Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates Chapter of the University of Indonesia Alumni Association (ILUNI UI UAE) has launched the Young Entrepreneur Series (YES) 2026, an entrepreneurship development program and business competition designed to help young Indonesian entrepreneurs strengthen their ideas and business models, expand their networks, and explore opportunities in the UAE and international markets.

Initiated by ILUNI UI UAE, YES 2026 is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai, with BSI Middle East–DIFC Branch as its strategic partner. Running from September 2026 to January 2027, the program carries the theme “Empowering Ideas. Building Nations.”

The program is free and open to Indonesian citizens aged 18 to 35, whether they are developing a promising business idea or building an early-stage venture. Applicants may participate individually or in teams of up to five members. Individual applicants and team leaders must reside in the UAE, while other team members may be based in the UAE or elsewhere.

The launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE in 2026. YES 2026 reflects the important role of community and business initiatives in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Judha Nugraha welcomed the program.

“As Indonesia and the UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, YES 2026 reflects the importance of community and business collaboration within the bilateral partnership. We hope the program will equip young Indonesian entrepreneurs with stronger capabilities, broader networks and the confidence to explore opportunities in the UAE and international markets,” Judha Nugraha said.

ILUNI UI UAE Chairman Pinio Nainggolan said YES 2026 was designed as a sustainable platform for developing Indonesian entrepreneurship.

“YES is designed to help young Indonesian entrepreneurs turn their ideas into stronger, more credible businesses through practical learning, validation, competition and access to the right networks. We hope this initiative will help participants create new opportunities and contribute to the future of Indonesia and the UAE,” Pinio Nainggolan said.

Three core components
YES 2026 combines three core components: YES Academy, YES Challenge and YES Connect.

Through YES Academy, participants will attend six online training sessions covering problem and market validation, value propositions and business models, growth strategies, financial viability, the UAE business ecosystem, and pitch and funding readiness.

Responsible use of artificial intelligence will be integrated into relevant sessions to support market research, customer analysis, business modeling, marketing, financial planning and pitch preparation.

Through the YES Challenge, participants will apply what they have learned in a business competition with two categories. The Idea Stage category is for participants developing and validating new business ideas, while Early Venture is for startups that have entered the testing, pilot or operational stage, or have begun recording commercial activity.

Selected participants will advance to the semifinals, with the strongest ventures competing in the Grand Final at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi in January 2027. Entries will be assessed on the strength of the business idea, market understanding, commercial viability, execution capacity and potential impact.

Through YES Connect, participants will engage with business practitioners, companies, investors, government institutions and other stakeholders across the Indonesia-UAE business ecosystem. Networking opportunities will be integrated into the Academy sessions, competition stages and Grand Final.

Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai Denny Lesmana highlighted the opportunities offered by the UAE’s international business environment.

“The UAE offers a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs to learn, build networks and explore new markets. YES 2026 is a concrete initiative by ILUNI UI UAE to help young Indonesian entrepreneurs strengthen their business foundations while connecting them with the international business ecosystem in Dubai and across the wider UAE,” Denny Lesmana said.

Tjahjono Soebroto, Senior Executive Officer of BSI Middle East–DIFC Branch, emphasized the importance of strong business foundations for sustainable growth.

“A strong business requires more than a good idea; it also needs a viable business model, financial discipline and a clear market-entry strategy. YES 2026 provides a structured platform for Indonesian entrepreneurs to strengthen these foundations and prepare their businesses for growth,” Tjahjono Soebroto said.

Registration and awards

YES 2026 will present three main awards: YES Champion, Best Idea and Best Early Venture. Details of the prizes and participant benefits will be announced through the official YES 2026 website.

Registration is open until Oct. 3, 2026, at sayyes.ae. Full eligibility requirements, program guidelines, and terms and conditions are available on the website. Enquiries may be sent to [email protected].

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