- The region’s largest inaugural tech, startup & digital investments event came to a thrilling conclusion at Marina Bay Sands on Friday
– Robotics, AI, cloud, cybersecurity & telecom advancements on full display as Chhaya Technologies of Bangladesh wins US50,000 first prize in world’s ultimate pitch competition
Singapore – 26 April, 2025: GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore showcased Southeast Asia’s position among the world’s fastest-rising and most vibrant innovation hubs for a third time on Friday as this year’s critically acclaimed first edition concluded in thrilling fashion.Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world’s largest show took centre stage at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from 23-25 April.
Following an action-packed two days where capacity crowds examined the latest transnational tech developments, challenges, and breakthroughs spanning AI, cloud, cybersecurity, quantum, smart cities, and more, Friday thrust the region’s evolving digital transformation trajectory into focus once again. Evolving industries and bold innovation took centre stage alongside breakthrough talent and cross-sector advancements – broadening horizons to the boundaries of possibility currently being redefined by the regional and international tech communities.
Advanced Humanoids: The Next Great Partner in Societal Progress?
Among the rapidly developing tech-first industries under the GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore microscope was robotics as audiences explored a future where humans and robots co-exist and collaborate. A space Market Research Future projects will surpass US$200 billion by 2030; Booster Robotics of China was on-site to showcase why. The advanced humanoids creator has experienced a meteoric rise since its establishment in 2023, inventing the Booster T1, which has since been crowned as the ‘fastest free-walk robot’ at the 2024 IEEE-RAS Humanoids Championship.
Chaoyi Li, Head of Globalisation at Booster Robotics, explained how humanoid robotics will one day become engrained in global society: “Humanoid robots will be everywhere around the world in the future and as reliable, affordable, and useful as laptops are today. They can help us everywhere, taking responsibility for many of the tedious, repetitive, and potentially dangerous jobs out there; enabling people to be more human rather than robotic. This is why we’re actively uniting with AI developers to deploy multi-functional robots for all kinds of scenarios and industries globally.”
Supernova Challenge Champions Crowned: Chhaya Technologies Claims First Prize
Following a record-breaking 2024 where the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem reached a highest-ever combined market valuation of US$454 billion, visionary up-and-coming talent aiming to become the next generation of high-profile tech entrepreneurs faced off in the ‘Supernova Challenge’ – the world’s ultimate pitch competition. The Supernova Challenge is part of North Star Asia, the region’s largest startup and investor show taking place alongside GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore.
Under the North Star Asia banner, Friday’s highly anticipated finals saw 10 of Asia’s fastest-rising startups face off for their share of a US$100,000 prize pool. With victory, visibility, and potential investment support at stake alongside special prizes from Nebius and JTC Corporation, contestants showcased their innovative projects to a formidable expert judges panel. Chhaya Technologies emerged as the overall winner, after pitching among startup finalists from Australia, Canada, India, Republic of Korea, Serbia, Singapore and Vietnam.
The Bangladeshi startup won the US$50,000 first prize for its digital micro-insurance platform which offers affordable and accessible insurance to underserved communities and Bangladeshi citizens living abroad. In the immediate aftermath of their win, Shawon Shahriar, CEO of Chhaya, said: “We’re delighted to win. This competition it one we’ve been anticipating for some time now – it’s been so exciting, and the atmosphere has been electric. Our ambition now is to keep building and forge a future where financial security is assured for everyone worldwide.”
AI: A Revolutionary Force in Professional Sport & Personal Life
Another final day highlight was the involvement of former French international footballer Bacary Sagna. The ex-Premier League star who enjoyed successful stints at Arsenal and Manchester City has made the successful transition into the tech industry since his retirement from professional football – becoming an entrepreneur, investor, and app creator.
Addressing audiences during a special session titled ‘Future of Sports Tech’, Sagna revealed how AI is revolutionising football and wider sport at the highest level: “AI cameras cover every moment of matches today, gathering insights and data that clubs use to value players and evaluate their form and performances. Athletes also value and assess themselves using this data, from passing and pace to distance covered on the field. It’s revolutionary and is here to stay because the technology has been transformational.”
Sagna also elaborated on AI’s education value proposition for professional athletes, revealing: “For many footballers, their education can stop as early as 15 because they don’t take it seriously and focus solely on football. For those who make it at the top level, this is all they know for the next 15-20 years. Once their career is over, some also struggle with mental health problems as they attempt to adapt to life away from football without real plans in place surrounding what they do next. AI can now be used to positively impact lives through advice surrounding financial security, education, nutrition, how to invest, and so on. It’s very important for young athletes especially to educate themselves – and AI can help.”
Tech Giants Converge at the Region’s Most Comprehensive Next-Gen Solutions Showcase
As GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore closed the curtain on an unforgettable inaugural edition, Friday provided another opportunity to become acquainted with the very latest cutting-edge services and solutions. Destined to redefine businesses and industries, such innovations were presented by a formidable line-up featuring world-renowned companies and top-tier digital transformation architects.
Among the many product showcases fuelling widespread audience interest and intrigue was Fortinet’s AI-driven Security Operations Centre (SOC) automation platform, designed to empower security teams and enhance threat detection. Another was iFLYTEK’s On-Prem LMM All-In-One solution. Unveiled for the first time GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, thiscomprehensive platform is designed for organisations seeking secure, customisable, and efficient AI capabilities. Additionally, Kaspersky exhibited its critical infrastructure portfolio, Ericsson showcased its latest cloud, edge computing, and telecommunication infrastructure solutions, and Gorilla Technology demonstrated its state-of-the-art network security systems and advanced video analytics solutions.
Reflecting on the success of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, Jay Chandan, Gorilla Technology Chairman and CEO, said: “This was a landmark event for Gorilla Technology and an unrivalled platform where innovation in safe and smart cities with AI was centre stage. It was very exciting to join leading industry experts and explore new avenues that drive our technology forward and empower businesses with smarter, safer solutions. This dynamic convergence of global tech leaders and innovators has catalysed cutting-edge collaborations and paved the way for disruptive breakthroughs that benefit participants and elevate the entire technology ecosystem.”
GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore served as a pivotal platform for advancing Southeast Asia’s digital ambitions, fostering strategic alliances, and unlocking the region’s US$1 trillion digital economy potential. The event welcomed 700+ exhibitors and award-winning startups, 400+ international expert speakers, and 250+ global investors from 70+ countries throughout its three-day duration – paving the way for sustained tech industry growth, development, investments, and new transformative partnerships regionally and beyond.
For more information, please visit gitexasia.com.
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About GITEX ASIA
GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, Asia’s largest and most global tech, startup, and digital investments event, debuts at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from April 23-25, 2025. Powered by the 45-year legacy of GITEX GLOBAL, it will serve as a major hub for innovation and collaboration, featuring Ai Everything Singapore, North Star Asia, GITEX Cyber Valley Asia, GITEX Digi Health & Biotech Singapore, and much more. The event sets the spotlight on the breakthrough developments in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, health tech, fintech, and more; connecting over 700 global enterprises and startups, 25,000 tech buyers, 250 investors, and 400 top industry speakers from over 70 countries. GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore is seamlessly connected with GITEX network of tech and startup events, taking place in Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE. For more information, please visit gitexasia.com.
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