The ACTAI Asia Pacific 2025 Summit will provide a dynamic platform where extreme sports, conservation, entrepreneurship, and innovation intersect, creating an inspiring space for networking, collaboration, and growth.
The second edition of the ACTAI Asia Pacific Summit, produced by ACTAI Global in partnership with Ayala Corporation, began on February 5 and will run until February 9 at Pangulasian Island. This eco-luxury island resort, owned by Ayala Corporation, is nestled in the pristine beauty of El Nido, Philippines, offering an idyllic backdrop for bringing together the brightest minds in innovation and entrepreneurship.
A catalyst for innovation and growth in Southeast Asia
Known for attracting tech leaders and adventure enthusiasts alike—especially those with a passion for extreme sports like kitesurfing—ACTAI events are not only a fun and exciting experience but also a vital platform for early-stage startups, particularly those in the seed and Series A funding stages. The summit, directed by Maria Serafica, has drawn attendees from over ten countries and will offer startups an exclusive opportunity to showcase their innovations, engage with influential investors, and network with global industry leaders, helping push forward the growth of groundbreaking ideas.
“Southeast Asia is one of the most fertile emerging markets, brimming with untapped potential, particularly within its rapidly growing tech startup ecosystem. And ACTAI is here to bridge that gap, allowing visionary entrepreneurs to have access to global resources that can help turn their bold ideas into transformative realities,” says Bill Tai, co-founder of ACTAI Global.
“Through our strategic partnership with Ayala Corporation, we are poised to strengthen our mission of empowering local and regional startups and advancing conversations around AI as a transformative force for business growth. By combining Ayala’s expansive network and market insights with ACTAI’s expertise in innovation and venture building, we’re creating a powerful synergy that will fuel the future of entrepreneurship in the region,” Tai added.
AI as the central theme of the summit
A key highlight of this year’s summit is the AI Global Startup Competition designed to spotlight high-potential tech companies in the field of Artificial Intelligence, sponsored by GCash. The top 6 finalists will present their ideas live in front of renowned venture capitalists and business leaders such as Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Dispersion Capital founder Patrick Chang, Ayala Land’s Mariana Zobel de Ayala, and Bill Tai.
“This year, we’re placing a strong emphasis on cognitive technology as a central theme of the summit,” said Lars Rasmussen, co-founder of Google Maps.
Rasmussen also added that “AI is one of the biggest breakthroughs of the 21st century, already making a profound impact on businesses, consumers, and society—often in ways people don’t even realize. From automating digital and physical tasks to harnessing data for predictive insights and personalized customer engagement, AI is helping businesses boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and accelerate growth.”
ACTAI’s commitment to ocean conservation
Given the Philippines' status as home to some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs and ACTAI’s deep passion for water sports, it’s only natural that the non-profit organization is also dedicating its time, energy, and resources to ocean conservation. In 2023, ACTAI contributed over $40,000 towards coral restoration efforts in El Nido, Palawan, and has committed to supporting future conservation initiatives led by other local organizations.
To learn more about ACTAI and stay updated on their initiatives, follow them on Facebook and visit their website.