All systems go for Geeks On A Beach 7 in Cebu: Celebrating the Philippine startup ecosystem, offering elite networking opportunities

It’s all systems go for the seventh installment of Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), the Philippines’ premier international tech startup conference, which will be held this November 13-15 at the JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu.

“Get ready for the biggest tech and startup event of the year,” says Tina Amper, GOAB’s lead organizer. “Don’t miss this chance to fuel innovation and connect with the brightest in tech as we shine a spotlight on the thriving Philippine startup scene.”

GOAB will bring together industry leaders, investors, startup founders, and tech enthusiasts for master classes, dynamic panel sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to fuel local innovation and spotlight the Philippine startup ecosystem.

Organized by the non-profit group geeksPH in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the event promises three action-packed days focused on empowering budding entrepreneurs.

This year’s GOAB also forms part of the Philippine Startup Week initiated by the DICT, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and which takes place from November 11-15. 

The conference kicks off on November 13 with a full-day masterclass offering hands-on experience in building and scaling startups. That evening, an Investor Roundtable Dinner sets the stage for networking, followed by a welcome gathering hosted by Kickstart Ventures.

Shaping the Future of Philippine Tech

Opening the leading conference on November 14, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy will present keynote remarks showcasing the Philippine startup ecosystem and the impact of the Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337) in fostering a fertile environment for local tech ventures.

The conference agenda includes high-power panels like the Startup Grant Fund Overview, providing essential insights into funding opportunities, and a Founder’s Panel featuring industry trailblazers such as Mel Nava (1Export), Crystal Lee Gonzalez (Noneaway), and Carmina Bayombong (InvestED), who will share their journeys and strategies for overcoming challenges in scaling their ventures.

Franco Varona from Foxmont Capital will present the Philippine Venture Capital Report 2024, offering crucial data and predictions to help founders navigate the evolving investment landscape. An Investor’s Panel featuring experts like Paulo Campos (Kaya Founders) and Erika Aquino (Global Investor and Strategic Advisor) will discuss promising investment strategies and approaches to cultivating unicorn startups in the Philippines.

Sessions sponsored by GOAB Partners, such as the Austrian Business Agency, will add to the agenda and explore international collaboration opportunities for Philippine startups.

There will also be breakout sessions that provide a closer look at themes including Celebrating Founders — showcasing inspiring success stories; Investing and Fundraising — a masterclass on securing capital and investor relations; Design and Scale — covering UX and scaling insights; and Government Startup Initiatives — with DICT officials detailing public support available for startups.

Exploring Tech and Culture

The second day of the main conference, November 14, will feature in-depth discussions on AI, cross-border partnerships, and mental health in the startup ecosystem. 

Highlights include Gabriel Ayala’s insights on AI’s role in Southeast Asia and British Ambassador Laure Beaufils's discussion of UK support for tech across the region. An Investment Panel on international funding opportunities will bring insights from Buko Ventures and Indelible Ventures, and a Mental Health in Startups panel will feature leaders like Josef Werker and Nina Terol on wellness as a foundation for long-term success.

In the Gaming Gurus Fireside Chat, Jaba Orellana, Vice President of Talent Operations and International Expansion at Tier One Entertainment with influencers Coach Abby and Drei will discuss the role of AI in creating engaging, educational tech content and share strategies for growth in this fast-evolving industry.

The day will also include breakout sessions like Women in Tech, which will address gender diversity and support for female tech entrepreneurs.

GOAB will conclude with The Final Pitch, where startups will pitch their businesses to a panel of seasoned investors. This will be followed by the Mayor’s Night Closing Dinner hosted by the Cebu City Government. This cultural celebration marks the success of GOAB7 and the ongoing growth of the Philippine tech startup ecosystem.