Microsoft Emerge X Winners: Four APAC Startups Lead Innovation

Microsoft Emerge X Winners: Four APAC Startups Lead Innovation

The Microsoft Emerge X program has announced four revolutionary startups as winners of its inaugural regional pitching competition in APAC. Furthermore, these Microsoft Emerge X winners represent the best of Asia Pacific innovation. Additionally, the competition showcased how emerging technologies transform traditional industries. Consequently, Abivin from Vietnam, Lifetrack Medical Systems from Philippines and Singapore, Agrithmics from Sri Lanka, and Milky Way AI from Singapore earned top recognition for their groundbreaking solutions.

The Microsoft Emerge X program operates within Microsoft’s Highway to a 100 Unicorns initiative. This comprehensive program discovers and nurtures high-potential technology startups while growing the ecosystem in emerging markets across APAC.

Microsoft Emerge X Winners: Revolutionary Solutions Across Industries

The Microsoft Emerge X competition attracted over 300 promising startups from 16 countries. Notably, judges selected these four companies based on their innovative approaches to solving critical business challenges. Moreover, each winner demonstrates how AI and cloud technologies revolutionize traditional sectors.

Abivin (Vietnam): AI-Powered Supply Chain Optimization

Abivin’s AI-powered platform optimizes supply chains across multiple sectors. The company solves complex vehicle routing problems. As a result, clients achieve up to 30% cost savings. The platform serves manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and logistics providers.

“We applied to be part of the Highway to a 100 Unicorns to connect and learn from Microsoft and industry experts. The experience has been valuable, and we feel both surprised and proud to win regional recognition.” – Cassie Nguyen, COO and Co-founder, Abivin

Lifetrack Medical Systems: Affordable Medical Imaging Access

Lifetrack Medical Systems provides cloud-based platforms for affordable medical imaging access. The company operates in emerging markets where healthcare technology remains limited. Their LifeSys™ platform has diagnosed over 1.7 million patients across 12 countries since 2011.

“Microsoft’s Emerge X competition gave Lifetrack a platform to share our work in improving affordable medical imaging access. We look forward to partnering with Microsoft to drive regional innovation.” – Dr. Eric Schulze, CEO and Founder, Lifetrack Medical Systems

Agrithmics (Sri Lanka): Farm-to-Factory Digital Transformation

Agrithmics digitizes the agricultural supply chain from farm to factory. The company connects small farmers directly with buyers. This approach eliminates middleman pilferage while providing better access to cash and credit. Over 40,000 registered farmers use their AgriX platform, processing more than 100 million kg of raw tea leaves in three years.

“The Emerge X journey has been fantastic. We met several regional startups and learned about innovative ideas. Agrithmics is excited to join the Highway to a 100 Unicorns program.” – Prashanth Premakumar, CEO and Founder, Agrithmics

Milky Way AI (Singapore): Smart Retail Inventory Management

Milky Way AI leverages image recognition technology for smart retail solutions. Their Instashelf platform helps retailers manage shelf inventory more effectively. The system automates stocktaking processes and maximizes sales potential. Major retailers and brands in four countries currently use their technology.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft in digitizing physical retail with Computer Vision and AI. Our goal is delivering innovative omni-channel experiences while augmenting the global workforce.” – Eunice Wong, CEO and Co-founder, Milky Way AI

Growing the Startup Ecosystem Across APAC

Microsoft launched the Emerge X program across 16 countries in October 2020. The initiative builds on overwhelming success in India. Microsoft engaged with over 70 prominent startup ecosystem players and governments throughout the region.

The program includes these key countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Comprehensive Support for Microsoft Emerge X Winners

All 79 selected startups receive extensive support through Microsoft for Startups. The year-long mentorship program helps companies scale and accelerate growth. Benefits include:

  • GitHub and Azure credits for development
  • Three-day Founder Bootcamp attendance
  • Access to enterprise clients through Microsoft’s co-sell program
  • Interaction with Microsoft experts and industry leaders

Industry Recognition and Expert Validation

Leading investors and startup ecosystem leaders judged the Microsoft Emerge X competition. The distinguished jury included representatives from BOV Capital, Cradle, Monk’s Hill Ventures, Movac, M12, SBK Tech Ventures, Sequoia, Vista Consulting Group, and 54i Ventures. Additionally, ecosystem leaders from GitHub and Target Accelerator participated in the evaluation process.

“Asia Pacific must remain at the forefront of global transformation through disruptors, visionaries, and futurists. At Microsoft, we build technology so others can create technology. Through Highway to a 100 Unicorns and Emerge X, we help startups meet unarticulated industry needs.” – Andrea Della Mattea, President, Microsoft Asia Pacific

Singapore’s Role as Asia’s Technology Capital

Singapore continues establishing itself as Asia’s technology capital. The ongoing pandemic has created new opportunities for the startup ecosystem. Local talent recognition remains essential for fueling innovative growth.

“Singapore serves as Asia’s technology capital, and the pandemic has presented new startup opportunities. We must nurture local startups to fuel innovative growth. This year, we recognize talent from healthcare, retail, and financial services industries.” – Kevin Wo, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore

The Microsoft Emerge X winners represent diverse industries and innovative approaches. Each company demonstrates how technology solves real-world business challenges while creating sustainable growth opportunities.

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