PH STARTUP WEEK HIGHLIGHTS HOMEGROWN HEROES
In celebration of the growing Filipino startup ecosystem, homegrown startup heroes and enablers will gather in the annual staging of the Philippine Startup Week (PHSW23), Nov. 20 to Nov. 24. The annual event is hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and supported by QBO Innovation Hub, a public-private sector partnership and startup enabler, and other startup ecosystem stakeholders such as Bossjob and Uniquecorn Strategies.
With the theme, “Investing in Filipino Homegrown Heroes as Global Game Changers,” the weeklong event will showcase a series of programs happening in-person at multiple venues nationwide, bringing together the local startup community to discuss key issues. Some of the discussions will include the investment landscape for Filipino startups, the role of women-led businesses in the current funding climate, the use of AI and other emerging technologies, as well as regional and international expansion opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs.
PHSW23 features the first-ever “Sinigang Valley Conference” on Nov. 21 in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the most promising Filipino startups of the year will be unveiled during the Top 100 Startups Showcase by QBO and the inaugural KMC Startup Awards.
PHSW23 also features government-led summits, including the “Slingshot Conference x Venture Pilipinas” by DTI in Metro Manila on Nov. 20, the Technology Business Incubator Summit by the DOST in Iloilo on Nov. 21, and “Geeks On A Beach” by the DICT and Geeks PH in Bohol Nov. 22 to Nov. 24.
PHSW23 also includes over 50 community events spearheaded by various partners from all over the Philippines. These events showcase the collaborative spirit and diversity of the Filipino startup ecosystem, enabling attendees to learn, interact, network and collaborate.
The PHSW23 celebration continues with Night Fests, which are after-hours networking sessions. The five-day conference is expected to draw over 3,000 in-person attendees across the country, 150+ speakers and 100+ startups.
“This year aims to highlight and strategically position the Philippines as an emerging investment hub for startups in Southeast Asia, while facilitating actionable insights and nurturing collaborative efforts and learning among the local startup community,” said Katrina Rausa Chan, executive director of QBO Innovation Hub.
“While the tech startup community is facing headwinds in the global ‘funding winter,’ the conference acts as a nexus for innovation and growth, providing a platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to collectively navigate and shape the future trajectory of the local startup ecosystem.”
Get your free tickets now at phstartupweek.com.