Singapore is set to become the epicenter of the tech world as it hosts GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything, Asia’s largest tech, startup, and digital investments event. This inaugural edition will take place from April 23-25, 2025, at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, highlighting the region’s rapid evolution as a global hub for innovation and investment.
Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, this event is an extension of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech exhibition. Emphasizing the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia’, it aims to foster collaboration among both regional and international stakeholders, encouraging them to explore opportunities, examine the latest breakthroughs across various sectors, and access new markets and capital.
The World’s Largest Startup and Investor Event Now in Asia
North Star Asia, the centerpiece of this event, will showcase over 350 early-stage tech startups from more than 60 nations, which includes Series A+ companies from over 20 industry sectors. Alongside these entrepreneurs, more than 250 global investors, managing around US$200 billion in assets, are expected to participate, creating a unique environment for investment and networking.
The event promises a tailored investor program, complete with an exclusive matchmaking service that has already arranged over 2,500 meetings prior to the event. As the largest connector of startups, accelerators, and investors, it aims to bring together founders, venture capitalists, and tech leaders to facilitate new partnerships, showcase innovative projects, and achieve business scaling.
One of the key elements will be a series of expert panels featuring over 400 global speakers, sharing insights on vital topics such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As), initial public offerings (IPOs), and strategies for achieving unicorn status. Panel discussions will explore the balance between achieving quick returns and fostering long-term growth in the evolving landscape of startup investment.
Yuki Shirato, Managing Director at Techstars Tokyo Accelerator, emphasized the significance of Singapore’s strategic positioning. “It provides a neutral ground where Western and Eastern companies can converge, connect, and collaborate. The potential for startups to reach unicorn status in Southeast Asia (SEA) is immense, fueled by a competitive landscape and a vibrant young population,” he stated.
Global Tech Investment Elite Unite in Singapore
With AI projected to add an estimated $1 trillion to SEA’s GDP by 2030 (according to Kearney), major international investors like the Vietnamese GenAI Fund and Vertex Holdings are gearing up to engage in this burgeoning market at GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore. Vertex Holdings, for instance, manages over US$6 billion in assets and is keen on harnessing AI to drive growth across various sectors.
Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, remarked, “SEA is adept at applying AI to address regional challenges. The GITEX ASIA platform will create opportunities for startups and investors to exchange ideas across diverse regulatory environments, allowing for new possibilities and advancements.”
The Largest International Startup and Scaleup Showcase Anywhere in Asia
North Star Asia will feature a variety of exclusive showcases from over 50 countries, spotlighting high-impact startups that are driving digital transformation and attracting both domestic and international investment. Notably, over 40% of exhibitors will be making their SEA debut, highlighting the increasing interest in the region.
Among these startups, Vietnam will showcase groundbreaking companies like Enfarm, a leader in sustainable farming technology; ADT Global VN, a pioneer in AI-driven digital innovation; and MedCAT, which is reshaping healthcare through intelligent data solutions. These examples underscore the diverse, innovative landscape of the SEA startup ecosystem.
Countries participating include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, and many others, with the UAE notably represented by XPANCEO. This deep tech specialist is focused on developing an invisible, weightless smart contact lens for augmented reality, having already raised over US$40 million in funding.
Roman Axelrod, Founder and Managing Director of XPANCEO, expressed excitement about participating in this inaugural event. “Having experienced GITEX GLOBAL before, we look forward to seeing how Singapore’s edition will evolve and how it will bring together pioneers of innovation,” he said.
Showcasing the Most Award-Winning Regional and Global Startups
According to Founders Forum Group’s Destination Southeast Asia Report 2024, the SEA tech startup ecosystem has reached a remarkable combined market valuation of US$454 billion in the first half of 2024, a record high. This event serves as a platform for the most successful startups across different sectors, including biotech, fintech, green tech, and more, to showcase their innovative solutions.
The ‘AI 100 – Powered by Nebius’ will highlight 100 award-winning AI startups from over 30 countries, while the inaugural ‘Singapore 100’, developed with SGTech and Ace.SG, will recognize the top 100 promising Singaporean ventures poised for global success. Additionally, North Star Asia will introduce the ‘Supernova Challenge’, a prestigious pitch competition where aspiring founders can showcase their innovations and compete for prizes totaling US$100,000.