Emerging tech at SiGMA Asia 2025: the ideas that led the conversation
SiGMA Asia 2025 in Manila brought together an influential network of delegates across the gaming, tech, and investment ecosystems. The tech-focused sessions at the AIBC and SiGMA stages in Manila gave rise to a powerful cross-section of conversations, each underlining Asias evolving influence in the global innovation landscape. From esports data science and startup funding strategies to blockchain development and converging tech philosophies, many key takeaways emerged from these sessions.
Data as currency in the esports economy
On the AIBC Asia stage, the panel titled Sports Data and Esports Unplugged unpacked the delicate relationship between raw data and player instinct. The discussion focused on the rapid evolution of datas role in esports and traditional sports environments, from performance analytics to audience engagement. Speakers drew attention to the growing impact of AI-powered tools in evaluating player health and enhancing team strategy, while raising concerns about data fatigue and the physical toll on athletes as the pace of play intensifies.
At the heart of the discussion was the question of ethical data use: how can teams, federations, and platforms responsibly manage the wealth of data they collect? Panellists noted that data ownership frameworks, real-time analytics integration, and enhanced viewer participation through technology will shape the future of sports entertainment.
AI startups from vision to viability
The AIBC panel Inside the Journey of AI-Driven Startups: From Idea to Investment offered a comprehensive breakdown of what it takes to launch an AI-native company in Asia today. The session focused on the journey from initial ideation to investment-readiness, with panellists highlighting the strategic importance of data availability, infrastructure compatibility, and the strength of founder teams.
Panellists noted that the demand for domain-specific AI solutions is rising, especially among investors who prioritise commercial viability over experimental prototypes. Technical robustness, real-world applicability, and long-term scalability were presented as decisive criteria for fundraising success.
The panel also highlighted the challenges faced by startups in striking a balance between regulatory compliance and innovation, particularly in sectors such as identity management, voice recognition, and decentralised computing.
Finding the next big thing: investor insights from AIBC Asia
The panel Finding the Next Big Thing brought together venture capitalists, tech founders, and industry stakeholders to dissect what makes an emerging tech project investor-worthy. Discussions centred on identifying sustainable and scalable innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape. Rather than chasing hype, panellists advised startups to focus on real-world utility, resilience, and long-term value creation.
They stressed the importance of team quality, go-to-market clarity, and technical defensibility. Market timing, while important, was considered less critical than product-market fit and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Above all, the conversation centred on the need for meaningful and measurable impact in tech-driven ventures, particularly in sectors such as AI, blockchain, and smart infrastructure.
Blockchain and AI: converging forces
In her keynote address titled AI and Blockchain are the Yin and Yang of the Digital Future, Dr Jane Thomason offered a philosophical lens on technological convergence. She described AI as the driving force behind intelligent automation and blockchain as the system of record that provides trust, transparency, and verification.
Her remarks centred on the idea that these technologies are not competing but complementary. Together, they enable more ethical and accountable digital ecosystems, particularly in areas such as finance, healthcare, and identity management. Thomason emphasised the need for responsible innovation, particularly as governments and enterprises begin to integrate these technologies on a large scale.
She concluded by suggesting that blockchains role as a digital ledger can help solve some of the most pressing concerns surrounding AI, including data integrity and decision traceability.
Onwards to Colombo
The takeaways from Manila reflect a maturing regional ecosystem, with Southeast Asia asserting its place as both a testing ground and a springboard for emerging tech. SiGMA Asia captured the pulse of a continent ready to lead through collaboration, decentralisation, and pragmatic innovation.
Next, we head to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for SiGMA South Asia, taking place from November 30, 2025, to December 2, 2025. As the summit expands into new territory, it promises to spotlight South Asias growing influence in gaming, blockchain, AI, and investment. Join us as we continue the conversation in Colombo.
