This program exemplifies the U.S. commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration on a global scale. With a comprehensive six-week residency, participants will immerse themselves in hands-on entrepreneurial training in Portland, Oregon, followed by an exclusive trip to Washington, D.C., where they will interface with U.S. Department of State leadership. This unique opportunity allows participants to showcase their visions and build relationships with key policymakers, fostering connections that span international borders.

Many of this year’s participants have already demonstrated their excellence in innovation through prior GIST programs, including the latest ASEAN Startup Training held in Singapore, further cementing their readiness to take this next big step in their entrepreneurial journeys.
 

Program Highlights: A Roadmap to Innovation

The ASEAN Business Incubation program is designed to propel entrepreneurs through various stages of their startup journey. Our model for business incubation is based on a unique point of view, refined over a decade. The latest version in Portland builds on everything we've learned and provides innovators with a transformative, guided structure that leaves their venture ready for the next step:

• Orientation & Ideation: A deep dive into design thinking, business model development, and customer discovery.
• Market Research & Validation: Cutting-edge methodologies to refine product-market fit and value propositions.
• Prototype & Development: Hands-on prototyping and crafting compelling pitch decks to attract investors.
• Growth & Networking: Access to maker spaces, expert mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with the PSU entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Washington, D.C. Experience: Meet with policymakers, share entrepreneurial visions, and strengthen international relationships at the highest levels.
• Investor Pitch & Graduation: The program culminates with pitches to potential investors, mentors, and a graduation celebration.

From prototyping in Portland to policy discussions in Washington, D.C., the program equips participants with the tools, connections, and strategies to scale their businesses and expand their impact.

Meet This Incredible Cohort of ASEAN Innovators

This year’s cohort represents a vibrant tapestry of ingenuity, sustainability, and impact, with entrepreneurs addressing critical challenges across industries. Let’s celebrate their transformative ventures:

Daniel Lim – Vidanex
Malaysia

Vidanex is transforming the future of cancer diagnosis with advanced AI technology that delivers faster, more accurate, and cost-effective results. With two proof-of-concepts underway at major government hospitals and partnerships forming through letters of intent, Vidanex is paving the way for broader access to life-saving diagnostics. The team is also actively pursuing CE certification to expand its reach globally.

Noor Hidayah Shahidan – Synbiozymes
Malaysia

Synbiozymes harnesses biotechnology to tackle Malaysia’s critical food security challenges. By converting poultry waste into protein-rich animal feed using enzymes and bacteria, this startup is reducing dependence on imported grains and supporting a circular economy. Their innovative approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also fosters a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Ngân Le – Shoes Agtech Joint Stock Company
Vietnam

Shoes Agtech is redefining rice farming with its flagship product, Airboots—an ultralight robotic solution equipped with sliding floats for seeding, fertilizing, and spraying. Designed to enhance productivity and reduce costs, Airboots carries three times the payload of drones while offering precision control. This breakthrough is enabling farmers to optimize yields with minimal crop damage, making sustainable agriculture more accessible.

Franch Maverick Lorilla – ShifTech Marine
Philippines

ShifTech Marine is advancing the blue economy by creating innovative renewable energy solutions tailored for marine environments. Their flagship product, P-Wertubes, is a lightweight and waterproof smart battery system that slashes battery expenses for fisherfolk by up to 79%. These cost-efficient and eco-friendly systems empower coastal communities while promoting sustainable ocean practices.

Marini Fernandez – Farmtri
Philippines

Farmtri is leveraging AI-powered precision agriculture to revolutionize small-scale farming. By providing tools to prevent food loss and optimize yields, Farmtri enables farmers to increase their daily income from $1 to $25. This deep-tech solution not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of produce, contributing to food security and rural prosperity.

Cherry Murillon – CAWIL.AI
Philippines

CAWIL.AI addresses the global problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through TRACE.AI, an advanced electronic catch documentation system. Using AI and machine learning, TRACE.AI automates data gathering, eliminates fraud, and ensures traceability, providing a comprehensive solution for fisheries and empowering communities to protect marine resources sustainably.

Julius Marvin San Pascual – Coden AI
Philippines

Coden AI is revolutionizing software development for startups by automating app creation with AI-assembled, modular code. This innovative platform enables early-stage founders to launch web and mobile apps rapidly and affordably, eliminating the need for extensive developer resources and accelerating time-to-market for visionary ideas.

Louis Tang – Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd
Malaysia

Twin Catalyst has developed a groundbreaking medical device—a non-adhesive pouch integrated with an adhesive film dressing. Unlike traditional ostomy pouches, this device enables unique clinical applications previously considered impossible. By prioritizing patient comfort and advanced functionality, Twin Catalyst is setting a new standard in healthcare innovation.

Abel Teo – Castomize
Singapore

Castomize is revolutionizing orthopedic care with its 4D-printed casts that adapt to individual patients’ needs. These customizable casts are lighter, more breathable, and easier to apply than traditional options, making them a preferred choice for both patients and healthcare professionals. Castomize’s innovative approach ensures faster recovery times and enhanced patient comfort.

Mild Karoon-ngampun – UPCYDE
Thailand

UPCYDE turns agricultural waste into valuable materials, creating a sustainable model for waste management while empowering local communities. By upcycling waste into high-value products, UPCYDE reduces environmental harm and creates economic opportunities, addressing both ecological and social challenges with ingenuity and impact.
 

A New Partnership with Portland State University

This year marks a pivotal expansion with the involvement of Portland State University (PSU), a cornerstone of entrepreneurial excellence. PSU’s Business Accelerator has been a launchpad for Oregon’s most promising technology, bioscience, and green startups. The accelerator provides tailored services, hands-on mentorship, and connections to world-class research, making it a natural partner for this international program.

With over 200+ professionals contributing to its ecosystem, the PSU Business Accelerator will offer program participants unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, prototyping, and scaling their ventures. From pitch practice to networking events, PSU will equip the cohort with tools for sustained success.
 

Building Global Bridges

The ASEAN Business Incubation program is more than a learning opportunity; it is a gateway to international partnerships, innovation, and market expansion. This initiative reflects the shared commitment between the United States and Southeast Asia to nurture entrepreneurial talent, address global challenges, and create meaningful economic impact.

As the cohort embarks on this journey, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities. From prior achievements in GIST programs like ASEAN Startup Training in Singapore to hands-on training in Portland and engaging directly with U.S. leadership in Washington, D.C., this program represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lead.

Stay tuned for updates on the program, participant milestones, and the profound ways these innovators will shape the future. The journey begins now.