ATxEnterprise 2026 draws enterprise buyers as AI adoption moves into operations

Asia Tech x Enterprise 2026 drew policymakers, enterprise leaders and global technology companies to Singapore EXPO this week, as enterprise interest in AI moved beyond early experimentation into operational deployment.

The event, part of the Asia Tech x Singapore platform, facilitated more than 120,000 business interactions and brought together more than 700 exhibitors across 35 pavilions. Its exhibitor and speaker line-up was 55% international, with representation from Southeast Asia, Greater China, Japan, Europe and North America.

ATxE 2026 covered AI, cloud, cybersecurity, satellite, media and digital infrastructure, with more than 450 speakers across its programme. Participants included global technology companies such as Microsoft, TikTok and Rakuten, as well as representatives from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and ambassadors and trade leaders from Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Thailand and Mongolia.

Enterprise demand broadens beyond the technology sector

One of the clearest indicators of broader enterprise demand came from the growth in VIP enterprise buyers from traditionally non-technology sectors. Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport recorded a 500% increase, followed by Healthcare and Pharma at 320%, Retail and FMCG at 80%, Manufacturing at 37%, and Banking and Finance at 32%.

The figures point to AI and digital infrastructure becoming more closely tied to business operations across the wider economy. For these sectors, adoption is increasingly linked to practical issues such as infrastructure readiness, cybersecurity, workforce transformation and long-term business planning.

The event also drew a senior enterprise audience, with 71% of attendees holding manager-level positions or above. Business matching and collaboration were supported through the ATxConnect programme, Hosted Buyer Programme and dedicated Startup Pitch Sessions.

Singapore links AI adoption with SME readiness

The enterprise focus at ATxE 2026 was also reflected in discussions around workforce readiness, cyber resilience, trusted digital ecosystems and regional coordination.

In his opening address, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, highlighted Singapore’s push to move “beyond buzzwords” and make AI practical and accessible for enterprises, particularly SMEs.

Several initiatives were introduced during the event to support enterprise AI adoption and cyber resilience. These included the AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook, which draws on insights from more than 1,000 enterprises to guide local firms with existing digital capabilities on their next steps in AI adoption.

New partnerships with Grab and RSM Stone Forest IT were also announced to support the Digital Enterprise Blueprint, a national strategy that helps SMEs digitalise through established technology vendors. Mr Tan also announced the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026, aimed at encouraging more SMEs to adopt AI.

Joyce Wang, Event Director for ATxSG at Informa Festivals, said the event showed stronger convergence across industries, markets and leadership groups.

“What stood out this year was the level of convergence happening across industries, markets, and leadership groups,” said Wang. “Conversations are no longer centred on whether AI adoption will happen, but how enterprises and governments can scale it responsibly, securely, and collaboratively across the region. ATxEnterprise has become a platform where these conversations translate into real partnerships, practical solutions, and measurable business outcomes.”

ATxEnterprise will return to Singapore EXPO from 26 to 28 May 2027.