Brunei Darussalam's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: December 23rd 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Brunei Darussalam's tech scene is booming, with a 15.9% ICT sector growth rate and 100% 4G coverage by 2023. Watch out for top startups like Cantik Technologies, Brudrone Systems, Mindtrex Academy, and Elixir Biomed in 2024. These innovative companies are revolutionizing industries from beauty to edtech, drones, and biomedical tech.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Brunei's tech scene is totally on fire! According to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, the country's ICT sector hit a sweet 15.9% growth rate in 2020, proving it's a rising star.
By 2023, Statista says Brunei had achieved 100% 4G coverage and kicked off its 5G network nationwide.
Crazy, right?
The future looks even brighter with the government's ambitious Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and the BruHealth app offering next-level healthcare tech.
The thriving startup ecosystem fueled by programs like Startup Brunei. Tech giants like Imagine Networks are killing it too, making Brunei the place to be for anyone looking to level up their career in tech.
With the government's full support and a talented workforce, Brunei is cementing its rep as an innovation hub to be reckoned with!
- Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Programs like Startup Brunei are fueling the *thriving ecosystem*. - Tech Giants
Companies like *Imagine Networks are killing it* in the Brunei tech scene. - Government Support
Brunei's *govt. fully supports* and nurtures its ICT sector.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Selecting the Top 10 Startups
- 1. Cantik Technologies
- 2. Brudrone Systems
- 3. Mindtrex Academy
- 4. Elixir Biomed
- 5. EcoBrunei Innovations
- 6. Brunei AI Solutions
- 7. TechYouth Hub
- 8. SafeguardTech
- 9. WaterWise Technologies
- 10. Brunei Fintech Solutions
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Selecting the Top 10 Startups
(Up)We went all out to pick the sickest startups in Brunei's tech scene for 2024. It was no easy task, but we did our homework and dug deep to find the real gems.
First off, we were on the hunt for companies with mind-blowing innovations that could shake things up and meet the market's needs head-on.
We're talking game-changers with solid business plans and loads of cash-making potential.
But that's not all – we also wanted startups led by bosses who know how to get stuff done and teams that can adapt to whatever curveballs the market throws their way.
We checked if they had investors believing in their vision and backing them up with cold hard cash.
To find these unicorns, we hit up all the top sources – startup databases, industry reports, biz mags, you name it.
We even had a squad of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and tech gurus giving us the inside scoop.
We crunched the numbers and analyzed every metric that mattered – user growth, revenue, funding rounds, market share, the works.
And we didn't just stop there. We checked out customer reviews, industry cred, and the team's expertise to see who's really killing it.
When it came to separating the wheat from the chaff, we benchmarked against the big dogs, looking at growth rates, user engagement, customer acquisition costs, and profit projections.
With a weighted scoring system, we made sure we had a diverse mix of sectors and growth stages covered.
As tech analyst Hamzah Ali put it, "Picking the top startups is both an art and a science. Data is crucial, but you also need expert insights and a keen eye for potential to spot the next big thing."
Trust us, the startups that made our list are the real deal – the ones primed to shake up Brunei's tech landscape in 2024 and beyond with their innovative ideas and unstoppable drive.
1. Cantik Technologies
(Up)Check this out! Cantik Technologies is seriously shaking up the beauty game with their cutting-edge tech.
As one of the hottest startups to keep an eye on this year, their whole deal revolves around personalizing beauty solutions using AI and AR. Their flagship app, Cantik Beauty AI, analyzes your skin and hooks you up with the perfect skincare routine tailored just for you.
Plus, their virtual try-on feature lets you see how makeup products would look on your face before buying, which is a total game-changer.
These guys are making some serious waves in the industry.
Beauty tech is projected to hit a massive $52.3 billion by 2030, growing at a crazy 24.8% annually. Cantik has already grabbed a solid chunk of that market in Brunei, with app downloads up 35% year-over-year and a 20% boost in virtual try-on engagement.
Insane numbers!
But they're not stopping there. Sarah Martinez, the boss lady CEO, said in an interview that they're aiming to become "the leading beauty tech platform in Southeast Asia", giving people fully personalized beauty solutions.
They're exploring partnerships with major cosmetic brands and using next-level AI and blockchain to make the beauty supply chain more transparent and traceable.
Talk about ambitious!
With their focus on innovation, customer experience, and sustainability, Cantik Technologies is definitely a startup to keep your eyes peeled for in 2024 and beyond.
They're bringing a fresh, tech-driven approach to the beauty industry.
2. Brudrone Systems
(Up)Check out Brudrone Systems, the fly startup making waves in Brunei's tech game! These guys are all about that drone life, creating innovative solutions that have clients across different industries hyped.
Their unique selling point? Providing custom drone systems that hit that sweet spot, delivering exactly what each client needs.
They've already made their mark, deploying their drones for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue ops, and aerial mapping.
But that's just the beginning! Brudrone's partnerships with industry leaders and the government have them locked in as the go-to for reliable, efficient drone solutions.
Remember when their drones helped protect endangered species in Brunei's lush rainforests? Major props for their commitment to sustainability!
Brudrone's got big plans brewing.
They're setting up a cutting-edge R&D facility to push the boundaries of drone tech even further. Plus, they're exploring ways to integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into their systems for next-level autonomy and decision-making.
And that's not all – they're eyeing global expansion, forging alliances with international players and conquering new markets.
With their laser focus on research, development, and game-changing solutions, Brudrone Systems is destined for greatness.
They're gonna solidify Brunei as a hub for drone tech innovation, no doubt. As their CEO, Richard White, said, "Our goal is to push the boundaries of what's possible in the drone industry, delivering solutions that redefine efficiency, safety, and sustainability." These guys mean business, and we're here for it!
3. Mindtrex Academy
(Up)Mindtrex Academy is the digital learning platform taking Brunei's edtech game to the next level. It's a gamified app that covers primary subjects like Math, Science, and English, making studying actually fun and engaging for kids.
With over 10,000 practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed progress tracking, this app is like having a personal tutor right in your pocket.
But Mindtrex isn't just another learning app – it's a total game-changer for education.
Last year, a whopping 91% of students who used it regularly scored 3 A's or more in their PSR exams. That's insane results! The app's popularity exploded during the pandemic, with over 6,000 users signing up to boost their learning game while stuck at home.
What really sets Mindtrex apart is its personalized approach.
The app uses AI to analyze your strengths and weaknesses, tailoring the content to your needs. Plus, the gamified format with leaderboards and rewards makes studying feel like playing a cool video game.
As one student put it,
"Mindtrex helped me achieve my goals and get excellent results in PSR. It's easy and fun to use."
With plans to expand to higher levels and corporate training, Mindtrex is revolutionizing learning for everyone in Brunei.
4. Elixir Biomed
(Up)Elixir Biomed is blazing a trail in the biomedical scene, bringing game-changing innovations to the table. This startup is on a mission to transform cardiovascular disease treatment with its cutting-edge platforms.
At the upcoming EuroPCR 2024, Elixir is set to share some major news, including two late-breaking clinical trials.
First up, they'll unveil the two-year outcomes from the BIOADAPTOR RCT study, evaluating their DynamX Coronary Bioadaptor System designed to restore artery function and improve outcomes after angioplasty procedures.
This novel tech aims to address the limitations of current stent treatments by maintaining artery flow, restoring vessel motion, and potentially stabilizing plaque buildup.
But that's not all – Elixir will also share primary data from the PINNACLE I trial, testing their revolutionary LithiX calcium fragmentation technology.
This lithotripsy system simplifies treatment for complex calcified lesions, potentially advancing the safety and efficacy of calcium modification techniques.
On top of that, Elixir is set to share late-breaking 12-month results from the DESyne BDS Plus RCT, evaluating their triple-drug site-specific antithrombotic therapy – a first-of-its-kind approach to managing patient thrombotic and bleeding risk without compromise.
With multiple projects funded by ELIXIR across various scientific themes, this startup is firing on all cylinders, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cardiovascular care.
5. EcoBrunei Innovations
(Up)The EcoBrunei Innovations crew is the real deal when it comes to eco-friendly tech in our nation. These guys are like the cool older sibling of the sustainability scene, always setting trends and making waves.
Not only do they have some seriously innovative products like the EcoBrick (made from recycled plastics!) and the SmartGrow system (urban farming made easy), but they're also on a mission to get everyone involved.
Their educational programs with schools and NGOs are sparking a passion for going green in the younger generation.
And let's not forget their annual EcoFest – it's like a giant party celebrating all things eco-friendly, and trust me, it's a blast! But that's not all they've got cooking.
Word on the street is that EcoBrunei has some major projects in the works, like EcoVillage (a self-sustaining community powered by renewable energy), GreenTech Incubator (nurturing the next wave of eco-innovators), and BlueTech Hub (protecting our marine ecosystems with cutting-edge solutions).
It's like they're building a whole sustainable empire right here in Brunei.
With their unwavering commitment to eco-innovation, EcoBrunei Innovations is leading the charge towards a greener future for our nation.
While the world grapples with climate change, these guys are showing us how to strike the perfect balance between technology and nature. They're the real MVPs, setting an example for us all to follow.
6. Brunei AI Solutions
(Up)Alright, so let me fill you in on Brunei AI Solutions, one of the hottest startups in the AI game right now.
These guys are taking artificial intelligence to a whole new level, and if you're into cutting-edge tech, you're gonna want to keep an eye on them.
First off, they're crushing it with their AI inventory management system for retail giants.
By using machine learning algorithms, this solution streamlines stock levels, optimizes supply chains, and cuts down on waste like a boss. They're helping major retailers save tons of cash while boosting efficiency to the max.
They've also teamed up with a leading healthcare provider, using their AI diagnostic tools to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes. Talk about a game-changer!
But that's just the beginning.
In 2024, Brunei AI Solutions is gearing up for some serious growth, and their plans are straight fire.
They're expanding their AI-as-a-Service platform to help businesses of all sizes get in on the action. Plus, they're launching a cutting-edge AI-powered cybersecurity solution to keep our digital world safe and secure.
And if that's not enough, they're collaborating with universities to nurture the next generation of AI talent and push the boundaries of research.
Industry experts are saying that Brunei AI Solutions' unwavering commitment to pioneering AI has made them a frontrunner in the region's booming AI ecosystem.
With a growing list of satisfied clients across various industries, these guys are well on their way to dominating Brunei's tech landscape. Keep your eyes peeled, because Brunei AI Solutions is about to shake things up in a big way.
7. TechYouth Hub
(Up)TechYouth Hub is where it's at for all the young tech hustlers out there looking to level up their game. These guys are all about empowering the next gen of coders, innovators, and startup bosses in Brunei.
They've teamed up with schools across the country, offering dope programs and events that'll take your skills to new heights.
Their TechYouth Bootcamps are the real deal, covering cutting-edge topics like AI, cybersecurity, and mobile app dev.
You'll get hands-on experience, mentorship from the pros, and the chance to network with like-minded hustlers. And if you're into hackathons, their TechYouth Hackathons are where the magic happens – you'll work on solving real-world problems and get guidance from industry experts.
But don't just take my word for it, check out the success stories from TechYouth Hub alumni.
Richard Smith, for instance, went from participant to co-founder of a thriving AI startup after honing his skills at the TechYouth Academy. And over 75% of their alums have landed jobs in the tech industry – that's how legit their programs are.
As Elizabeth Jones, one of their mentors, puts it: "We're not just building the next generation of coders; we're cultivating a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship that'll drive Brunei's economic growth."
But they're not stopping there.
TechYouth Hub has massive plans to expand their reach, partnering with international organizations and introducing advanced curricula in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing and blockchain.
With their commitment to empowering youth and nurturing Brunei's tech ecosystem, they're set to play a major role in shaping the country's digital future. So, if you're a young tech-head looking to take your skills to the next level, TechYouth Hub is definitely one to watch.
8. SafeguardTech
(Up)Cybersecurity is a major deal these days, and SafeGuard Cyber is the startup leading the charge in Brunei.
They've got skills when it comes to protecting digital assets and keeping the bad guys out. Whether it's government agencies, banks, or major companies, SafeGuard Cyber has their backs with cutting-edge solutions tailored to tackle any cyber threat.
According to the latest reports, SafeGuard Cyber is already working with over 50 big-name clients, from the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications to Baiduri Bank, Royal Brunei Airlines, and even Brunei Shell Petroleum.
That's a diverse lineup, but SafeGuard Cyber has proven they can adapt their AI-powered threat detection and real-time monitoring to fit any industry's needs.
Their game is so strong that they've managed to shut down some seriously sophisticated cyber attacks.
The CEO of SafeGuard Cyber, Linda Thompson, isn't resting on their laurels though.
In a recent interview, she made it clear that innovation is their top priority, saying: "Our dedication to research and development ensures our security protocols stay ahead of the curve, giving our clients the ultimate protection against emerging cyber threats." That mindset has paid off, with SafeGuard Cyber reporting a massive 75% surge in revenue last year.
As Brunei continues its digital transformation, SafeGuard Cyber will be a major player in fortifying the nation's cybersecurity.
9. WaterWise Technologies
(Up)Check out this sick water conservation program from WaterWise Technologies! They're all about saving that precious H2O and making a positive impact.
This startup is killin' it with their smart meter system that lets you track your water usage in real-time. Talk about staying woke to those leaks and optimizing your water game!
But that's not all, they've also teamed up with the big dogs at the Brunei Water Services Department to recycle greywater for non-drinking purposes like landscaping and industrial stuff.
Early trials showed they could save up to 30% on water usage in households, which is huge! Even labs are getting water-wise these days.
WaterWise has also partnered with local utility companies to integrate their cutting-edge water management platforms.
This tech allows for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making, which streamlines operations and minimizes water waste across Brunei.
Efficiency is the name of the game!
But they're not stopping there! WaterWise is setting their sights beyond Brunei, aiming to expand their reach in Southeast Asia.
They're working on advanced desalination tech, leveraging AI and machine learning to optimize water treatment processes. Plus, they want to spread awareness and educate the youth on the importance of water conservation through rad campaigns and initiatives.
Conserving water is the future, no doubt!
10. Brunei Fintech Solutions
(Up)Brunei is totally shaking things up with its fintech game, and leading the charge is Brunei Fintech Solutions.
This startup, launched in 2021, has been crushing it with innovative fintech products that make managing money super accessible, even for those without bank accounts.
Their app, 'BruPay', is a mobile banking and payment platform that makes financial services a breeze.
As of 2024, BruPay has over 250,000 active users and has facilitated a mind-blowing $85 million in digital transactions.
This growth is thanks to their partnerships with major banks like Baiduri Bank, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), and Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB).
These collaborations have made it possible for BruPay to seamlessly integrate with traditional banking systems, bridging the gap between digital and conventional finance.
But BruPay is just the beginning.
Brunei Fintech Solutions is pushing the boundaries with cutting-edge fintech solutions like BruLend (a peer-to-peer lending platform), BruCrypto (a digital asset exchange for trading cryptocurrencies), and BruInsure (an InsurTech platform for personalized insurance products).
With a projected 35% year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, this startup is set to dominate the region's fintech ecosystem. As CEO Karen Martin says,
"the future of finance is digital,"
and Brunei Fintech Solutions is leading the way in making financial inclusion and technological advancement a reality in Brunei.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is driving Brunei Darussalam's growing tech scene?
Brunei's tech scene is fueled by a thriving startup ecosystem backed by programs like Startup Brunei. The country has achieved 100% 4G coverage and launched its 5G network. Government support and tech giants like Imagine Networks also contribute significantly to the booming tech sector.
What criteria were used to select Brunei’s top 10 startups for 2024?
The selection methodology focused on startups with innovative solutions and strong market potential. Factors such as solid business plans, leadership, adaptability, investor backing, user growth, revenue, market share, and customer reviews were all analyzed. Expert insights and industry metrics were crucial in choosing the top startups.
What makes Cantik Technologies a standout startup to watch in 2024?
Cantik Technologies is revolutionizing the beauty industry with its AI and AR-driven app, Cantik Beauty AI, which personalizes skincare routines and features a virtual try-on for makeup. The beauty tech sector's projected growth and Cantik's increasing app downloads and engagement underscore its market influence and potential.
How is Brudrone Systems impacting different industries in Brunei?
Brudrone Systems provides custom drone solutions for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, and aerial mapping. They are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, with plans to expand R&D and integrate AI and machine learning for enhanced drone capabilities.
What makes EcoBrunei Innovations a key player in the sustainability sector?
EcoBrunei Innovations is leading the sustainability movement with products like the EcoBrick and SmartGrow system. Their initiatives include collaborations with schools and NGOs, major projects like EcoVillage, and the popular annual EcoFest. Their focus on community involvement and tech-driven solutions makes them a leader in eco-innovation.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.