The ASEAN-India Scale Hub 2026 gathered more than 350 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and technology leaders in Bali to strengthen innovation, investment and cross-border collaboration. The programme underscored ASEAN and India’s shared commitment to advancing AI, digital transformation and sustainable startup growth across the region.
The ASEAN Secretariat participated in the ASEAN-India Scale Hub 2026, held in Bali, Indonesia, from 15 to 17 July 2026, bringing together more than 350 participants from across ASEAN and India. The three-day programme convened over 70 growth-stage scale-ups from ASEAN Member States and India alongside investors, policymakers, technology providers and ecosystem partners to explore new opportunities for regional expansion, investment and strategic collaboration.
Designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the event featured an extensive programme of curated business matchmaking sessions, smart pitches, interactive workshops and high-level discussions. These engagements enabled participants to exchange knowledge and identify practical pathways for scaling businesses, strengthening enterprise partnerships and unlocking investment opportunities throughout the region.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation emerged as key themes throughout the programme, reflecting the growing importance of emerging technologies in driving economic growth and business competitiveness. Discussions focused on how startups and scale-ups can harness AI-powered solutions, embrace digital innovation and develop sustainable business models capable of expanding across ASEAN and India.
The 2026 edition also marked a significant milestone with the inaugural participation of Timor-Leste, further reinforcing the programme’s commitment to fostering an inclusive regional innovation ecosystem. Compared with previous editions, this year’s event placed greater emphasis on growth-stage and deep-tech enterprises while introducing dedicated discussions on scaling AI-driven businesses and facilitating structured engagements between scale-ups, investors, technology providers and ecosystem leaders.
By creating a platform that connects entrepreneurs with capital, expertise and strategic partners, the ASEAN-India Scale Hub 2026 reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN and India to strengthening innovation-led economic cooperation. The programme highlighted the growing role of regional partnerships in supporting startups as they transform promising ideas into commercially sustainable ventures capable of contributing to long-term economic development.
Source: ASEAN
