About the event.
In 2026, Astra Global, in collaboration with Gold Ventures, held the international online event Artificial Intelligence (AI/AR/VR): New Era.
The event brought together innovative startups and experienced professionals from the technology and investment sectors. Founders developing solutions in artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality presented their projects to a panel of experts.
The jury, comprising representatives of venture capital firms, corporate investors and industry professionals, reviewed and evaluated the participating projects, assessing their technological potential, business models, scalability and market prospects.
The event provided startup founders with an opportunity to receive independent professional feedback, exchange ideas with industry experts and present their solutions to members of the international investment and technology community.
Artificial Intelligence (AI/AR/VR): New Era 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.
Our mission is to accelerate deals, foster long-term partnerships, and support projects that define the future of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies.
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.
- Multimodal & Generative AI — the evolution of models combining text, image, video, voice, and real-time interaction, and their growing role in commercial applications.
- Spatial Computing, AR/VR & XR — new immersive experiences, enterprise applications, and the convergence of physical and digital environments.
- AI + Robotics — intelligent robotics, autonomous systems, and the expanding use of AI in manufacturing, logistics, mobility, and other industries.
- AI Infrastructure, Security & Governance — computing infrastructure, data protection, cybersecurity, responsible AI deployment, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
- Investment & AI Commercialization — what investors are looking for in 2026, how AI startups are building sustainable business models, and how corporations are integrating emerging technologies.
- Global Technology Ecosystems — developments across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and different approaches to innovation, investment, scaling, and international expansion.
Speakers & jury.
Chris Fisher
Operating Partner, Click Ventures. Expert in global investments and IPOs
Gilad Engel
Partner, Target Global. Business development expert, angel investor with multiple successful exits
Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes
Senator, WBAF Angel Investment Fund. Futurist and expert in healthcare innovation
Gary Fowler
Co-Founder, GSD Venture Studios. Serial entrepreneur and AI investor
Yash Hemaraj
Partner, Benhamou Global Ventures. Expert in robotics and intelligent automation
Sergio A. Escobar
CEO & Partner, BCF Ventures. Investor in B2B software and mentor in global accelerators
Henry Palmer
Partner, Amplifier. Specialist in supply chain and industrial AI solutions
Francesco Corea
Research Lead, Balderton Capital. Expert in data analysis and AI strategies
Nuno Goncalves Pedro
Managing Partner, Strive Capital. Founder of the first quant-VC fund in the Bay Area
Suzana Lalicic
Angel Investor | CEO & Founder at Stockografija |Professional B2B Matchmaker| Unicorn Deal Maker
Filip Ferents
Founder of the AI-Powered Legal Platform. Expert in legal risk management, litigation, and innovative legal technology (LegalTech)
Mariana Tataryn
Manager, Deloitte USA. Advisor for AI and deep-tech ventures. Expert in digital finance transformation, enterprise platforms, and data governance.
Elena Belchuk
Economist and financial analyst with over 15 years of experience, author of articles and methodological guidelines, recipient of the “Economist of the Year” award at the National Business Award 2024.
What participants said.
For our team, it was invaluable to receive questions from the jury about the architecture and scalability of our product. Usually, discussions focus only on the business model.
Marc Lindner
Product Director at Zoe
It’s rare to see such a wide spectrum of technologies — from generative AI to industrial VR solutions — on one stage. This helps shape long-term forecasts for the industry.
Nuno Goncalves Pedro
Managing Partner, Strive Capital. Founder of the first quant-VC fund in the Bay Area
2025 will be a turning point for AI and XR: we are no longer talking about concepts, but about large-scale implementations. And this was evident in every project discussed.
Francesco Corea
Research Lead, Balderton Capital. Expert in data analysis and AI strategies
Partners.
General partner and co-organiser
Partners
