SINGAPORE, April 21, 2025 – Singapore is gearing up to host the highly anticipated GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, marking the debut of Asia’s largest technology, startup, and digital investment showcase. Taking place from 23 to 25 April 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, the event arrives at a time when Southeast Asia’s (SEA) startup ecosystem is poised for explosive growth, with venture capital funding in the region forecast to exceed US$13.7 billion this year.
With over 350 startups and more than 250 investors from over 60 countries expected to attend, the event aims to catalyse new partnerships, cross-border investment, and market access across the region. This follows recent projections by Statistics Research and Citigroup, which indicate sustained momentum for tech funding in Asia, bolstered by strong innovation pipelines and a young, digitally-savvy population.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Singapore edition is themed ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia’. The event features North Star Asia, the regional edition of the world’s largest startup and investor platform, bringing together early-stage companies, unicorns, venture capitalists, accelerators, and ecosystem enablers.
Startup Powerhouse Meets Global Capital
North Star Asia will spotlight over 350 innovative tech startups from more than 60 countries, spanning 20+ industry sectors. The investor contingent, representing more than US$200 billion in assets under management, will engage in more than 2,500 pre-arranged matchmaking sessions—making this one of the most curated investment platforms globally.
A core component of the programme is a series of expert investor panels addressing topics such as mergers and acquisitions, IPO readiness, and long-term versus short-term investment strategies. These sessions are designed to offer guidance on how startups can gain visibility, scale rapidly, and navigate regulatory environments across the diverse Asian landscape.
“Singapore’s strategic location makes it an ideal meeting point for tech innovators from both East and West,” said Yuki Shirato, Managing Director of Techstars Tokyo Accelerator. “There’s enormous potential in SEA for startups to scale and become global players.”
AI Innovation in Focus
Artificial intelligence will feature prominently at GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore. Kearney estimates that AI could add US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030. The event will see participation from leading AI-focused investors such as the Vietnamese GenAI Fund, 500 Global (US$2.3 billion AUM), and Singapore’s Vertex Holdings (US$6 billion AUM).
“SEA excels in applying AI to real-world challenges across fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics,” said Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings. “GITEX ASIA is a powerful enabler for startups and investors to collaborate, exchange ideas, and unlock new opportunities across varied regulatory frameworks.”
Showcasing Breakthrough Startups
- Countries participating include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, UK, UAE, and many others. Among them are standout startups from Vietnam such as:
- Enfarm – a multi-award-winning agritech firm using AI and IoT for precision farming;
- ADT Global VN – specialists in immersive digital media and virtual branding;
- MedCAT – transforming medical data automation for healthcare and insurance.
Deep tech company XPANCEO, based in the UAE, will also participate with its smart contact lens technology featuring wireless data transmission and AR capabilities. “Having seen the impact of GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we’re eager to experience the same innovation energy in Asia,” said Roman Axelrod, Founder and Managing Director.
Celebrating Innovation and Talent
- The show will include country spotlights, investor summits, and startup showcases. Highlights include:
- AI 100 – Powered by Nebius, presenting top AI startups from over 30 countries
- Singapore 100, spotlighting local ventures with high global potential
- The Supernova Challenge, a pitch competition offering US$100,000 in prize money and additional awards from Nebius and JTC
A recent report by Founders Forum Group pegged Southeast Asia’s tech startup ecosystem at US$454 billion as of mid-2024—a record valuation driven by innovation in biotech, cybersecurity, energy, green tech, SaaS, and Industry 5.0.
With over 40% of exhibiting startups participating in the region for the first time, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore is expected to solidify the city-state’s reputation as a global gateway for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial growth.
For more information, visit www.gitexasia.com.