The Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) tech startup conference, held from November 13 to 15, 2024, at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu, showcased key government initiatives aimed at further strengthening the Philippines’ vibrant startup ecosystem.
“GOAB has established itself as the most influential, must-attend event for tech startup stakeholders in the Philippines, bringing together key ecosystem builders, including the government, to drive innovation for the country,” said Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Since its launching in 2013 by the nonprofit group GeeksPH (formerly TechTalks.ph), GOAB has grown into the Philippines’ premier international tech conference, with its informal, beachside format encouraging meaningful networking, collaborations, and thought-provoking discussions on building the startup ecosystem.
This year’s GOAB brought together over 400 participants, serving as a vital hub for the country’s startup ecosystem. The event attracted not only startup founders but also key decision-makers, including investors, government supporters, and business incubators, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Expanding government support for startups
For the seventh year, the DICT partnered with GOAB, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering startups as mandated by the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) of 2019.
The ISA consortium, comprising the DICT, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), plays a key role in strengthening the startup ecosystem through collaboration, and policy development, and support.
This year’s GOAB, which has been billed as part of the ISA consortium’s Philippine Startup Week, featured key government figures, including DICT undersecretary Batapa-Sigue and National Development Company General Manager Antonio Mauricio.
“We want the NDC to be the official government arm supporting startups in terms of investments,” said Mauricio. “Our goal is to strengthen the Philippine government’s role as a true enabler for the startup ecosystem.”
Founded in 1919, the NDC is positioning itself to take on a greater role in government-backed startup investments, aligning its efforts with the broader push to build a robust and sustainable startup ecosystem in the Philippines.
Bridging Metro Manila and the provinces
Efforts to support startups outside the national capital are also gaining momentum. According to Batapa-Sigue, there is a stark disparity between the concentration of startups in Metro Manila and the untapped potential of the provinces.
“The provinces have so much potential, but the majority of resources remain concentrated in the capital,” Batapa-Sigue emphasized.
To address this imbalance, the ISA consortium is exploring additional funding opportunities to promote regional startup growth and make resources more accessible to entrepreneurs outside Metro Manila.
The government’s strategy also now includes fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in schools and improving infrastructure to create a culture of innovation nationwide. These initiatives aim to equip future entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a competitive global market.
More government support welcomed
GOAB lead organizer and Symph CEO Dave Overton lauded the government’s increasing involvement in supporting startups.
“We welcome government efforts to support GOAB and empower the country’s startups through policies that encourage collaboration across public and private sectors,” Overton said. “We hope this marks the beginning of more backing for startups in terms of funding, streamlined processes, and educational support.”
As the Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to building a thriving startup ecosystem, GOAB stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the country’s tech future.
