GITEX ASIA : From April 23–25, 2025, Marina Bay Sands becomes the epicenter of global innovation, uniting over 350 startups and 250+ investors to ignite Southeast Asia’s digital future.
Southeast Asia Emerges as a Global Tech Powerhouse
Southeast Asia (SEA) is entering a new era of entrepreneurial momentum, backed by a thriving technology startup ecosystem and increasing global investor interest. According to Statistics Research, VC funding in the region is projected to surpass US$13.7 billion in 2025, with Citigroup forecasting a 10% growth in Asian tech funding this year. This surge positions SEA startups to scale across industries, with fresh access to capital, talent, and international markets.
GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore: A Landmark Tech Gathering
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, in collaboration with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech event, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore debuts at Marina Bay Sands from 23–25 April 2025. Under the theme “Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia”, the event serves as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration, investment matchmaking, and access to new technologies.
North Star Asia: The World’s Largest Startup-Investor Showcase Comes to Asia
North Star Asia, the marquee feature of the event, will welcome over 350 early-stage startups from 60+ countries and 250+ global investors managing a combined US$200 billion in assets. Spanning over 20 industry sectors, participating startups will include Series A+ ventures eager to connect with accelerators, VCs, and scale-up enablers.
With 2,500+ pre-scheduled meetings, North Star Asia offers the region’s most curated investor programme, featuring bespoke matchmaking services and unparalleled access to global capital. Attendees can expect a vibrant ecosystem designed to drive deal flow, highlight disruptive solutions, and foster lasting partnerships.
Investor Panels Tackle Growth Strategies and Unicorn Potential
Over 400 global speakers will share insights in dynamic panel discussions focusing on visibility, capital access, and long-term value creation. Topics include:
- IPO readiness
- M&A strategies
- Unicorn and decacorn pathways
- Balancing fast ROI with sustainable scaling
These panels aim to shape a resilient, forward-looking tech investment culture in Asia.
Global Leaders Recognize Singapore’s Strategic Role
Yuki Shirato, Managing Director of Techstars Tokyo Accelerator, emphasized Singapore’s role as a neutral, collaborative hub for Western and Eastern tech ecosystems. “SEA is evolving rapidly, driven by its young population and growing competition. The region is ripe for producing the next unicorns and decacorns,” he said.
Leading AI-Focused Investors Bet Big on Southeast Asia
As AI is expected to add US$1 trillion to SEA’s GDP by 2030 (Kearney), leading investors are joining GITEX ASIA to explore AI’s transformational potential. Participants include:
- GenAI Fund, SEA’s first dedicated GenAI venture fund (Vietnam)
- 500 Global, US VC firm with US$2.3 billion AUM
- Vertex Holdings, Singapore-based with US$6 billion AUM
Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, said: “SEA excels in applying AI to address real-world regional needs. GITEX ASIA provides an ideal platform for cross-market innovation and collaboration.”
Global Innovation Converges: Over 50 Countries Represented
The exhibition includes exclusive country spotlights, with over 40% of startups exhibiting in SEA for the first time. Game-changing ventures from Vietnam, Australia, France, India, the UAE, and others will showcase solutions across:
- Agritech
- Healthcare
- Virtual reality
- Cybersecurity
- Fintech
- Green energy
- SaaS and Industry 5.0
Notably, XPANCEO (UAE), a deep tech innovator developing smart contact lenses for AR, will highlight its US$40M-funded vision for next-gen computing.
Vietnam’s Disruptors Headline Regional Impact
Standout Vietnamese startups include:
- Enfarm: AI-powered, award-winning agritech platform
- ADT Global VN: Leader in immersive media and AI branding
- MedCAT: Innovator in medical data automation and intelligent insurance documentation
These ventures exemplify SEA’s surge in localized, scalable tech.
Celebrating the Most Promising Startups in Asia
The event will debut several curated startup features:
- AI 100 – Powered by Nebius: Showcasing 100 award-winning AI startups from over 30 countries
- Singapore 100: In partnership with SGTech and Ace.SG, highlighting top 100 ventures shaping the future of Singapore’s digital economy
- Supernova Challenge: The ultimate pitch competition with US$100,000 prize pool, plus additional support from Nebius and JTC
A New Era for Tech, Talent, and Transformation
According to the Founders Forum Group, SEA’s tech ecosystem hit a record US$454 billion market valuation in H1 2024, the highest ever. With capital, innovation, and global visibility converging at GITEX ASIA, the event is set to redefine what’s possible for startups across Asia and beyond.
For more information and to register, visit: gitexasia.com
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