ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI/AR/VR): WHAT’S NEXT?
International online event by Astra Global and Gold Ventures
15 January 2025 · Online · 17:00 CET (5:00 PM)
15 January 2025 · Online · 17:00 CET (5:00 PM)
About the Event
On 15 January 2025, Astra Global, together with Gold Ventures, hosted the international online event ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI/AR/VR): WHAT’S NEXT?
The event became a platform for direct dialogue between founders and industry professionals. Startups in the fields of artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality presented their projects and received expert evaluation from the jury, which included representatives of venture capital funds and corporate investors.
The format included:
• Startup Competition — individual pitching sessions focused on technology, business models, and scaling strategies.
• Investors Panel — a strategic discussion on the future of AI, AR, and VR.
The event became a platform for direct dialogue between founders and industry professionals. Startups in the fields of artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality presented their projects and received expert evaluation from the jury, which included representatives of venture capital funds and corporate investors.
The format included:
• Startup Competition — individual pitching sessions focused on technology, business models, and scaling strategies.
• Investors Panel — a strategic discussion on the future of AI, AR, and VR.
CONCEPT
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI/AR/VR): WHAT’S NEXT? is an international platform that reflects the dynamics and key vectors of the global industry. It sets market benchmarks, highlights the most promising directions, and showcases projects capable of shaping the future of technology and business models in the coming years.
MISSION
Our mission is to accelerate deals, foster long-term partnerships, and support projects that define the future of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies.
Project Selection
The jury evaluated projects according to the following criteria:
• Innovation & Disruption — ability to transform the market.
• Scalability & Market Fit — growth potential and product relevance.
• Business & Revenue Model — sustainability of monetization strategy.
• Team & Leadership — expertise and leadership capacity.
• Technology Excellence — maturity and uniqueness of technology.
• Impact & Sustainability — long-term value and ESG contribution.
• Presentation & Strategic Vision — clarity of vision and persuasiveness of delivery.
• Regulatory Readiness — preparedness for compliance in regulated markets.
• Innovation & Disruption — ability to transform the market.
• Scalability & Market Fit — growth potential and product relevance.
• Business & Revenue Model — sustainability of monetization strategy.
• Team & Leadership — expertise and leadership capacity.
• Technology Excellence — maturity and uniqueness of technology.
• Impact & Sustainability — long-term value and ESG contribution.
• Presentation & Strategic Vision — clarity of vision and persuasiveness of delivery.
• Regulatory Readiness — preparedness for compliance in regulated markets.
Key Discussion Topics 2025
Generative AI & Applied AI — from next-generation models to practical applications across industries.
Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/XR) — prospects for new user scenarios and business models.
AI + Robotics — integrating AI into autonomous systems, industry, and transportation.
Ethics & Regulation — global approaches to regulation and responsible use of technology.
Investment & Corporate Innovation — how venture funds and corporations are reshaping their strategies in AI/AR/VR.
Global Ecosystems — US, Europe, Israel, and Asia: different approaches to scaling and commercialization.
Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/XR) — prospects for new user scenarios and business models.
AI + Robotics — integrating AI into autonomous systems, industry, and transportation.
Ethics & Regulation — global approaches to regulation and responsible use of technology.
Investment & Corporate Innovation — how venture funds and corporations are reshaping their strategies in AI/AR/VR.
Global Ecosystems — US, Europe, Israel, and Asia: different approaches to scaling and commercialization.
SPEAKERS & JURY
- Chris FisherOperating Partner, Click Ventures. Expert in global investments and IPOs.
- Gilad EngelPartner, Target Global. Specialist in international business development.
- Ingrid Vasiliu-FeltesSenator, WBAF Angel Investment Fund. Futurist and expert in healthcare innovation.
- Gary FowlerCo-Founder, GSD Venture Studios. Serial entrepreneur and AI investor.
- Yash HemarajPartner, Benhamou Global Ventures. Expert in robotics and intelligent automation.
- Sergio A. EscobarCEO & Partner, BCF Ventures. Investor in B2B software and mentor in global accelerators.
- Henry PalmerPartner, Amplifier. Specialist in supply chain and industrial AI solutions.
- Francesco CoreaResearch Lead, Balderton Capital. Expert in data analysis and AI strategies.
- Nuno Goncalves PedroManaging Partner, Strive Capital. Founder of the first quant-VC fund in the Bay Area.
NOMINATIONS
In 2025, startups competed across three key categories:
- BEST STARTUP
- BEST PRODUCT
- BEST BUSINESS MODEL
WINNERS 2025
TESTIMONIALS
GENERAL PARTNER
AND CO - ORGANISER
AND CO - ORGANISER
