At Geeks on a Beach, a startup makes the case for reviving the Philippine textile-garments industry — one partnership at a time

At Geeks on a Beach 2025, Cecilia Martinez-Miranda, co-founder of Isla-Tek, joined Maria Elena “Nannette” Arbon, as well as Nicky Rice and Sylbil Marie Fortuna of Unisol in a panel discussion titled “From Dependence to Self-Reliance: Reviving the Philippine Textile-Garment Industry Through Technology and Tradition.” Together, they examined how technology, design, and collaboration could help restore a once-thriving sector that previously positioned the Philippines among the world’s leading textile producers.

From Bohol streets to the Geeks On A Beach: Pedi App empowers tricycle drivers

Pedi App, a homegrown local ride-hailing platform born in the streets of Tagbilaran, Bohol, is giving tricycle drivers new earning opportunities while offering commuters a fairer and safer way to travel. This year, Pedi App joined in Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) 2025 in Mactan, Cebu, where innovators, founders, and investors came together to celebrate Philippine startups making an impact from the ground up.

“At first, the idea was simple — could we help drivers earn more by becoming guides or even local real estate scouts, since they know the towns and barangays better than anyone? This was the idea of my co-founder Feliciano “Doy” Agta, a real estate businessman and son of a tricycle driver,” said Reagan Loberternos, Pedi App CEO and Co-Founder. 

Early gains, lingering barriers: Philippine AI Report debuts at Geeks On A Beach 2025, highlighting state of adoption

The preliminary results of the Philippine AI Ecosystem Report were unveiled last Thursday at Geeks on a Beach(GOAB)  2025, the country's leading international tech and startup conference held at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. 

Led by AI technology expert Tim Santos, the report provides the most detailed insight into how artificial intelligence is being adopted and developed in the Philippines. It combines surveys and expert opinions from over 100 senior leaders, managers, and practitioners across various industries, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the country's AI landscape.

Executive-led, pilot-heavy

The report found that AI strategy in the Philippines is predominantly executive-led, with 61 percent of companies placing AI oversight in the hands of senior executives. Santos pointed out that while this buy-in is encouraging, it often results in a policy-first, execution-later mindset driven by fear of missing out rather than clear roadmaps. 

Geeks on a Beach shines a spotlight on government support for startups: Philippines rises to 50th in Global Innovation Index amid challenges

The recently concluded Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) 2025, held in Mactan, Cebu from October 1 to 3, 2025, highlighted the Philippines’ progress and the government’s role in building a thriving startup ecosystem, while acknowledging the challenges that remain in sustaining momentum.

Key speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the National Innovation Council (NIC) showcased their agencies’ collaborative efforts under the Innovative Startup Act of 2019 (Republic Act 11337) and the Philippine Innovation Act of 2019 (Republic Act 11293) to strengthen the country’s innovation landscape.

From Cebu to Austria: GOAB 2025 spotlights global opportunities for Filipino tech talent

Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) 2025 will take place from October 1 to 3 in Mactan, Cebu. This premier tech and startup conference will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the global mobility of Filipino tech talent. One inspiring story is that of Jose Rey Jr. Salvio, a software engineer from Cebu, whose journey to Austria exemplifies how world-class skills can open doors to international opportunities.

Salvio is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Cebu and has built a successful career in software engineering, accumulating a decade of experience in full-stack development. Like many Filipino professionals, his work is deeply rooted in Cebu’s thriving IT ecosystem. However, upon discovering the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) and its talent hub, he recognized an opportunity to achieve career growth while also securing a better life for his family.

All systems go: Collaboration meets innovation as GOAB 2025 kicks off in Cebu

It’s all systems go for the Philippines’ premier tech and startup conference, Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), as it returns this year to once more bring together innovators, investors, government leaders, and creatives to celebrate and strengthen the country’s growing startup ecosystem. 

“This year’s GOAB is not just about showcasing technology and design. It’s about resilience, rebuilding, and how the Philippine startup community can help shape an ethical, sustainable, and brighter future for humanity,” said Dave Overton, GOAB organizer and Symph CEO and founder.

Now on its eighth run after launching in 2013, GOAB has grown into a trusted platform and hub for collaboration, where startups, creatives, investors, and policymakers engage as equals. The conference fosters new initiatives and highlights the importance of inclusive growth beyond Metro Manila.

Geeks on a Beach 2025 Launches AI-Focused Tracks for Businesses and Tech Teams

Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), the Philippines' premier international tech and startup conference, is introducing new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tracks designed to help businesses and technology teams move from hype to hands-on practical implementation. Set for October 1–3, 2025, at JPark Island Resort, Mactan, Cebu, GOAB 2025 will spotlight actionable strategies for leveraging AI to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation.

"Today, every company is turning into an AI company, but many are unsure of how to begin," said Tina Amper, the lead organizer of GOAB. "With our new tracks, we aim to provide founders, executives, and tech teams with a clear and actionable roadmap for leveraging AI to create real business impact—enhancing operations, increasing revenue, and upskilling their workforce," Amper added.

“A critical pillar in the PH startup ecosystem”: Geeks on a Beach is back in Cebu in its 7th year

Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), the premier international tech startup conference in the Philippines where innovation and inspiration converge in one event, will be back in Cebu, Philippines, in its 7th year on November 13-15, 2024. 

Since its launch in 2012, GOAB has become a critical pillar in the Philippine startup ecosystem. It aims to boost tech startup and investment opportunities in the country and the Southeast Asian region.