Innovation took center stage as twenty of Southeast Asia’s most promising entrepreneurs gathered in Singapore for the GIST ASEAN Startup Training & Pitch Competition. Over three transformative days, these founders not only pitched their startups but engaged in hands-on training, networking, and mentorship—equipping them with the tools needed for long-term success.

What makes GIST’s pitch competitions unique is the emphasis on training. The competition is important, and the prizes can be a lifeline for fledgling startups, but what we hope our innovators take home from our events is expanded knowledge on how to structure their business model, ensure product-market fit, and communicate effectively with potential investors. We are proud of how this year’s event in Singapore exemplified how much this approach can benefit participants, setting them up for success far beyond the competition itself. As Casey Mace, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Singapore, described in their opening remarks, “You, the startup founders, are more than entrepreneurs—you’re trailblazers determined to address some of the region’s most critical challenges. Remember, the challenges you face are opportunities for growth and innovation. Embrace them with the same enthusiasm and determination that brought you here today.”

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Success

The event began with high energy as participants arrived, registered, and prepared for the immersive experience ahead. Many of the founders, coming from seven ASEAN economies, were stepping outside their home countries for the first time. This created not only an atmosphere of learning but a unique opportunity for cross-cultural networking among innovators from across Southeast Asia.

Day one focused on building a strong foundation using the Lean Startup process. Sessions on customer discovery, value proposition design, and market evaluation provided participants with the tools they needed to refine their business models and prepare for scaling their startups.

As participants dove into these foundational topics, the importance of storytelling and effective communication became clear. This was emphasized during the Pitching and Storytelling session, where founders learned how to present their ideas compellingly to investors.

Reflecting on the program’s focus, Maxi Cunahap, founder of Kasaka Agriventures, Inc. from the Philippines, shared, “Going to business school is good, but here, it’s different. It’s real, practical advice from people who have been in the trenches.” This practical, real-world focus set the stage for the more intense sessions to come.

Day 2: From Theory to Practice

On the second day, participants transitioned from theory into practical application. Sessions focused on competitive analysis, ecosystem mapping, and revenue models, helping the startups refine their market strategies and business sustainability. One of the most impactful sessions of the day was Metrics that Matter, where founders learned to identify key performance indicators that resonate with investors.

For many participants, the hands-on approach made a lasting impression. “Everything I’ve learned is foundational for our startup,” said Hanh Le, founder of NetZero Pallet, Vietnam. “It’s so exciting. Everyone here has been incredibly friendly and supportive.” The collaborative environment encouraged founders to share insights and grow not just individually but as a community.

Later, an impressive group of local and regional investors joined for an Investor Panel, offering participants valuable region-specific insights into the Southeast Asian market. These investors also served as judges for the Semifinal Pitch Competition, where the competition intensified. Founders applied the lessons from the previous sessions and delivered compelling pitches, impressing the judges and setting the stage for the final showdown
 

Day 3: Masterclass and Pitch Finals – A Journey to the Finish Line

Day three began with a powerful Masterclass on working with venture capital (VC) investors, led by Rina Neoh, a seasoned investor and GIST instructor. She emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships with investors. “You should work with your VC investors as partners,” she advised. “Don’t be silent after getting funding. Fundraising is a continuous process—the best time to fundraise is when you don’t need it.”

This practical advice resonated with the participants, as many realized the importance of strategic partnerships in sustaining their businesses long after initial funding.

The Final Pitch Competition brought together participants, investors, and even ASEAN delegates from the United States, Malaysia, and Cambodia, who were in town for ASEAN meetings. After three days of intensive training, networking, and practice, the final pitches showcased the very best of the region’s innovation potential.

The first-place winner was Abel Teo, founder of Castomize, a Med-tech startup revolutionizing orthopedic care with 4D-printed casts that enhance patient comfort and simplify the process for doctors. Abel’s innovation, already approved for use in Singapore and Korea, impressed the judges with its scalability and impact. In addition to winning the $5,000 USD prize, Abel secured a coveted spot in the upcoming GIST Business Incubation program in Portland, Oregon—a significant opportunity to further develop his startup.

Second place went to Noor Hidayah Shahidan from Malaysia, founder of Synbiozymes, a biotech startup focused on sustainable, high-quality protein solutions for the animal feed industry. Third place was awarded to Ngan Le from Vietnam, founder of SHOES Agtech JSC, whose autonomous “Airboots” technology optimizes rice farming by automating spraying, seeding, and fertilizing processes in rice fields.

The competition concluded with a lively reception, where participants, investors, and delegates celebrated the startups’ achievements and shared their excitement for the future of innovation in Southeast Asia.

Takeaways from the Competition

While the competitive aspect of the event was certainly a highlight, the real value lay in the lasting lessons participants took home. For many, the hands-on, real-world training made all the difference. 

Hanh Le reflected on how foundational the event had been for her startup, saying, “It’s so exciting. All the people are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. Everything I’ve learned here has been foundational for our startup” underscoring how the experience had impacted her business in tangible ways.

The GIST ASEAN Startup Training & Pitch Competition isn’t just about winning prizes—it’s about equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive long after the competition has ended. This year’s cohort of startups left Singapore not only with the possibility of funding but with invaluable skills and knowledge that will help them scale their ventures and create lasting impact in their communities.
 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Southeast Asia’s Innovators

The 2024 GIST ASEAN Startup Training & Pitch Competition showcased the incredible potential of Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem. By combining pitch practice with rigorous training and mentorship, GIST continues to support the region’s rising stars in science and technology.

As these startups move forward, they do so with the confidence and skills necessary to drive real change in their industries. The lessons learned in Singapore will continue to shape their journey, helping them scale their solutions and create lasting impact across Southeast Asia and beyond. For the global ecosystem, the competition served as a reminder that while funding is crucial, the skills, insights, and relationships developed at events like GIST are what truly empower startups to succeed in the long run.

For those ready to take their startup to the next level, GIST invites applications for future pitch competitions and training programs. If you’re an entrepreneur with a vision for change, join the GIST community and start your journey toward global impact. 

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