GITEX AI Asia returns to Singapore amid investment surge

GITEX AI ASIA will return to Singapore for its second edition at Marina Bay Sands, bringing together participants from more than 110 countries.

Organisers expect the event to feature more than 550 enterprises and startups, 250 investors managing over USD $350 billion in funds, and more than 175 speakers.

The announcement comes amid forecasts of rapid growth in artificial intelligence spending across Asia-Pacific. Regional AI spending is projected to reach USD $78 billion by 2026, while Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to account for 40% of global data centre capacity by 2030.

Against that backdrop, Singapore has become a focal point for regional discussions on computing infrastructure, semiconductors and quantum research. The city-state produces about 15% of the world's semiconductors, and in March launched a new quantum research and development centre to support industrial applications.

Regional focus

The speaker line-up reflects Asia's growing role in AI and quantum development. It includes Kotaro Tamura, Japan's former senator and vice minister for fiscal and economic policy, and Ken Lin, chief executive officer and co-founder of Aires Applied Quantum Technologies.

Aires Applied Quantum Technologies is described as the developer of Southeast Asia's first post-quantum cryptography patents. Its participation highlights the growing emphasis on intellectual property and locally developed research in the region's technology sector.

"We have built proprietary deep tech in quantum that reaffirms Singapore's burgeoning base of intellectual property (IP). GITEX AI ASIA is perfectly positioned to showcase the depth and maturity of this ecosystem to the world," said Lin.

Other major companies due to appear include Ericsson and Gorilla Technology, adding to a line-up spanning telecoms, urban technology, cyber security and AI infrastructure.

"It's crucial for nations to integrate their intelligent infrastructures, security frameworks & smart city platforms to sustain digital growth at scale. Global collaboration platforms like GITEX AI ASIA are pivotal in enabling this scalability," said Jay Chandan, chief executive officer and chairman of Gorilla Technology.

Ericsson is also using the event to highlight its work in AI, 5G and cloud services across Southeast Asia, Oceania and India.

"What distinguishes GITEX AI ASIA is its ability to bring together the entire innovation chain, from startups, enterprises and academia to technology partners, solution providers and policymakers, into a single environment where meaningful partnerships can strengthen connectivity in the demanding AI age," said Khan.

Investor interest

Investor participation is central to the event's format. The programme is expected to host venture capital firms, corporate investors and family offices seeking exposure to deep-tech businesses and intellectual property emerging from Asia.

Among the participating firms is Switzerland-based venture capital firm QAI Ventures, which is increasing its focus on the Asia-Pacific market as interest in AI and quantum businesses grows.

"Singapore's Quantum and AI ecosystem is gaining serious momentum - fueled by a forward-thinking government, top research, vast IP pool, and a bold entrepreneurial push from universities and innovation hubs. QAI Ventures is excited to announce that we will strengthen our APAC involvement with a focus on helping ideas turn into scalable startups," said Beckstein.

The event also includes North Star Asia, a regional startup showcase expected to feature more than 300 startups from over 50 countries. That group includes 65 award-winning ventures and more than 20 unicorns, according to organisers.

These companies span healthcare, manufacturing, mobility and other sectors where AI tools and data-intensive systems are being deployed. Organisers highlighted several startups focused on niche applications of AI and computing efficiency, including translation devices, rehabilitation systems and assistive navigation tools.

Global mix

The show floor will also feature country pavilions, with Belgium, Canada and the Philippines making their debut. They will join participants from Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE and Vietnam.

The breadth of participation shows how governments, investors and companies are competing for position in AI, semiconductors and quantum technologies while seeking access to capital, research partnerships and commercial markets in Asia.

North Star Asia is set to include startups such as Litreal Labs from the UK, Timekettle from China, Lifescapes from Japan and Ashirase, a venture backed by Honda. Their products range from logic-based AI systems and real-time translation earbuds to stroke rehabilitation tools and navigation devices for visually impaired users.

With AI spending rising across the region and infrastructure investment continuing to expand, Singapore is increasingly serving as a meeting point for companies and investors seeking access to Asian markets and technical talent. The event's scale and mix of participants underscore that role, with 250 investors managing more than USD $350 billion in assets expected to attend.