I’ve always believed in the transformative power of technology to solve complex problems and create meaningful impact. Attending Philippine Startup Week 2024 was an inspiring experience that underscored the potential of our local ecosystem and reminded me why this journey (building, innovating, and leading) is so fulfilling.

Here are some of the key takeaways that resonate deeply with me.

How I feel when attending events in 2024. 

The Philippines: A rising hub for AI Innovation

The AI landscape in the Philippines is evolving at a remarkable pace. What stood out to me was how AI adoption is no longer an option, it is a confirmed necessity. 

According to insights shared during the event and the eConomy SEA 24 Report, many companies in SEA adopting AI are seeing returns within 12 months. That’s a game-changer for early-stage startups that need rapid validation of their ideas.

And let’s not overlook the government’s role. The implementation of the Innovative Startup Act and plans to add 50 new Technology Business Incubators suggest a clear intention to position the Philippines as a leading innovation hub. For founders like me, this signals opportunity, access to resources, infrastructure, and a community that’s serious about making an impact.

The event reaffirmed something I’ve always known: Filipinos are world-class talent, capable of delivering exceptional solutions. The challenge is whether we’re using our innovations to address the country’s most pressing issues.

The Startup Ecosystem: Built to Soar

Image via Philippine Eagle Foundation

The Philippine startup ecosystem feels like it’s at the cusp of something extraordinary. There’s a unique energy here, a sense of collaboration and bayanihan that’s ingrained in our culture. What’s exciting to me is seeing how this mentality of community-driven growth is fueling innovation across industries. One noticeable difference with Filipino startups is that many of them address societal needs. 

This is why I liken the ecosystem to our national symbol, the Philippine Eagle. It’s majestic, strong, visionary, and poised to soar to great heights, known for its resilience and ability to thrive in the most challenging environments. The Philippine Eagle represents the very qualities our startups embody as they navigate obstacles and push boundaries.

Hackathon Challenge: Supply Chain Innovation 

The Philippine Startup Week Innovation Hackathon focused on one frustrating industry for Filipinos: the logistics and supply chain industry. 

Issues like high costs, latency, lack of interoperability, and fragmented systems have held the industry back for years. It’s clear how much potential is wasted because of these issues.

The event gathered bright minds to address inadequate infrastructure, reliance on manual and outdated logistics systems, and the complexities of managing supply chains across a geographically fragmented country.  They worked on tech-driven solutions to modernize logistics practices, integrate better inventory and shipping systems, and mitigate risks posed by natural disasters and climate change. 

Additional barriers such as environmental vulnerabilities, seasonal demand variability, and limited access to financing were also at the forefront of discussions.

Hackathon Participants

Being chosen as part of the mentor team for the hackathon was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a privilege to guide aspiring innovators and problem-solvers in tackling logistics and supply chain challenges. It also allowed me to connect with some of the brightest minds and most influential leaders in the community.

Such as:

• Gladys Ceniza – VP of Strategy at Fast Logistics, a driving force behind initiatives supporting the e-commerce and logistics communities.
  
• Brandon Midel – Director at Comfac Technology and founder of an emerging shipping & logistics solution and an active founding member of the CTO/CIO group.
  
• Itong Torres – Former CTO of Universal Robina and JG Summit, now CTO of the Villar Group and an active member of the CTO/CIO network.
  
• Adrienne Heinrich – VP and Head of AI at UnionBank of the Philippines, a leader in advancing AI in financial services.
  
• Usec Jean Pacheco – Undersecretary at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). He’s a key supporter of innovation and technological progress in the Ecommerce Industry.
  
• Chenny Galano – An accomplished entrepreneur and leadership transformation advocate who continues to inspire through her work.
  
• Sarah Sison – An expert in international arbitration who has transitioned into championing startups, AI, and coaching, bringing a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the table.
  
• Karl Leung – A prominent entrepreneur. He’s leading initiatives to transform the Philippines into a smart nation, driving the vision of a tech-powered future.
• Amber Teng – With a vibrant and fascinating background in life and technology. A data scientist, LLM & AI engineer, and an ML & Python instructor and mentor with a knack for leaving every conversation on a cliffhanger.
  

And finally, a special thanks to Mack Commandante, founder of ExoAsia Innovation Hub, whose tireless efforts and vision made this hackathon possible. Mack is the brilliant mind behind this initiative and the reason I had the opportunity to join as a mentor. His passion for community-building and innovation is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for his trust in me to contribute to this incredible event.

Looking Ahead: Turning Potential Into Reality

As I reflect on Philippine Startup Week 2024, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. The Philippines has everything it needs to lead in innovation, talent, creativity, and an ecosystem poised for growth. 

But success requires more than potential; it demands action. It’s up to all of us—founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs—to turn ideas into reality, to transform insights and connections from events like this into meaningful outcomes. 

Knowing that technology, policy, and a sense of community are now aligning fills me with hope. It feels like we’re at the brink of something extraordinary, ready to unleash the full potential of Filipino ingenuity and resilience. The future is bright, and it’s ours to create.

One of my proudest moments is founding a startup full of Filipino talent. Dev Team represents the best of what it means to be Filipino. We have the exceptional talent that makes projects successful and the Bayanihan values to use these projects for good.