technology startups are being offered a gateway to the global investment arena as the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 opens applications for its prestigious pitching competition. Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in Jakarta, the initiative aims to identify high-potential startups ready to expand into the United States market.
The national-level Indonesia Pitching Competition will select one standout startup to represent the country at the global finals during the summit, scheduled to take place from May 3–6, 2026, in National Harbor. The winning startup will receive complimentary registration along with roundtrip airfare, offering a rare opportunity to pitch directly to leading venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry experts from across the world.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is widely regarded as the premier platform for promoting business investment in the United States. The event brings together a dynamic mix of investors, companies, economic development organizations, and policy leaders, creating a fertile ground for partnerships and expansion.
Startups participating in the World Finals Pitching Competition will showcase cutting-edge innovations across key sectors including defense, energy, health, ICT/software, and an open category. Each participating startup will deliver a six-minute pitch followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with an expert panel of judges.
To qualify, startups must be founded outside the United States and demonstrate innovative technology or novel applications of existing solutions. Applicants should also have plans to enter or expand into the U.S. market within the next two to three years. Additional eligibility criteria include being established on or after January 1, 2016, having no more than 40 employees, or generating annual revenue of up to $10 million.
Applications for the Indonesia Pitching Competition are open until March 13, 2026, with selected startups to be notified in April. Industry observers note that the initiative presents a strategic opportunity for Indonesian entrepreneurs to gain international visibility and accelerate their global growth ambitions.
With global attention increasingly turning toward Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem, Indonesian startups are being encouraged to leverage this platform to connect with key stakeholders in the U.S. startup landscape and position themselves for cross-border success.
