Today marks the release of the fourth annual Top 100 Emerging Firms report, profiling cutting-edge small businesses and startups from the Asia-Pacific region. The report, sponsored by FedEx, showcases a remarkable variety of businesses in burgeoning sectors like green tech, digital health, and AI-fueled finance.
The selected firms are collectively responsible for over $2 billion in funding, with the majority having secured funding since 2023. They’re recognized for their inventive work in spacetech, biotech, robotics, and more. Despite being relatively new to their respective industries, these firms have demonstrated significant growth potential.
The report features trailblazers in artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and quantum computing. Among them is Dare to Dream Inc., a spacetech startup that recently secured $20 million in funding. In biotech, MinkLife Therapeutics has made ground-breaking progress with their new, potentially cancer-curing drug.
Unveiling Asia-Pacific’s leading emerging firms
Similarly, in the world of robotics, RoboGen has introduced an AI-powered machine capable of performing intricate surgeries.
These emerging firms were selected based on growth trajectory, technological innovation, social impact, and leadership strength. Editorial Director for Special Projects at FedEx, Rana Wehbe Watson, believes these success stories foretell a bright future for startups in the Asia-Pacific region.
Watson highlights the significant upswell in startups using tools like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and e-commerce. This rise in diversity of concept is contributing to the growing startup culture in the Asia-Pacific region, shaping the global landscape.
The report shows a wealth of companies offering numerous services, all pointing to a rapidly changing global landscape. Covering AI-based space travel guiding systems, advanced cellular therapies, fintech initiatives, and more, these businesses are reshaping their industries and leaving a profound mark on their markets.
The report features companies from 16 countries and regions. India leads with 20 companies, followed by Singapore with 15. Various sectors are represented, from enterprise tech and robotics to finance, manufacturing, and energy.
The selection process for the Top 100 Emerging Firms was thorough, using several eligibility criteria. The most successful contenders were evaluated on criteria such as industry influence, innovative business structure, revenue growth, and funding procurement.
The result is a comprehensive representation of the most innovative and promising firms in Asia-Pacific, demonstrating significant progress in multiple sectors, as well as a prioritisation of environmental sustainability and social impact.
