Disrupt Asia 2019, organized by the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka since 2016 and hailed as Sri Lanka’s premier Startup Conference and Innovation Festival returns once again as an unrivalled platform for start-ups to exhibit their innovations on a global scale.
This year’s theme ‘Augmented Living’ focuses on amplifying the successes of innovation and technology towards supporting human lifestyles and its ability to make a real and lasting contribution to development.
“In just three years, Disrupt Asia is now recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier summit to celebrate local startup innovation, supporting its growth and building the community. This year’s Conference theme ‘Augmented Living’ will ensure dynamic conversation and fresh perspectives for all participants. The Conference and Festival also provides an ideal platform for startups to network with investors, gain actionable advice, insights into startup strategy and the possibilities of global expansion, helping drive an era of tech innovation for Sri Lanka,” said Professor Rohan Samarajiva, Chairman, ICTA.
On stage, the Conference features inspiring keynotes by Casie Lau and Amarit Charoenphan, both eminent startup personalities in Asia.
Recognised as one of Hong Kong’s tech start-up pioneers and a sought after speaker, Casie is also (among other accomplishments) the current co-host of RISE – the Web Summit’s Asia conference reputed as the largest tech conference in the region. Amarit (popularly known as Aim) is also a leading personality in the Asian tech ecosystem. He is the Executive Chairman of HUBBA, Thailand’s 1st and largest co-working space and co-founder of Techsauce, another leading tech conference in Southeast Asia.
In addition, five interactive panel discussions will facilitate meaningful dialogues on how disruptive technologies are affecting and supporting the quality of lifestyles of citizens in relation to leisure, economic growth, and sustainable living.
Panel discussion highlights include, ‘Travel Tech: Travel Smart’ which will engage the audience towards personalised, connected and sustainable travel with special focus on technologies related to the travel and leisure sector. Engaging panelists from Airbnb, Tripadvisor and Yohobed will share their experiences.
Knowledgeable speakers from Lenddo, BoardPac, Lalamove and Microimage will discuss ‘Platforms Disrupting Asia’ drawing attention on ways technology enhances lifestyles through greater convenience, supporting business and thereby generating economic growth.
‘Shaping Cities Through Innovation’ will focus on ways of using technology efficiently to improve the quality of life in a sustainable manner with panelists from Cityzone Tel Aviv, Dialog and Visa addressing the audience.
On the topic, “R” of VR and AR, panelists representing Manzalab, Two Lane, Shadow Factory and Arimac will elaborate on the use of technology related to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in supporting human senses to benefit and experience higher levels of engagement.
The panel discussion on ‘Go Global: Strategies for Emerging Market’ will showcase experts from Seedstars, Techstars and Startupright who will advise startups on accelerating their business towards global expansion.
With an expected audience of over 1000+ attendees are guaranteed to learn through knowledge sharing, taking back actionable best practices, and other valuable insights inspiring creativity and strategic growth.
Helping promising startups flourish, Disrupt Asia 2019 will provide access to valuable and powerful startup expertise from organisations such as RISE, Techstars, Seedstars, AngelHack, Cityzone and STARTUPRIGHT. Local startups can meet these organisations to explore the forging of strategic partnerships, possibility of receiving investment or simply gain tactical advice.
This year’s Disrupt Asia edition will once again use art as a catalyst to showcase the future. Titled ‘When Digital Meets Art’ this year’s Innovation Festival and Exhibition comprises art installations and digital activations. Nearly 30 startups exhibitors will also demonstrate their innovations and solutions to attendees and visitors.
Another highlight of the Conference and not-to-be-missed event is the Disrupt Asia 2019 Startup Battle Grand Finale showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship among startups, with competition winners receiving industry exposure, cash prizes, and valuable mentoring support from local and international experts.
Disrupt Asia 2019 is endorsed by the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology and is supported by several partners. These includes; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (Innovation Partner), Visa (Gold Partner), Crowdisland, DirectPay and Hatch (Ecosystem Partners), Cinnamon Hotels and Walkers Tours (Hospitality and Travel Partner), Gudppl (Volunteer Partner), Startup Accelerator by PWC Sri Lanka, STARTUPRIGHT and AngelHack (Knowledge Partners), Dialog Television (Pay TV Partner) Dialog (Broadband Partner), Ath Pavura and CITRA (Social Innovation Partners), Bhasha Lanka Pvt Ltd (Mobile Solutions Partner) and PayHere (Payment Partner).
For more information on details and tickets visit https://www.disruptasia.today or via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/disruptasia