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.

Geeks On A Beach showcased government initiatives to boost the Philippine startup ecosystem

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.

From pandemic blues to startup success: How Penbrothers is redefining remote work in the Philippines

Penbrothers co-founder and President Guilherme Faria (“Gui”) has come a long way — from starting the business in 2014 to leading a company recognized as the Philippines’ fastest-growing in 2024 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.

Speaking at the seventh edition of GOAB on November 14, 2024, Faria delivered a message that resonated far beyond the scenic shores at Jpark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. He shared insights drawn from a decade-long journey of transforming the way businesses connect with global talent.

Founded in 2014 by Faria and Nicolas Bivero, Penbrothers began as a small agency providing coworking spaces and staffing solutions for startups like Gui’s other business, Luxclusif (that actually secured seed funding during the 2016 Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) in Bohol and successfully exited to Farfetch in 2021). Today, it stands as one of the Philippines' leading ethical offshoring and remote talent management companies, employing over 1,000 Filipino professionals across diverse industries. 

“Our mission from the very beginning has been to create opportunities locally. Instead of Filipino talents having to go overseas, we wanted to bring the work to them, harnessing the power of the internet to bridge gaps and build careers where opportunities didn’t previously exist,” said Faria.

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.”

WORK in AUSTRIA goes to Geeks On A Beach in the Philippines

WORK in AUSTRIA showcases career opportunities and free services for skilled workers at the Geeks On A Beach in the Philippines

WORK in AUSTRIA, a department of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), will participate in the Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference in Cebu, Philippines. The conference will provide detailed information about the career landscape in Austria and showcase the comprehensive range of free services available to skilled workers on their path to employment in Austria.

Geeks On A Beach 2024 to Feature Exclusive Master Classes for Leaders and Startups on November 13

In an exciting lead-up to this year’s Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference, which will be held in Cebu on November 13, exclusive master classes will be featured tailored for leaders and startups looking to elevate their skills. 

"GOAB masterclasses offer in-depth insights and practical takeaways, empowering participants to excel and thrive in their fields. We encourage budding entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to join," said Tina Amper, GOAB lead organizer.

Each master class offers a comprehensive two-hour workshop on tech, startups, design, and business topics led by international industry experts.

"Participants can dive deep into key topics, engage with experts, and network with peers, with plenty of opportunities for Q&A and meaningful discussions," said Amper.

“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. 

Geeks On A Beach 2023’: Startup founders to gather at Panglao, Bohol Philippines

Movers and shakers of the Philippine startup community, innovators and investors, and global and national leaders are set to gather for the sixth edition of the tech-famous Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) international conference on November 22 to 24 at the renowned Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines.

Spearheaded by GeeksPH and co-organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), GOAB will be a bold exclamation mark to cap the 2023 Philippine Startup Week events to be held nationwide.

About 500 participants are expected to discuss at GOAB the trends and forecasts on tech, startup and design, with conversations and interactions aimed at enabling the best to ride the wave of technological advances.