Opportunities for Smart Urban Tech in Southeast Asia

Presentation by Michael Gryseels (Founder and Managing Partner of Antares Ventures) at the AI x Smart Urban Solutions Tech Pitch and Networking event in Singapore, co-hosted by Austrade and SGInnovate (May 2025).

Transcript

1. Opportunities for AI, Deep Tech and Smart Urban Solutions in Southeast Asia Dr Michael Gryseels, Founder & Managing Partner, Antares Ventures May 27, 2025 – Tech Pitching Event – AI & Smart Urban Solutions
2. Urban development is key driver of SEA growth Urban Growth & Economic Role • Over 300 million people in Southeast Asia live in urban areas — projected to 600 million (~70% of ASEAN population) by 2050. • ASEAN megacities (>10M): 3 today; 5 by 2030; 10 by 2050 • Urban areas contribute over 70% of ASEAN's GDP, and will contribute 90% of economic growth in the next decade Strategic Priority for ASEAN governments • Southeast Asia cities act as engines of innovation, trade, and connectivity and key drivers of global competitiveness • Cities attract majority of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the ASEAN region, especially in services and infrastructure.
3. Urban Challenges – The Case for Sustainable, Resilient Cities in SEA Climate & Environmental Risks • Rising climate risk: flooding, sea-level rise, and heatwaves. • Environmental degradation from unplanned growth, pollution. Infrastructure Strain & Inequality • Rapid urbanization creating increasing strain on housing, infrastructure, transport, water, and waste systems. • Inequitable access to basic services and clean environments. Need for Systems Innovation (particularly in developing ASEAN) • Outdated, fragmented and underfunded infrastructure • Sustainability, resilience require smart, tech-enabled solutions.
4. SEA is home to a vibrant urban tech ecosystem • Singapore is globally seen as one of the leading hubs for smart city innovation, with testbeds for autonomous transport, energy-efficient buildings, and smart governance. • Regional cities like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jakarta are investing in smart infrastructure and digital public services. • Over $25bn investment in smart mobility, electrification, green buildings, proptech, city digization over the last decade • SEA has a growing pool of urban tech startups, accelerators, and R&D labs focused on AI, IoT, and green building solutions. • Strong collaboration between city governments, academia, corporates, and VCs is fueling pilot projects & regional scaling.
5. Emerging Themes Smart Mobility & Electrification Integrated AI-driven multimodal transit systems. EV infrastructure and shared mobility platforms Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency Smart HVAC, lighting, and building management. Passive design, low-carbon construction materials. AI-Driven City Infrastructure Optimization Real-time urban data and predictive analytics for energy, water, transport and waste management Urban Resilience Tech Digital twins.geospatial AI for disaster preparedness. Climate adaptation tools for heat, flood, storm risk
6. Catalysing Deep-tech Innovation in Asia Growth Markets Antares Ventures is Singapore-based DeepTech VC fund • Investing globally in early-stage deeptech ventures with breakthrough innovations that address sustainability challenges of Asia's growth markets • Provides founders with regional market insights and access to our corporate networks across Asia • Focus Areas: Energy Transition, Decarbonization, Resilience Cities and Transport, Agrifood • Our Urban Solutions Companies: Ackcio, Hydroleap, Krosslinker, Resync, Safe Air Technologies.
7. The Opportunity for Urban Tech in SEA 600 M 70% of ASEAN population living in cities by 2050 90% of ASEAN GDP growth generated within cities $60bn investment* Projected in next 5 years Southeast Asia is uniquely positioned to lead the urban tech wave with the right mix of market need, innovation energy, and strategic importance. Now is the time to innovate, build and invest in smart urban solutions and tech. * green buildings, smart city infrastructure, smart mobility, digitization of city services