ASEAN-based startups are entering a new phase of accelerated growth, supported by increased global interest, access to talent, and fresh capital. According to Statistics Research, venture capital funding in the region is projected to reach US$13.7 billion in 2025. Citigroup also forecasts a 10% year-on-year increase in tech funding across Asia.

These projections were highlighted in the official statement from GITEX Asia x Ai Everything Singapore, an inaugural event organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with GITEX Global.

North Star Asia to Spotlight Over 350 Early-Stage Tech Firms

One of the key features of the event, North Star Asia, is set to bring together over 350 early-stage tech companies from more than 60 countries. These include Series A+ startups across more than 20 sectors, alongside 250 global investors managing assets worth US$200 billion.

The session will explore new collaboration opportunities, cross-sector innovation, market expansion strategies, and access to funding. North Star Asia serves as a critical platform for startups, accelerators, investors, and tech leaders to showcase projects, scale solutions, and build partnerships.

Investment Trends and Regional Opportunities Take Center Stage

More than 400 global speakers will participate in panel sessions focused on major investment topics. Discussions include mergers and acquisitions, IPO strategies, unicorn growth, and the balance between short-term returns and long-term scalability.

Yuki Shirato, Managing Director at Techstars Tokyo Accelerator, noted Singapore’s role as a neutral hub for East-West collaboration. “This is very exciting because rarely do so many high-tech companies from around the world gather in one place,” he said.

Vietnam’s Innovation Ecosystem Gains Spotlight

Vietnamese startups will be prominently featured, including Enfarm, which utilizes AI and IoT for sustainable farming through real-time soil diagnostics. Other notable participants include ADT Global VN, specializing in immersive media and AI branding, and MedCAT, which transforms healthcare and insurance with intelligent document processing and medical data automation.

Global Participation Highlights ASEAN’s AI-Driven Future

Startups and tech firms from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, the UK, and the UAE are also participating. Among them is XPANCEO, a deep-tech company from the UAE developing smart contact lenses with AR and wireless data transmission.

Founder Roman Axelrod praised GITEX’s ability to unite ambitious innovations and global industry leaders. “We’re looking forward to the energy of the event’s first edition in Asia,” he said.

Investors are also taking note of the AI potential in the region. Kearney projects that AI could add SG$1 trillion to ASEAN’s GDP by 2030. Notable participants include the Vietnamese GenAI Fund, 500 Global with US$2.3 billion AUM, and Singapore’s Vertex Holdings managing over US$6 billion.

Vertex CEO Chua Kee Lock emphasized ASEAN’s strength in practical AI applications to solve regional challenges, particularly in fintech, health, agriculture, and logistics. “GITEX Asia opens new possibilities by enabling idea exchange across diverse markets,” he said.

PHOTO: GITEXASIA

This article was created with AI assistance.