Jakarta, 25 November 2024: ERIA has officially entered a new chapter in its collaboration with BNI Ventures – the corporate venture capital arm of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) – and the Japan External Trade Organization, Jakarta Office (JETRO Jakarta) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding during the Axel Arc – Founders Meetup event held at ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) on 25 November 2024.

The MoU was signed by Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA; Mardianto E. Danusaputro, Chief Executive Officer of BNI Ventures; and Masakazu Takahashi, President Director of JETRO Jakarta. This partnership is poised to enhance the exchange of information on the development and achievements of startups within BNI Ventures’ network, broaden the network’s reach, and facilitate collaboration on events held by the three parties in relation to startups, the digital economy, and venture capital.

In his remarks, President Watanabe highlighted ERIA’s initiative to support startup growth in ASEAN through the E-DISC. Over the past year, E-DISC has organised the One ASEAN Startup Award in four ASEAN countries, published the ERIA One ASEAN Start-up White Paper 2024, and hosted numerous events across the region in collaboration with startups, enterprises, venture capital firms, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

The MoU, effective for 1 year and renewable upon mutual agreement, lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation aimed at creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and propels the region forward.

‘With this MoU, ERIA is proud to join hands with BNI Ventures and JETRO to promote cross-border collaboration for startups within BNI’s ecosystem. Together, the three of us share a common mission: to empower startups and foster innovation that drives sustainable growth across the region,’ said President Watanabe.