The Surabaya City Government, through its Department of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism (Disbudporapar), in collaboration with Ozora Yatrapaktaja (PT. Mega Ozora Venture), has launched the second edition of the Surabaya Startup Festival (SSF) 2.0. This initiative aims to develop the city’s tourism and creative economy resources. Under the theme "Discovering the Treasure of Surabaya for Entrepreneurs," the festival empowers startups through year-long business incubation and competition programs
According to Disbudporapar Head Hidayat Syah, SSF represents a strategic partnership between the Surabaya City Government and Ozora Yatrapaktaja, established in 2022. The program focuses on fostering a robust ecosystem connecting startups, communities, stakeholders, business incubators, young talents, and investors. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2022, SSF 2.0 has attracted over 100 applicants, with 25 startups, predominantly from Surabaya, advancing to the next stage. These startups tackle diverse challenges in areas such as healthcare, supply chain management, digital security, and tourism.
The two-day event, scheduled for October 5–6, 2024, at Balai Pemuda, features exhibitions, workshops, and a startup showcase. The first day highlights local startup and SME product exhibitions, along with workshops on trending topics like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and creative industry dynamics. The second day includes the Demoday session, where finalists pitch their innovative ideas to judges and potential investors, culminating in an awards ceremony led by the acting Mayor of Surabaya.
Farah Andita Ramadhani, Head of Tourism at Disbudporapar, emphasized that SSF 2.0 offers startups invaluable opportunities to network, secure partnerships, and attract funding. Beyond its immediate benefits, the festival aims to reshape Surabaya’s business landscape and enhance Indonesia’s broader startup ecosystem. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering collaborations, the event aspires to position Surabaya as a hub for creative and innovative entrepreneurship.
The festival also welcomes participation from various sectors, including government, industry, SMEs, investors, and academic institutions. Farah noted that this cross-sector synergy is essential for building a supportive startup ecosystem in Surabaya, making SSF 2.0 a pivotal event for the city’s economic and creative growth.
Source: kominfo.jatimprov.go.id
