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Here are the top 25 grants for AI startups in Asia for 2025, based on the latest available data and insights:

Here are the top 25 grants for AI startups in Asia for 2025, based on the latest available data and insights:
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1. Projected Funding for AI Fintech in Asia

Details: AI-powered fintech companies in Asia are projected to raise $65.5 billion in funding by 2025. This represents a significant increase from $60.4 billion in 2023, indicating renewed investor interest in AI's potential within the financial industry. The number of AI-focused fintech companies is expected to surpass 7,200, making up 7% of the region's fintech landscape.
Key Data Points:
  • Total Projected Funding: $65.5 billion
  • Projected Number of Firms: 7,200+
  • Growth in Sector Share: 7% of total fintech
  • Key Growth Drivers: AI Integration, fintech innovation
  • Leading Countries: India, China, Singapore, and Israel
Learn more about AI Fintech in Asia

2. AI-Driven Healthcare Funding in Asia Pacific

Details: AI-led healthcare startups in the Asia Pacific are estimated to generate US$ 51 billion in revenue by 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.9%. Health tech startups in Southeast Asia raised US$1.5 billion between 2018 and 2023, with US$515 million in 2023 alone. Venture capital funding is expected to increase in 2025 for startups leveraging AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
Key Data Points:
  • Projected Revenue (APAC): $51 billion by 2030
  • CAGR: 40.9%
  • Funding (SEA 2018-2023): $1.5 billion
  • Funding (SEA 2023): $515 million
  • Key Trend: Resurgence in venture capital funding
Explore more about AI Healthcare

3. ASEAN GenAI Sector Growth

Details: Funding for the ASEAN generative AI (GenAI) sector is projected to increase by 50% year-over-year in 2025. Singapore currently leads with 44% of ASEAN's GenAI startups, followed by Vietnam (27%) and Indonesia (13%). Most GenAI startups in ASEAN (92%) focus on B2B or B2B2C models, with top sectors including productivity, healthcare, and financial services.
Key Data Points:
  • Projected Funding Growth (YoY): 50%
  • Leading Region: Singapore (44% of startups)
  • Dominant Business Model: B2B and B2B2C (92%)
  • Top Sectors: Productivity, healthcare, financial services
  • Emerging Trend: Vietnam as outsourcing destination
Learn more about ASEAN GenAI
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4. Kaya Founders Investment Plans

Details: Kaya Founders, a venture capital firm based in the Philippines, plans to invest in 10 to 15 startups in 2025. The firm focuses on pre-seed and series A startups in the Philippine market, with an emphasis on technology-driven solutions, AI, and financial services.
Key Data Points:
  • Planned Investments (2025): 10-15 startups
  • Focus: Philippines
  • Investment Stage: Pre-seed and series A
  • Areas of Interest: Technology, AI, Financial Services
  • Fund Size: $25 Million (target)
Discover Kaya Founders

5. Digital Edge Funding

Details: Digital Edge, a Singapore-based data center startup, raised $1.6 billion to expand its AI-ready data centers across the Asia-Pacific region. This includes projects in Navi Mumbai, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Key Data Points:
  • Total Funding: $1.6 Billion
  • Focus: AI-Ready Data Centers
  • Geographic Focus: Asia-Pacific
  • Key Expansion Locations: Navi Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Funding Type: Combination of equity and debt
Learn more about Digital Edge

6. Ignition AI Accelerator (Singapore)

Details: The Ignition AI Accelerator is a collaboration between NVIDIA and Tribe, based in Singapore, supported by the Singapore government. The program focuses on scaling AI startups through technical workshops, cloud credits, and expert mentorship in AI product development. It helps position startups for government projects and global market access.
Key Data Points:
  • Location: Singapore
  • Partners: NVIDIA, Tribe, Digital Industry Singapore (DISG)
  • Focus: Scaling AI Startups
  • Support: Technical workshops, cloud credits, mentorship
  • Geographic Focus: Global (emphasis on Asia-Pacific)
Explore Ignition AI Accelerator

7. AWS Generative AI Accelerator (Global)

Details: The AWS Generative AI Accelerator supports early-stage AI startups globally. Startups can receive up to $300,000 in AWS credits and benefit from expert mentorship in AI model development and go-to-market strategies.
Key Data Points:
  • Location: Remote, Global
  • Focus: Generative AI startups
  • Support: AWS credits up to $300,000, mentorship
  • Geographic Focus: Global
  • Goal: Scale and secure seed-stage funding
Learn more about AWS Generative AI Accelerator

8. MAS Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (FSTI) Scheme - Singapore

Details: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) offers grants under the FSTI scheme including an Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA) grant, to co-fund qualifying expenses for AI projects, capped at S$500,000. It also supports adoption of AI and data analytics techniques within the financial sector.
Key Data Points:
  • Governing body: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
  • Grant Type: AIDA
  • Funding Cap: S$500,000
  • Focus: AI adoption in the financial sector
  • Eligibility: Singapore-based financial institutions, FinTechs, or industry consortiums
Learn more about MAS FSTI Scheme

9. Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore)

Details: A 3-month equity-free accelerator program for AI-first startups based in Singapore, supported by Enterprise Singapore. The program connects startups with Google's resources to help them scale.
Key Data Points:
  • Location: Singapore
  • Type: Accelerator Program
  • Duration: 3 months
  • Equity: Equity-Free
  • Partners: Google for Startups, Enterprise Singapore
Discover Google for Startups Accelerator

10. Smart Energy Innovation Fund (Asian Development Bank)

Details: This fund aims to accelerate innovative AI and digitalization technologies for smart energy applications towards commercialization by advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). It supports projects in multiple energy sectors, with a focus on pilot projects, and is available to all ADB developing member countries.
Key Data Points:
  • Administered By: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • Focus: AI and digitalization for smart energy
  • Geographic Coverage: All ADB developing member countries
  • Support: R&D, technical assistance for pilot projects
  • Eligible Technologies: Smart grids, devices, AI software, blockchain
Learn more about Smart Energy Innovation Fund
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11. N3XUS: AI Pioneers Program (Japan)

Details: A new initiative aimed at early-stage AI startups in Japan, providing grants up to ¥50 million (~$400,000) along with mentoring and networking opportunities to advance AI solutions in the Japanese market.
Key Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: Up to Â¥50 million (~$400,000)
  • Focus: Early-stage AI startups
  • Support: Mentoring, Networking
  • Geographic Focus: Japan
  • Eligibility: Emerging AI startups

12. Tech Start-up Support from Korea Development Bank (KDB)

Details: KDB offers a variety of funding options for AI startups including grants, low-interest loans, and equity investments to foster the growth of tech innovation in South Korea.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Types: Grants, Low-Interest Loans, Equity Investments
  • Focus: Tech Innovation, AI
  • Geographic Focus: South Korea
  • Eligibility: Tech startups
  • Administered by: Korea Development Bank (KDB)

13. India-AI Startup Trailblazer Fund

Details: Collaborative funding initiative between Indian government and private investors to support AI startups with grants up to ₹15 crore (approx. $1.8 million) aimed at scaling high-impact AI solutions.
Key Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: Up to ₹15 crore (approx. $1.8 million)
  • Focus: High-Impact AI Solutions
  • Partnership: Government and Private Investors
  • Geographic Focus: India
  • Eligibility: Scalable AI Startups

14. Singapore-Australia AI Collaboration Grants

Details: Joint grant program encouraging AI startups from Singapore and Australia to develop collaborative projects. Grants up to SGD 2 million are available for innovative AI-based solutions addressing cross-border challenges.
Key Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: Up to SGD 2 million
  • Focus: Collaborative AI Projects
  • Geographic Focus: Singapore, Australia
  • Eligibility: AI Startups

15. AI Innovation Seed Fund (Taiwan)

Details: Up to NT$ 30 million (~$1 million) in seed funding available for AI startups focusing on innovative technology solutions, particularly those with commercial viability and societal impact.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to NT$ 30 million (~$1 million)
  • Focus: Innovative Technology Solutions
  • Geographic Focus: Taiwan
  • Eligibility: AI Startups
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16. Hong Kong AI & Robotics Alliance (HKIRA)

Details: Grants for AI and robotics startups in Hong Kong, focusing on expanding industry applications and including mentoring and infrastructural support.
Key Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: Variable
  • Focus: AI and Robotics
  • Support: Mentoring, Infrastructure
  • Geographic Focus: Hong Kong
  • Administered by: HKIRA

17. Silicon Straits Seed Program (Southeast Asia)

Details: Provides seed funding of up to $250,000 for promising AI startups across Southeast Asia, coupled with a structured mentorship program and growth resources.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to $250,000
  • Focus: AI Startups
  • Geographic Focus: Southeast Asia
  • Support: Mentorship, Resources
  • Administered by: Silicon Straits

18. AI Breakthrough Fund (Indonesia)

Details: Indonesian government initiative offering up to IDR 50 billion (~$3.4 million) in grants for AI-focused solutions in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to IDR 50 billion (~$3.4 million)
  • Focus Sectors: Agriculture, Healthcare, Education
  • Geographic Focus: Indonesia
  • Eligibility: AI Solutions

19. Malaysia AI Supervision Fund

Details: Strategic funding to support AI startups in Malaysia focusing on regulatory technology (RegTech) to enhance compliance and supervisory systems. Grants are capped at MYR 10 million (~$2.4 million).
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to MYR 10 million (~$2.4 million)
  • Focus: RegTech
  • Geographic Focus: Malaysia
  • Eligibility: AI Startups Working on Compliance

20. National AI Accelerator Program (Thailand)

Details: Grants of up to THB 20 million (~$640,000) aimed at accelerating startups in the AI sector, including providing access to state-provided AI research facilities.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to THB 20 million (~$640,000)
  • Focus: AI Sector Acceleration
  • Geographic Focus: Thailand
  • Support: Access to Research Facilities

21. Bangladesh AI Development Initiative

Details: Offers up to BDT 100 million (~$1 million) in grants to support development and deployment of AI technologies for local industries, particularly in textile and agriculture sectors.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to BDT 100 million (~$1 million)
  • Focus Sectors: Textile, Agriculture
  • Geographic Focus: Bangladesh
  • Eligibility: AI Technologies

22. Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge Fund

Details: Supports AI startups in Vietnam with grants of up to VND 20 billion (~$850,000) to develop AI technologies aimed at national and regional challenges.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to VND 20 billion (~$850,000)
  • Focus: National and Regional Challenges
  • Geographic Focus: Vietnam
  • Eligibility: AI Startups

23. Pakistan AI and Robotics Society (PAIRS) Grants

Details: Provides grants up to PKR 50 million (~$300,000) for innovative AI and robotics solutions, with a focus on healthcare, defense, and education sectors.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to PKR 50 million (~$300,000)
  • Focus Sectors: Healthcare, Defense, Education
  • Geographic Focus: Pakistan
  • Eligibility: AI and Robotics Solutions

24. Sri Lanka AI Transformation Fund

Details: Grants aimed at transforming traditional industries with AI applications, offering up to LKR 25 million (~$80,000) per project.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to LKR 25 million (~$80,000)
  • Focus: Transforming Traditional Industries
  • Geographic Focus: Sri Lanka
  • Eligibility: AI Application Projects

25. UAE AI Talent Growth Fund

Details: Dedicated to nurturing AI talent and startups in the UAE, with individual grants up to AED 5 million (~$1.4 million), focusing on smart cities, fintech, and healthcare innovation.
Key Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Up to AED 5 million (~$1.4 million)
  • Focus Sectors: Smart Cities, Fintech, Healthcare
  • Geographic Focus: UAE
  • Support: Talent Development, Startups
The information provided should serve as a starting point for AI startups looking for grant opportunities in Asia for 2025. For the latest details, it's recommended to visit individual program websites and verify eligibility criteria.
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FAQ

Q: What is the funding projection for AI-driven fintech companies in Asia for 2025?
A: AI-powered fintech companies in Asia are projected to raise $65.5 billion in funding by 2025. Learn more about AI fintech funding.
Q: How much revenue are AI-led healthcare startups in the Asia Pacific expected to generate by 2030?
A: AI-led healthcare startups in the Asia Pacific are estimated to generate US$ 51 billion in revenue by 2030.
Q: Which country leads the ASEAN generative AI sector, and what is the projected funding growth for 2025?
A: Singapore leads the ASEAN generative AI sector with 44% of startups, and the funding is projected to increase by 50% year-over-year in 2025. Find out more about ASEAN GenAI.
Q: How many startups does Kaya Founders plan to invest in during 2025?
A: Kaya Founders plans to invest in 10 to 15 startups in 2025. Read more about Kaya Founders' plans.
Q: What is the total funding raised by Digital Edge for expanding its AI-ready data centers?
A: Digital Edge raised $1.6 billion to expand its AI-ready data centers across the Asia-Pacific region. Explore Digital Edge's plans.
Q: What is the focus of the Ignition AI Accelerator in Singapore, and who are its partners?
A: The Ignition AI Accelerator focuses on scaling AI startups through technical workshops, cloud credits, and mentorship. It is a collaboration between NVIDIA and Tribe, supported by the Singapore government. Learn more about the Ignition AI Accelerator.
Q: What support does the AWS Generative AI Accelerator offer to early-stage startups?
A: The AWS Generative AI Accelerator offers early-stage AI startups up to $300,000 in AWS credits and expert mentorship. Discover the AWS Generative AI Accelerator.
Q: What is the funding cap for the MAS Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (FSTI) AIDA grant in Singapore?
A: The AIDA grant under the MAS FSTI scheme has a funding cap of S$500,000. Learn more about MAS FSTI AIDA grant.
Q: What type of program is the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First in Singapore, and how long does it last?
A: The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First in Singapore is a 3-month equity-free accelerator program. Find out more about this program.
Q: Which organization administers the Smart Energy Innovation Fund, and what is its focus?
A: The Smart Energy Innovation Fund is administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and focuses on AI and digitalization for smart energy applications. Explore the Smart Energy Innovation Fund.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-06-12 14:21 Top 25