Celebrating innovation with purpose
The One ASEAN Startup Award 2025 has opened nominations, calling on startups from across Southeast Asia to present their breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and zero-emission technology. Organized by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the award seeks high-impact solutions that can transform industries, improve lives, and align with ASEAN’s sustainability goals.
This year’s edition aims to connect innovators with investors, policymakers, and regional markets, creating an ecosystem where technology and sustainability grow together.
Why the One ASEAN Startup Award matters
Launched in 2023, the award is part of ERIA’s mission to strengthen cross-border collaboration in technology. By focusing on AI and environmental sustainability, it tackles two of the region’s most urgent challenges—digital transformation and climate action.
ASEAN has become a thriving hub for deep-tech ventures. Growing ecosystems in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia lead this movement, supported by a rising pool of investors and policy support. ERIA projects the combined ASEAN startup economy could exceed $300 billion by 2030, powered by innovations in automation, energy efficiency, and data-driven systems.
Winners gain more than recognition. They receive research grants, access to ERIA’s policy networks, and the chance to test solutions in multiple ASEAN markets. For many, it’s a launchpad from concept to cross-border adoption.
Scaling deep-tech with impact
The 2025 edition sharpens its focus. Startups must now show measurable environmental benefits alongside commercial potential. This mirrors ASEAN’s commitment to pairing economic growth with climate responsibility.
Evaluation will center on innovation, scalability, and contribution to zero-emission goals. AI-powered solutions in agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing will receive special attention. These sectors have clear opportunities to improve productivity while cutting carbon output.
ERIA will support winners through funding, mentorship, and introductions to regional partners. This approach helps founders navigate the complex regulations of multiple ASEAN nations, shortening the path from pilot to regional rollout.
What sets this award apart
While many competitions reward promising ideas, the One ASEAN Startup Award builds a full support network around its winners. By combining capital access, policy guidance, and cross-border testing opportunities, it helps startups scale faster and more effectively.
The program also promotes solutions that can work in diverse market conditions—from urban centers like Singapore to rural provinces in Vietnam. This adaptability is critical for both commercial success and lasting social impact.
By 2025, ERIA plans to expand the program’s partnerships, adding venture capital firms, corporate accelerators, and government agencies. This will create a collaborative funding model, allowing startups to pilot solutions in several markets at the same time.
Toward an ASEAN innovation corridor
The award’s long-term vision extends beyond recognition. ERIA aims to use the program as a platform for building an ASEAN innovation corridor—a network where startups, investors, and governments work together to speed up technology adoption.
In the next five years, this network could reduce market-entry barriers and encourage co-development of new products. Climate technology and AI are expected to lead the way, given their ability to address urgent regional needs while attracting strong investor interest.
The award also serves as a policy influence tool. As winning startups introduce solutions like AI-based waste tracking or renewable energy monitoring, they can shape how ASEAN nations design regulations that encourage innovation while protecting public interests.
Why it matters to entrepreneurs and policymakers
For entrepreneurs, the award is more than a trophy—it’s a gateway to a 650-million-person market. The exposure, mentorship, and partnerships can turn promising prototypes into commercially viable products.
For policymakers, it offers a ready-made pipeline of technologies aligned with national and regional goals. Many of these solutions address urgent needs in energy, climate, and digital transformation, making them ideal candidates for pilot programs and public-private collaborations.
Launching change across borders
The One ASEAN Startup Award 2025 stands as a catalyst for real, measurable change. By pairing AI innovators with sustainability leaders, and connecting both with capital and policy frameworks, ERIA is positioning ASEAN as a global leader in purpose-driven technology.
As nominations open, the spotlight is on founders ready to turn ideas into region-wide impact. With support that goes beyond recognition, the program is shaping not just individual companies but the future of ASEAN’s digital and environmental landscape.
