This October, twenty visionary innovators from across Southeast Asia will convene in Singapore for a transformative week of immersive learning, networking, and intense competition. These startup founders are more than entrepreneurs—they are trailblazers determined to address some of the region’s most critical challenges. From cutting-edge solutions in health and sustainability to bold advancements in energy and technology, each founder brings a passion for making a lasting impact on their communities. Through the GIST initiative, these innovators will have the chance to showcase their groundbreaking work on the global stage, with the potential to scale their ideas far beyond national borders.

How Southeast Asian Innovation is Driving Global Change

Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking regions in the world, with a population of over 670 million and a rapidly growing economy. In 2022, the region’s combined GDP surpassed that of global economic giants like Canada, France, and the UK—solidifying its status as an economic powerhouse. However, Southeast Asia’s growth story goes far beyond numbers. The region is tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues, from water and food security to renewable energy, environmental preservation, and advancements in healthcare.

With a strong emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation, the region has become a fertile ground for startups that are not only transforming industries but also reshaping lives. By supporting these entrepreneurial ecosystems with U.S. expertise and resources, GIST is helping to forge deeper international collaborations—advancing diplomacy, fostering goodwill, and empowering innovators to thrive on a global scale.

In October, GIST will bring its signature pitch competition to Singapore as part of ASEAN’s ongoing series of science and technology meetings, further reinforcing the importance of innovation in driving sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

ASEAN: A Beacon of Cooperation and Prosperity

Established in 1967 by five pioneering nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has since grown to encompass ten member states, united in their commitment to shared prosperity through cooperation. ASEAN’s shared vision of fostering economic cooperation, regional stability, and sustainable development has been instrumental in its remarkable growth. By encouraging joint efforts, ASEAN continues to secure a future filled with opportunity for its people.

It is within this vibrant landscape of innovation, cooperation, and shared prosperity that we are thrilled to announce the cohort of impactful startup founders selected for GIST’s highly anticipated training and competition. Taking place from October 8-10, 2024, in Singapore, this gathering of brilliant minds represents the very best of what Southeast Asian entrepreneurship has to offer.

Meet the Future Leaders of ASEAN Innovation

These twenty entrepreneurs represent the next wave of leadership in sectors ranging from healthcare and environmental sustainability to cutting-edge technology and social impact. Each founder has already demonstrated remarkable potential, with solutions that have the power to transform industries and communities alike. Over the course of the pitch competition, these innovators will receive world-class mentorship, access to international networks, and the opportunity to present their groundbreaking ideas to investors, partners, and global leaders.

Through this experience, they will not only refine their business models but also gain the visibility needed to accelerate their impact, both within Southeast Asia and across the world.

As we look ahead to this exciting week in Singapore, GIST is proud to support these innovators as they continue to expand the possibilities of impactful entrepreneurship. Together, they will help shape the future of Southeast Asia—one innovation at a time.

Eli Sulistyowati
PowerVott Indonesia
Indonesia

PowerVott Indonesia is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, providing customised state-of-the-art solar-battery hybrid systems for fishing communities. Their mission is to transform traditional fishing boats into eco-friendly electric vessels, driving sustainability and efficiency in the fishing industry. By combining advanced technology with renewable energy solutions, PowerVott is addressing critical environmental challenges and driving a cleaner, more responsible future. With a vision of a fossil-free fishing industry, PowerVott champions environmental stewardship and economic growth, empowering fishers to transition towards greener practices.

Risala Sujat Swara
Sea Bedder
Indonesia

Sea Bedder is an innovative startup dedicated to safeguarding coral reefs from the damaging effects of ship anchoring. By harnessing Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Sea Bedder provides real-time guidance to maritime vessels, directing them to safe anchoring zones away from sensitive coral areas. This approach not only helps preserve marine biodiversity but also supports sustainable tourism and fisheries. The project is initially focused on high-traffic zones like Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, with plans to scale globally. Success will be measured by reduced coral damage, healthier reef ecosystems, and widespread adoption by maritime operators.

Salma Saraswati
TenangAI
Indonesia

TenangAI is Southeast Asia's leading AI-powered mental health co-psychologist for Gen Z and Millennials. Our empathetic AI, Nesya, supports users in managing low-to-medium daily stress, offering culturally relevant mental health care in colloquial Indonesian. With over 25,000 users, TenangAI aims to make mental health support accessible, affordable, and always available. Our mission is to revolutionize mental health care by integrating AI into the everyday lives of young people.

Kongphat Phaiboonnukulkij
ISCPB
Thailand

Videnvaren+ is a startup with Global Award-Winning Building Innovation in Energy-Efficiency and Material Technology. Videnvaren+ engage in Research and Development for greater thermal dynamics, passive design, and the exploration of building materials. Through an integrated approach to architectural solution design, Videnvaren+ dedicated to spearheading the industry's transition towards climate-resilient solutions for the built environment.

Kolatat Phaiboonnukulkij
RIFFAI
Thailand

RIFFAI is an AI-tech that uses real-time satellite imagery to detect flooding and other environmental changes. It provides tailored early warning and adaptation planning to each project challenges from climate change and extreme weather toward a future-proof infrastructure for business, government, and city. RIFFAI utilizes NDVI (Vegetation), NDWI (Water), MNDWI (Normalized Water) in detecting flooding through satellite imagery and GIS layers. 

Abel Teo
Castomize
Singapore

Founded in Sep 2022, Castomize is a MedTech startup making healthcare more accessible, effective, and less invasive by creating new medical devices made with advanced manufacturing and design technologies. The startup's first device is a series of 4D-printed orthopedic casts which increases comfort and convenience for patients, while increasing ease-of-use and accuracy for doctors. Currently approved in Singapore and Korea, Castomize is looking for partners in the rest of ASEAN to amplify our impact.

Sreyroth Dara
SPAI 
Cambodia

SPAI (Specialize in Agriculture Irrigation) offers a comprehensive, one-stop service for agriculture farms, aiming to enhance food cultivation and promote sustainable agriculture through smart irrigation systems and cost savings. Their product improves crop productivity by enabling farmers to easily manage irrigation schedules based on crop water requirements for both big and small farms. By providing precise water management, their smart irrigation system boosts crop yields and increases farmers' profits. SPAI’s services include growing plans, farm preparation consultation, smart farming solutions, irrigation system design, automation, power solutions, and soil testing. 

Hanh Le
NetZero Pallet
Vietnam

AirX Carbon is a biomaterial company that has developed NetZero Pallet, a nature-positive pallet made entirely from recycled agricultural wastes. This innovative product offers a 20-50% lower price, saving 70% storage space, and 3 times more transportation efficiency compared to traditional wood or plastic pallets. By using NetZero Pallets, businesses can contribute to a sustainable future where products regenerate and restore the environment rather than depleting resources.

Ngan Le
Shoes Agtech Joint Stock Company
Vietnam

SHOES Agtech JSC was founded in September 2023 to harness the innovative potential of Airboots, a novel design engineered to navigate rice fields autonomously, spraying, seeding and fertilizing rice plants with unparalleled efficiency. An ultralight robot, Airboots represents a paradigm shift in agricultural technology, offering a revolutionary solution to the challenges faced by traditional drones and heavy tractors. Unlike conventional drones, Airboots boasts superior load capacity and stability, rendering it impervious to the risks of costly accidents and ensuring seamless operations in the field. With its cutting-edge technology, Airboots not only enhances productivity but also addresses critical environmental concerns. By conserving water and reducing the need for agricultural chemicals by 95% and 30% respectively, Airboots epitomizes sustainable agriculture. 

An Vu
TUBUDD Joint Stock Company
Vietnam

TUBUDD is an innovative online marketplace that bridges the gap between travelers and local experts. By connecting tourists, business professionals, and health travelers with local "buddies" who possess strong language skills and deep local knowledge, TUBUDD enhances the travel experience with authentic, personalized guidance. This platform not only empowers locals to monetize their expertise but also offers travelers a more convenient, immersive, and culturally rich alternative to traditional travel methods. TUBUDD is redefining how people explore new destinations by making local experiences more accessible and enjoyable.

Ella Camille Dinogyao
All.g
Philippines

All.g is committed to environmental sustainability by addressing climate change, sustainable fisheries, and marine resource management through the cultivation of high-value seaweed species, specifically Pyropia (Black Gold), Asparagopsis taxiformis, and Lambda-Carrageenan (Halymenia durvillae). The startup actively works to resolve issues such as seasonal supply shortages, dangerous harvesting conditions, and climate-related challenges. All.g’s mission-driven approach strengthens supply chains, promotes safety, and supports sustainable practices that benefit local communities, industries, and the environment.

Marini Fernandez
Farmtri
Philippines

Farmers in the Philippines are earning under $1 of income a day due to wastes and losses from low quality produce that’s rejected, thrown away, or sold at almost nothing. Farmtri’s Precision Agriculture technology uses advanced IoT Sensors which are inserted on the ground to gather data on soil analysis and crop health. This is coupled with a Predictive Analytics Software that uses Deep Tech AI to give insights on crops and recommends the best solutions for farmers to increase the quality of their produce while preventing food loss and wastes. Their trading feature with demand forecasting gives farmers direct access to the B2B market for food businesses to automate their supplies, allowing farmers to grow the produce months beforehand. 

Arniel Cunahap
Kasaka Agriventures, Inc
Philippines

Kasaka Agriventures Inc. is an agritech solution startup dedicated to uplifting the lives of coconut farmers and their communities. The company is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for these farmers by providing innovative solutions that promote safety, increase productivity and income, and offer access to markets and financing. Kasaka empowers coconut farmers with advanced techniques for coconut sap sugar extraction and processing, enabling them to achieve unprecedented levels of quality and productivity. 

Dan William Martinez
Kloudtech Corporation
Philippines

Kloudtech Corporation is a startup company registered in the Philippines that is supported by the U.S. Department of State through the US–ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership. The company has the vision to solve emerging urban challenges by harnessing transformative solutions combined with community engagement. Kloudtrack is a ground and coastal weather monitoring system that delivers real-time, hyper-localized weather information with decision support tools for community leaders and members.
They work on disaster risk reduction and management to assist cities and communities in managing risks related to extreme weather conditions like flooding and extreme heat.

Uma Roa
Pic-A-Talk AAC
Philippines

Pic-A-Talk is an innovative startup inspired by the founder's personal experience of growing up with a sister who has autism. Dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with speech and language disorders, Pic-A-Talk offers an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app that empowers non-verbal individuals to communicate effectively. The app is designed with a user-friendly interface, supports multiple languages, and includes an offline mode, making it accessible to a wide range of users through partnerships with therapy centers and educational programs.

Ranielle Ibarra
Rise Rural Philippines
Philippines

Rise Rural Philippines addresses the workflow inefficiencies of healthcare providers in off-grid communities through a solar-powered, lightweight, and smart backpack. Co-created with former barrio doctors, the backpack provides over 8 hours of solar electricity, a cold box, and a compartment for tools and equipment, helping healthcare workers offer timely and quality services hassle-free. By distributing the backpacks to rural healthcare providers in community clinics in far-flung areas (B2B and B2G), the social enterprise aims to bridge healthcare disparities, empower healthcare professionals, and foster equitable access to quality healthcare services, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes in off-grid regions.

Franch Maverick Lorilla
Shiftech Marine
Philippines

ShiftTech Marine is a technology-driven startup focused on providing innovative solutions for small-scale fishermen operating in challenging marine environments. Their flagship product, PowerTube, is a durable, corrosion-resistant battery designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring reliable power at sea. With a mission to improve the safety, productivity, and sustainability of local fishing communities, ShiftTech Marine leverages cutting-edge technology to address real-world needs. By offering accessible and long-lasting power solutions, the company aims to empower fishermen with tools that enhance their livelihoods while promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Willie Ng
Global Cerah
Malaysia

Global Cerah (GC), a Malaysia-based cleantech startup that integrates agricultural waste management and production of alternative proteins (feeds and fertilizers) into a sustainable solution supported by IoT.  Implementation of RPAs and optic sensors enhance the efficiency of converting agricultural waste into alternative protein without breakdown of procedures in between and maintain a consistent nutritional level of the alternative protein. GC currently has regional counterparts in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan through a technology sharing model to treat 10,000 tons of agri-waste and convert it into 8,000 tons of alternative feeds from the industry from 2021.

Noor Hidayah Shahidan
Synbiozymes    
Malaysia

Synbiozymes is an innovative biotech startup dedicated to developing sustainable, high-quality protein solutions for the animal feed industry. By utilizing enzymes and bacteria, the company transforms chicken feathers—waste from the poultry industry—into valuable protein for animal feed. With Malaysia relying on imports for over 90% of its poultry feed protein, primarily from grains such as soybean meal and maize, rising costs due to global issues present a significant challenge. Synbiozymes aims to replace soybean meal with protein derived from chicken feathers, contributing to the circular economy, lowering feed costs, and promoting food security and environmental sustainability.

Patmashini Saii K.Nithyananthan
Tyre∂erived
Malaysia

Tyre∂erived is an innovative startup revolutionizing the rubber industry with sustainable solutions. Utilizing proprietary crumbing technology and advanced compounding expertise, the company transforms recycled rubber into high-performance materials, aiming to replace up to 40% of natural rubber in various products. TyreDerived collaborates with global manufacturers to deliver custom-designed, eco-friendly formulations, fostering greener practices in the market. With plans to set up a pilot plant in Malaysia and establish its first manufacturing facility in the US, TyreDerived is dedicated to developing waste-based products, driving the shift toward a more sustainable future.