Trailblazers are Series B to pre-IPO companies that have played an essential role in driving technological innovation in the region. By developing products that have broad coverage, good business performance, and notable influence, these firms continue to attract the attention of global competitors and investors, and are paving the way for the next generation of startups.

Entries are assessed based on four key areas:
– Innovativeness
– Product Coverage 
– Business Performance
– Influence and Reputation

Gamechangers made moves that set precedents or broke records, demonstrating to regional startups and other stakeholders where the bar can be. These enterprises continue to push the envelope as the Southeast Asian tech scene evolves.

Entries are assessed based on three key areas:
– Influence and impact of the event in Southeast Asia
– Stakeholders involved
– Scale of the event 

The Growth list includes promising early-stage startups that are developing unique and innovative products and solutions. These enterprises have raised funds up to Series B. Their trajectories suggest that they may bring about important changes in the markets where they operate.

Entries are assessed based on four key areas:
– Innovativeness
– Product Coverage
– Management and Investor Background
– Growth Potential

Enablers are SaaS companies that are providing crucial support to enterprises of every stripe. They are the cornerstone in the process of digitizing conventional businesses—an important step in modernizing the region’s overall economy.

Entries are assessed based on four key areas:
– Number of clients
– Quality of clients
– Commercial Achievement
– Growth Trajectory

Explorers are Chinese startups that have successfully ventured into the region and established a strong presence. Southeast Asia is home to important overseas markets for China-based tech firms. Overcoming cultural nuances, regulatory differences, and hurdles in localization requires adaptive mindsets and skill sets.

Entries are assessed based on four key areas:
– Influence of the company in China and overseas
– Product Quality
– Scale of Business
– Growth Potential 

Open Source highlights projects that have accelerated the region’s digitalization by giving other entities the tools they need to build new applications. By placing an emphasis on transparency, scalability, and ease of use, open-source projects are speeding up the region’s pace of technological advancement.

Entries are assessed based on five key areas:
– Size of Community
– Project Maturity
– Project Quality
– Team Strength
– Activeness in Development

The Open Source category is open for public nominations. Click here to nominate.

The Frontiers category includes startups that are developing deeply technical products. This includes quantum computing, biotech and medical advancements, space tech, and other advanced solutions that may fundamentally disrupt the status quo, even if their vision seems out of this world.

Entries are assessed based on three key areas:
– Innovativeness
– Disruptive Potential
– Business Prospect

The Frontiers category is open for public nominations. Click here to nominate.

The Impact category comprises startups that have brought about significant grassroots-level advancements where they operate. These enterprises have socially driven missions and purpose, and may even be taking their models into new markets to improve more lives.

Entries are assessed based on three key areas:
– Business Mission
– Application
– Scalability

The Impact category is open for public nominations. Click here to nominate.

Investors are the backbone of growth for any business that is seeking to scale. By considering their assets under management, portfolio sizes, number of exits, and the overall value creation for regional startups, only investors that are leaving a lasting impact will be showcased.

Entries are assessed based on five key areas:
– Assets Under Management (AUM)
– Portfolio
– Successful Exits
– Number of Unicorns Invested
– Value-add

The Investors category is not open for public nominations.

Launchpads such as educational institutions and incubators provide safe environments to nurture the next great startups, giving new entrepreneurs the chance to hone their ideas and business acumen before they step out on their own.

Entries are assessed based on three key areas:
– Support Rendered 
– Operational Outcomes
– Social Impact
– Value-add

The Launchpad category is not open for public nominations.