Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Friday, 10 October 2025 05:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The grand finale of Venture Engine 2025 took place recently at Cinnamon Life – The Studio, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s most promising entrepreneurs and marking another milestone for the country’s growing startup ecosystem.
From over 175 applicants, twelve exceptional startups reached the finals after months of mentoring and pitching. Their ideas showcased the diversity and depth of Sri Lanka’s innovation landscape, from health technology to sustainable development and agri-tech.
DiabSense emerged as the winner of Venture Engine 2025, recognised for its groundbreaking use of AI-powered thermal and visual imaging to help clinicians detect diabetic foot complications non-invasively. Founded by Kosala Jayasundara, the startup was honored for addressing a critical healthcare challenge with scalable innovation. The award was presented by Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and BOV Capital Co-Founder and Peak XV Partners Managing Director Rajan Anandan.
AGC Innovate, founded by Umayanga Nanayakkara, was named First Runner-Up for developing sustainable solutions that translate research into practical, large-scale impact across construction and environmental management. The award was presented by Dialog Axiata PLC Group CEO Supun Weerasinghe, and BOV Capital Managing Partner Prajeeth Balasubramaniam.
Spectrify AI, co-founded by Jeevan Gnanam and Lakshan De Silva, secured second runner-up, recognised for its use of AI and spectral analysis to improve quality control and consistency in agriculture. Adil Mansoor and Capital Alliance Partners CEO Nishok Goonasekara presented the award.
Two special awards further highlighted entrepreneurial diversity. CSPEAKH, founded by Nadini Perera, received the Best Female-Led Business Award, presented by Shea Wickramasingha, Najila Ablej, and Prajeeth Balasubramaniam. The Most Impactful Business Award went to Seashore Garden, founded by Shawn Senarath, Sabina Dissanayake, Dasun D. Silva, Malika Sugathapala, and Duvindu Ranasinghe, and was presented by Sanchayan Chakraborty and Jan Metzger.
The event also featured an Alumni Pitch Session led by WSO2 Founder and CEO Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana and Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, where previous Venture Engine participants presented their next-stage ventures.
