Laure Beaufils became His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau in August 2021. Prior to this, she was the FCDO Director for Jordan, Iraq, and Palestine from 2019. She served as Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of Mission to Lagos, leading on trade, climate, and organized crime. From 2014-2017, she managed a $100 million development portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. Earlier, she worked in various strategic roles within the UK government and with the UN.

Jojo is a highly accomplished CEO with extensive experience in Mobile and Digital Financial Services (DFS) across emerging markets like the Philippines, Latin America, and Africa. He currently leads PayMongo Philippines, Inc., a Fintech startup facilitating online payment acceptance for SMEs. Previously, he served as CEO of JG Digital Equity Ventures Inc (JGDEV) and Data Analytics Ventures Inc (DAVI) of the Gokongwei Group, and co-founded GoTyme Bank, a licensed digital bank. Jojo's leadership has been instrumental in introducing financial services to both banked and unbanked populations through innovative mobile money ventures such as WING Specialised Bank and Smart Money. He's an active member of the Southeast Asia Senior Advisory Council for Women’s World Banking, advocating for financial access. With a background in companies like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, IBM Corp., and Smart Communications, Jojo is dedicated to fostering successful FINTECH initiatives in ASEAN, bridging technology and finance for the underserved. He also holds expertise in supporting startups, deploying capital, and understanding future-oriented technology platforms.

Sara Venturina is currently the Chief Data Officer at GCash, where she leads the organization's data strategy. Prior to that, she held various leadership positions at Thakral One, Globe Telecom, and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Sara has over 24 years of experience across industries such as Telco, Financial Services and Public Sector. She has worked with organizations in the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia where her responsibilities have ranged from crafting analytics roadmap, leading end-to-end project implementations, building data science teams to managing stakeholders and championing data driven culture in organizations.Sara is a strong advocate for the responsible and ethical use of data to solve businesschallenges and create value for organizations.

Raya Buensuceso is the Managing Director of Kaya Founders—an early-stage venture capital firm investing in the next generation of companies driving digital transformation in commerce and critical services in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. As employee no. 1, she has worked with Kaya’s partners to build the foundations of the firm from the ground up and oversees day-to-day operations. She concurrently oversees the Manila chapter of SoGal Foundation, a US-based non-profit committed to championing female founders and investors. Prior to Kaya, Raya worked in economic research and consulting, having been a researcher at the Milken Institute in Singapore and a consultant for Polestrom Consulting and ALMEC Corporation. She holds a BA in Economics (cum laude), from Princeton University.

Innovation and transformation leader working to drive social change. Sparks movements and communities to develop culture-shifting solutions through holistic leadership development, strategic partnerships, and communication programs.

Jaba Orellana, also known as Juan Delfin Gabriel Orellana, is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, specializing in talent management and international expansion within the gaming and esports sectors.  

As the Vice President of Talent Operations and International Expansion at Tier One Entertainment, he has been instrumental in the organization’s rapid growth since its founding in 2017, establishing a strong presence across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. The organization boasts a roster of influential creators, including Cong TV, with over 12 million YouTube subscribers and 7 million Facebook followers.

In his role, Jaba excels at building and managing relationships with content creators and streamers, focusing on facilitating deals and partnerships that enhance Tier One’s influence in the gaming landscape. He is recognized for his expertise in identifying opportunities for talent, shaping the careers of prominent figures in gaming and content creation, and establishing significant partnerships, including high-profile streaming deals with Facebook. Additionally, Jaba actively engages with the gaming community through social media, sharing insights and fostering connections.

Through his strong relationships with talents and brands, Jaba Orellana has cultivated a reputation as a respected leader in the entertainment and esports industries. His commitment to nurturing talent and driving international growth continues to shape the future of Tier One Entertainment.

Ron Baetiong is the Founder & CEO of Podcast Network Asia and Podmachine, as well as the host of the Hustleshare podcast. With a proven track record in the startup world, Ron established Southeast Asia's largest Podcast Network and led it to success. He also founded the Philippines' premier chatbot development agency, which was acquired within a year. Additionally, Ron launched Partyphile, Asia's largest nightlife app, which quickly gained over 120,000 users.

Brand builder and story strategist for inclusion, influence, and impact. Works with founders, leaders, and ventures to ignite action through brand story strategy, narrative coaching, intersectional messaging, and inclusive content development.

Jen Bilango is the Country Manager of Coins.ph. She is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in fundraising, team management, and strategic program development within the Web3 and blockchain sectors. She has successfully raised over $170M, managed global teams, and organized major industry conferences and tournaments. Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, Jen excels in translating complex organizational needs into actionable solutions.

Ksther’s diverse experience across global conglomerates, government, non-profits, consultancies, and startups gives her a unique perspective on organizational dynamics. She strategically leverages technologies—from data and blockchain to AI—to revolutionize business and HR strategies, aligning them with future needs. Ksther seamlessly blends technology with a deep understanding of human dynamics, guiding leaders through complexities and helping them avoid missteps. She creates engaging, effective solutions that elevate organizational performance, cultivate thriving teams, and foster leadership growth at every level.

Mohan Belani is the Co-Founder and CEO of e27, as well as a Partner at Orvel Ventures. He is an early-stage investor with a focus on startups and funds in Southeast Asia. Mohan actively connects startups, investors, and corporates in the region.

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Diane’s joy comes from enabling others, especially young entrepreneurs. Through her work with tech startups, she has mentored close to 500 entrepreneurs. She was executive director of IdeaSpace, a tech startup accelerator from 2012 to 2021. Still very much engaged in the Philippine startup ecosystem, she chairs several technical panels at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is 1 of 2 private sector representatives to the Innovative Startup Act Steering Committee, and conducts training on customer discovery through several Philippine universities.

Angela Daly is an academic who specialises in the regulation and governance of data and digital technologies, covering data protection, intellectual property, human rights, competition/antitrust and sector-specific regulation. She is full Professor of Law and Technology at the University of Dundee in Scotland (UK) where she has a joint appointment between Dundee Law School and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. Before moving back to Scotland in 2019, she worked in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong for universities and digital rights NGOs, and prior to her PhD at the European University Institute, was a policy adviser for UK communications regulator OFCOM. She is the author of two books, and co-editor of open access book Good Data. She has recently advised the Scottish Government, UK Government and European Commission on matters related to her research.

Erika Aquino is an entrepreneur and angel investor with a diverse background in public relations, business development, and marketing across the fintech, hospitality, and food and beverage industries. Her current portfolio includes companies in 5 countries and 3 continents. Passionate about making an impact, Erika invests in companies focused on wellness, sustainability, education, agriculture, and the future of work.

Franco Varona is Managing Partner at Foxmont Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs. The firm operates on the belief that if a startup can thrive in the Philippines, it can succeed globally. Franco focuses on funding and guiding startups to tackle significant problems and achieve success.

Yeoh Chen Chow co-founded Fave, a fintech loyalty platform acquired by Pine Labs in April 2021, and also KFit, a fitness-sharing platform. He previously held roles at Groupon Asia Pacific, JobStreet.com, and Accenture. An Eisenhower Fellow and Cornell alumnus, he is an angel investor, mentor, and currently offers advisory and coaching services.

Co-Founder and COO, Luxclusif by Farfetch

Gui Faria is a Portuguese serial entrepreneur who built a remarkable career through immersing himself in diverse cultures, including time in the U.S., Italy, South Korea, and over a decade in Japan. He co-founded Luxclusif (later acquired by Farfetch) and Penbrothers, an offshore staffing provider here in the Philippines that recently secured a major investment from Japan's MyNavi. Now based in Portugal with his family, Gui continues to balance his thriving career with a rich personal life, frequently traveling between Europe and Asia.

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Robert Cristobal is a seasoned creative entrepreneur having worked with global brands through his company in Singapore (Frame 316, 2009-2023). He served as a Marketing Consultant to various brands and has grown his network through collaborative business development and speaking engagements. He also teaches video content and marketing to adult learning institutions, client brands and through his YouTube channel.

Robert believes that no matter how powerful AI is, the most potent use of this tool is with the authentic touch of human creativity.

His passion to build from years of creative business experience, brings him to set up NxtStory Studios in the heart of Silicon Valley California.

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Jay Fajardo is a serial tech entrepreneur and advocate for grassroots innovation. He is the Executive Director at IDEASPACE/QBO and the founder and CEO of PROUDCLOUD, which provides agile development teams to tech startups. As a prominent speaker and mentor, Jay is a key figure in shaping the Philippine tech startup ecosystem.

Jeremy Au is COO of Lucence, a leading biotech AI startup focused on precision oncology. He also hosts BRAVE Southeast Asia, the region’s #1 tech podcast with 60,000+ monthly listeners. Angel in 24 startups. Exited founder, former Bain consultant and Harvard MBA. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and Prestige 40 Under 40.

Jojo Flores is Co-Founder of Plug and Play Tech Center, which accelerates over 2,000 tech startups globally each year. He also co-founded Launchgarage in 2016, an ASEAN-focused tech startup accelerator. Jojo advises startups and serves on boards such as the Science and Technology Advisory Council and Animo Labs-ICAST.

Josef Werker's career began in sport and music before shifting to the startup world, driven by his passion for making a real impact. He moved to Southeast Asia in 2012, working with global CEOs and government officials to promote investment in emerging markets. In 2017, he became managing director of Penbrothers, which, under his leadership, was named the fastest-growing company in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022. Josef then co-founded and became CEO of Humble, a leading climate technology company in the Philippines. Humble disrupts IT equipment management to prevent e-waste and supports businesses in achieving their ESG goals. The company is backed by Gobi, the Philippine government, and ADB.

Kevin is the founder of Indelible Ventures, a Seed Stage VC focused on tech-enabled B2B products with international scalability. His career began in distressed assets in NYC and progressively expanded into early-stage and international investments. Over the years, he has accumulated extensive experience, managing more than $500M in AUM and being involved in hundreds of investments and thousands of opportunities across various sectors and geographies. Since founding Indelible Ventures in 2021, he has been dedicated to identifying high-growth opportunities in Southeast Asia and partnering with exceptional founders who have a global vision.

Garik Tate is an AI Futurist, Investor, and AI Strategy Consultant.

With a decade of entrepreneurial experience, he has founded and led successful companies in software development, outsourcing, and publishing.

His expertise lies at the intersection of AI, IQ, and EQ, getting his client’s businesses to achieve increased profits and ultimately get acquired at high valuations.

Paul Pajo is the Director for Benilde HIFI DOST TBI and co-founder for Embiggen Group & SmartDevNet and Chairman of Plentina, Inc. (Philippines). He helped convene AngelHack Manila and Davao, Geeks On A Beach and was the Co-Lead for Meta (Formerly Facebook) Developer Circles Manila, Startup Advisor for Cognity Labs and co-host for Sinigang Valley on Clubhouse and also a startup evangelist for QBO and Ideaspace as well as LP for Backend Capital and Behind Genius Ventures.

Gabriel Ayala is an entrepreneur in residence and investor with Kaya Founders, focusing on scaling early-stage portfolio companies and incubating his own technology ventures aimed at economic empowerment. He also runs Pawikan Capital Group, connecting overseas Filipinos with entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. Prior to Kaya, Gabriel spent eight years at Block Inc., where he led the Growth data science team for Square and managed operations for Cash App. He holds a Master’s in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Claremont McKenna College.

Chris the CTO of Shoppable and founder of Startup PH. He created a technology firm on 2011 and the first cross border commerce platform on 2013 in the Philippines with his amazing friends and partners. Both were acquired by the Sterling Group of Companies in 2017.

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Chris is an experienced Open Source Programmer, detail-oriented UX Product Designer, and an expert in driving mass traffic through organic growth strategies. He has held leadership roles as a CEO, CTO, and Tech Entrepreneur in Southeast Asia. With three ventures that didn’t succeed, two successful acquisitions, and one ongoing project, Chris is also a startup supporter and a new Angel Investor.

Jeremy comes from a family of venture-backed entrepreneurs; His older brother founded Expedock and his younger brother founded Avion School (YC W21). Jeremy has previous experience in early-stage investing through a Philippine-based VC firm. Prior to joining Gentree, he also worked at PDAX (Series B), a Crypto Exchange in the Philippines. Jeremy graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a BS Business Administration & Accountancy undergraduate degree.

Paulo Campos is the Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in high-impact entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. He co-founded ZALORA Philippines and played a key role in spinning off its logistics arm, ENTREGO, in partnership with Ayala Corp. Paulo holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University.

Péter Kovács is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor from Budapest. He co-founded the Global Startup Awards, covering over 120 countries, and IseeQ, an international tech recruitment agency. He also co-founded XO.company, which links governments and corporations with startup ecosystems.

Shannen is a seasoned fractional product designer with a decade of experience crafting intuitive digital experiences. Her approach combines user-centered design methodologies with a holistic perspective, resulting in solutions that blend aesthetics and functionality. Shannen's expertise lies in transforming complex user needs into sleek, effective interfaces across a diverse range of projects.

Beyond work, she is deeply committed to nurturing the UX community. Since 2017, she has volunteered and led UX Davao, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting User Experience Design practices in Davao City. When not immersed in the digital world, Shannen finds balance in tending to her garden, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, and embracing the challenge of learning to play the drums (sorry neighbors!)

Miramark is a passionate designer with a diverse background spanning multiple industries. Most recently, he led a team at Cebu Pacific Air, managing digital channels for both domestic and international flights. He has also partnered with Toffeenut Design Studio and Abstract Software on a couple projects in e-commerce, hospitality, and education. Miramark’s approach is fueled by curiosity and a deep conviction that well-crafted design can create lasting, meaningful impact.

Aldrich is the Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder of NextPay.ph, a leading business banking platform for entrepreneurs in the Philippines. He also serves as Managing Director of UXPH, the largest non-profit design organization in the country focused on advancing design practices and education.

With a background as an Experience Architect and Service Designer, Aldrich has led teams in major tech companies across North America and the Philippines. He is committed to fostering collaboration, design learning, and startups, offering mentorship and educational programs to elevate UX in the Filipino tech community.

Andre Yap leads Ignite's venture capital activities, focusing on sourcing, evaluating, and supporting companies to achieve 100X ROI and impact. With a passion for innovation, he channels 100X Peak Performance strategies into corporate, educational, and government sectors to elevate Filipino talent. Educated in the US, Andre was granted US Permanent Residence in 2009 for exceptional innovation work. Since returning to Manila in 2011, he has been dedicated to driving 100X growth through Ignite House of Innovation.

Kendrick Geluz Kho is the Founder & General Partner of Hyperparameter, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in AI-driven transformations in traditional industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. He previously founded Fourth Realm (investing in SpaceX and Stripe) and served as Partner at Global Founders Capital (investing in Deel and Brex). Kendrick is also President of the Science & Technology Advisory Council (STAC), promoting innovation in the Philippines. He holds three degrees from Stanford University.

With over a decade of experience in building impact-driven products, providing technology consulting, and 10x-ing software engineering teams and organizations, Raven had his fair share of challenges—3 failures and 1 small but successful startup exit.He thrives when collaborating with passionate people who love to hack and change the world. Currently, he's an advocate for Generative AI with the aim to empower leaders and startup founders through its potential and practical use cases amidst all the hype.Beyond the tech scene, he co-owns and manages a growing fast-food chain, a café, and a hardware business—each infused with a touch of tech magic.

Wade Eyerly is a General Partner and Investor at Buko Ventures, formerly Digital River Impact. It is a venture fund focused on investing in early stage companies delivering outsized financial performance while improving the world around them. They focus in places like Ghana, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Rene Cuartero is a seasoned leader in startup enablement and ecosystem-building. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of AHG Lab, one of the Philippines' largest independent venture studios. His long-term vision is to use an ecosystem approach in building, investing, empowering, and accelerating tech founders and startups through venture-building, capital formation, and operational and strategic support that will help make founders feel less alone by having a institutional co-founder and partner with AHG. Prior to AHG, Rene was in the founding team that scaled two European startups to over 150 countries, one in the  field of access to financial services, and the other in entrepreneurial support and development. His experience spans finance, investment banking, and strategic management at firms like P&G, Deutsche Bank, and MSCI across Asia, Europe, and the US. He also teaches strategy, finance, and economics at De La Salle University.

Betsy is the Co-Founder of Stace, a platform that connects hustlers with people looking to hire professionals for side gigs. With her experience in Recruitment, Busines Development, Sales and Marketing and Events Management, Betsy is a key member of the Davao startup community, being an organizing member of Davao Startup Week and Techstars Startup Weekend. She also contributed to Davao-based Silicon Valley proptech company, Poplar Homes, as their former Engineeiring Headhunter and Community Ambassador. While wearing multiple hats, she continues to express passion for the creative industry and is currently developing the Sidlak Creatives program on her mission to uplift the local digital design scene.

Patrick is passionate about leadership development, working extensively with emerging leaders and founders as a mentor, coach and advisor. Recognizing the expectations and demands of, and on, investors and founders alike, Patrick’s aim is to protect and optimize investor returns whilst creating a safe space for founders to discuss challenges they may neglect to address in a traditional startup ecosystem. Identifying issues around wellbeing and mental health is key to their growth and success, with many founders set to become successful serial entrepreneurs if the appropriate foundations for support are put in place at the onset of their journey. Patrick has worked extensively in the humanitarian and developmental field, including conflict zones, before embarking on a career in the private sector with the ultimate aim of helping people optimally achieve their personal and professional ambitions.

John Naranjo, a software engineer turned tech entrepreneur, has a knack for building software products and tech startups. He currently ignites software innovation at his venture builder firm, Bayanihan Ventures.

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He's the force behind Ingenuity, a global award-winning software engineering firm catering to industries as diverse as FinTech, Healthcare, and eCommerce. John is also the founder of Hackademy, a coding school on a mission to help turn the Philippines into the global "coding capital" by training world-class software engineers.

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Over his 20-year career, he has partnered with tech startups, digital agencies, and industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and AWS.

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Presently, John advises the Google Developers Group in Davao, presides over the Davao Software Industry and ICT Davao (Trustee), and champions young entrepreneurship as the Founding President of the Davao City Young Entrepreneurs Association. He also sits on the board of the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus, Foundation Inc.

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John is an alumnus of the Philippine Science High School, finished a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the Ateneo, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in “Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship” from Thames International. He completed “Innovation Leadership and Global Entrepreneurship” and “Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning” at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

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In his free time, John can be found either spending quality time with his wife and kids, or in the golf course tirelessly digging patches of grass and dirt under the scorching heat of the sun.

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Nikhil Paul Antao is the founder of Bayanihan Ventures, a pioneering venture studio based in the Philippines, focusing on startups in education and agriculture. With a mission to bridge talent flow with deal flow, Nikhil drives efforts to create pathways that connect local entrepreneurs with investors and opportunities, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and impactful. Since November 2023, he has led programs like the monthly Founders Circle and the flagship Bayanihan Build program, guiding startups from ideation to validation. Nikhil’s approach emphasizes grassroots initiatives, open-source knowledge sharing, and ecosystem development to empower founders and transform industries in the region.

Before moving to the Philippines, Nikhil spent eight years in Berlin and Frankfurt, Germany, working extensively with startups, shaping strategic interventions, and launching innovative solutions. His experience across India, Argentina, Germany, and the Philippines has equipped him with a deep understanding of global markets and local dynamics, enabling him to navigate cross-cultural contexts and drive meaningful impact in the startup ecosystems he engages with.

An edutech creator that makes educational and tech content on multiple platforms, Coach Abby Maravilla has gathered 365K followers on TikTok by making learning tech skills fun and practical. On YouTube, she has 11.6K subscribers tuning in for her geeky, yet relatable tutorials. On Facebook, Coach Abby connects with followers through informative posts and live sessions. Beyond her social media presence, Jan Abigail Maravilla earned her BS Accountancy degree with Latin Honors from Messiah College Foundation. With over ten years of experience in the fast-paced Finance and Accounting sector of the shared service industry, she aims to impart her skills and knowledge to anyone willing to learn.

A dynamic content creator known for both his work as a Voice Actor and Comedy skits that infuse Geek Humor from fandoms such as Dungeons & Dragons, Anime and much more! With a witty sense of humor and high energy style, he has captivated audiences both on and off the screen!

Carlo Calimon, a champion of entrepreneurship, currently directs the Let's Go Foundation, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurship, and co-owns multiple innovative companies. Carlo has won prestigious awards and is a dedicated educator, mentor, and global mentor for Google Launchpad and AMEN. He also plays a key role in StartUp Village, an incubator/accelerator he co-founded, where he develops impactful programs for MSMEs and startups, fostering growth and digitization.

Nina Marie Hernandez is the CEO of Iraya Energies, a Petronas Technology Ventures investee company, renowned for integrating AI and machine learning to make unstructured data actionable in the energy and engineering sectors. With over 20 years of industry experience, she is a trailblazer in leveraging AI to drive sustainability and innovation. Nina founded Iraya Energies to reshape decision-making in industries critical to the energy transition, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility. She is passionate about AI governance and its ethical use, particularly in the fast-evolving realm of generative AI.

Anabella Sevilla, the Country Director and Corporate Legal Counsel of Iraya Energies, brings vast expertise in AI governance, climate resilience, and legal frameworks across diverse sectors such as energy, technology, and mining. Anabella is passionate about advancing AI ethics and sustainability in the Philippines, where her team tackles the 4E challenges - Earth, Energy, Environment, and Engineering. With a strong legal background and certifications in ESG and Climate Change, she leads efforts to ensure responsible innovation.

Nel Laygo, CEO and Founder of Peddlr Philippines Inc., hails from Eastern Visayas and leads a startup that's revolutionizing MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium-size Enterprises). Peddlr's mobile app simplifies inventory management and bookkeeping with digital ledgers and virtual storefronts, making it a valuable asset for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses. Even more impressively, Peddlr functions seamlessly offline. Earlier this year, it raised an impressive US$4.3 million in seed funding from key investors, including Crestone Venture Capital and Patamar Capital, alongside ongoing support from Kaya Founders and Foxmont Capital Partners.

Jocelle Batapa-Sigue is a distinguished Filipino woman leader known for her pioneering work in information and communications technology (ICT), legal and gender advocacy, and public service. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to the development of the ICT sector in the Philippines, particularly in fostering technology-driven economic development in the countryside.

As an awardee of The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) for her work in ICT, Jocelle has held numerous leadership positions, including Past President and Co-Founder of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for ICT (BNEFIT) and has served three terms as a councilor of Bacolod City. Her recognition extends to being named one of the Asia Society Top Ten Philippines 21 Young Leaders in 2009 and being selected as an Eisenhower Fellow from the Philippines in 2012 and IT-BPM Contributor of the Year in 2014.

Jocelle’s work focuses on driving digital innovation and inclusion, particularly in the countryside, aiming to create a citizen-centric government through enhanced digital platforms and solutions. She is actively involved in policies and initiatives that foster digital inclusivity and skills development, ensuring that Filipinos are prepared for the evolving demands of the digital age. Her vision emphasizes collaboration across sectors to enhance the Philippines’ digital landscape, and to fostering a digital ecosystem that is inclusive, secure, and forward-looking.

As co-founder of several ICT organizations, she has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between government, the private sector, and academic institutions to drive jobs and investments throughout the country. As a lawyer and a public servant, Jocelle has held various positions where she has been instrumental in implementing reforms and initiatives aimed at improving governance, transparency, and public service.

Jocelle is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing her expertise in ICT, governance, and legal matters with diverse audiences worldwide. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders in the Philippines and beyond, making her a respected figure in her field.

Alewijn began his career in government service in 2013 and served as the Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Freeport Area of Bataan. He oversaw 7 divisions involved in business registration, tax incentives management, utilities infrastructure, environment regulation, logistics and trade, community and labor services. Quite recently, he moved to the National Development Company as the Assistant General Manager (AGM) for Business Development and is concurrently the supervising AGM for the Business Development Group. Mr. Ong is likewise the Chairperson of the Investment Committee of the Philippine Startup Venture Fund and Chairperson of the Board of the LIDE Management Corporation, an NDC affiliate.

Alewijn obtained his degree in Economics from the Ateneo De Manila University in 1999 and earned his MBA in 2015 from the same institution under the AGSB-Regis program. He is currently completing his research work to earn his Doctorate degree from the School of Urban and Regional Planning of the University of the Philippines and the Department of Spatial Planning of Technische Universität Dortmund, Germany.

He was the lead author for a manuscript that won Best Paper in the 2021 Asia Future Conference held in Taipei, Taiwan. During his free time, Alewijn enjoys being a numismatic hobbyist and gives back to the community by teaching college students.

Grant is an Investment Analyst and Account Officer for the Startup Venture Fund (SVF) at NDC, where he began working in March 2023. He previously worked in sales with AyalaLand Premier. A 2019 graduate of the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, he's gained valuable experience since joining the company.

As the General Manager of the National DevelopmentCompany, Anton Mauricio has the equivalent rank ofUndersecretary with the Department of Trade and Industry. He has over 30 years of experience in investment, finance, and management consulting.

Prior to joining the government service, he set up two international finance companies in the Philippines. He is the founder of the Finance Education Center, a social enterprise supporting the largest coalition of finance academics and professionals in the country. He is the President of AIESECAlumni Philippines.

GM Anton brings with him a wide array of work experience in the private sector. He transitioned into different areas including investment banking, technology, agriculture, engineering, ICT, property, and telecommunications, giving him an extensive business network in the Philippines and in Asia.

Before his appointment at the NDC, GM Anton was a C-level management consultant for strategy and finance. He set up the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI Philippines) as the country president, and was the country head of Thomson Ratings Philippines, Inc. which is now Fitch Ratings.He was also connected with Mitchell Madison Group Global Management Consulting as the Director for Business Development. Prior to this he was with Urban Bank, Jardine Land, and ICC Telecoms.

GM Anton has been actively involved in different professional network organizations such as the RotaryClub of Manila, Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, CISI Asia-Pacific Advisory Council,Makati Business Club, CIBI Foundation, and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines. He is also the founder of both the Finance Educators Association (Fin.Ed) and the Junior Confederation ofFinance Associations - Philippines (JCFAP).

He completed his elementary and high school education at the Ateneo de Manila and obtained his BSBusiness Administration degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. He completed the Executive Program in Digital Leadership at the Singapore Management University.

Under his leadership, GM Anton envisions the NDC as a major contributor to the country’s development, befitting its status as the oldest government company and the state investment arm.

GM Anton is from Davao City, where he was born, and Quezon City, where he grew up. He considers both Philippine cities as his hometown.

Isis Umali is a visionary in the Filipino creative and tech startup scene, driven by the extraordinary. As the co-creator of Likhaan, a transformative platform that uplifts Filipino creators, and the Program Development Officer at the Philippine Innovation Hub, she is reshaping the creative economy with bold, strategic solutions. Through her thought leadership, Isis inspires and drives change, connecting deeply with others through empathy, vision, and commitment. A proud mother to her creative and beautiful daughter, she is passionate about building an ecosystem where Filipino talent can thrive and lead with impact.

Ms. Delfin is the Director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

With over 20 years in public service, Ms. Delfin is passionate about creating positive changes in the lives of Filipinos most especially in the countryside through the ICT industry development programs. These include bringing digital jobs related to the Information technology – Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector to cities outside Metro Manila, capacitating rural talents to get into online freelancing and helping promote and develop Filipino startups and the startup ecosystem. She also leads the DICT initiatives to move the Philippines towards becoming the global hub for high value IT-BPM services.

She was recognized and awarded by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) as a Countryside Development Champion for her dedicated work in implementing initiatives that promote countryside development. Recently, the DICT, through her Bureau, in partnership with the Information Technology - Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), launched the Digital Cities 2025, one of the flagship programs of DICT in the New Normal.

Lloyd Cameron is the Economic and Climate Counsellor at the British Embassy, Manila. As part of this, he oversees the embassy’s work on mobilisation, infrastructure, energy, science, technology, health, and climate.

He has worked for the UK Government for over ten years, focused on economic development and investment. Prior to arriving in Manila, Lloyd was working on the mobilisation of green and development finance. He has represented the UK as part of its missions in Afghanistan and Syria.

Lloyd holds a LLM from Lund University, Sweden and a LLB from the University of Edinburgh.

Joy Garingo serves as the General Manager of The Company's two co-working spaces in Cebu, as well as its outsourcing business operations. Additionally, she contributes to business development activities for Zeroten Park, the lead investor of The Company Cebu, in the Philippines.

The Company, a co-working space and community supportive of startups and creators, originated in Fukuoka, Japan. At The Company, Joy oversees operations and finances, develops and refines products and services, strategizes and executes PR, sales, and marketing campaigns, manages teams and client relations, and fosters internal and external community partnerships. Along with her team, she also sets up build-to-suit offices for multinational teams. She collaborates with Community Managers and professionals from The Company’s branches and partner spaces in Japan, Singapore, Bangkok, and more to connect members, assist with digital marketing, or support business development.

Joy is deeply passionate about the arts, innovation, education, mental health, technology, community- and nation-building. Her dedication has led to collaborations with the Department of Trade & Industry 7, the Department of Information & Communications Technology, Startup Island PH, Cebu Gospel Church, King’s College of Marbel - Lake Sebu & Surallah, Story Nights Cebu, Impact Hub, Happy Garaje, Symph Inc, Tropical Futures Institute, Arcanys Early Learning Foundation, Amazon Web Services, and Devcon Cebu.

Holding a degree in Psychology, a Psychometrics and Financial Advisory License, and a diploma in Professional Education, Joy is committed to making a positive impact, particularly within the Philippine education system. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Joy is also one of the directors at Redeemed Tattoo, a 15-year-old tattoo studio created and primarily managed by Boots Brandon. The studio, with branches in Makati City and Cebu City, upholds the high standards of hygiene and professionalism, providing a safe and comfortable experience for every client. With a talented and experienced team of tattoo artists, Redeemed Tattoo transforms ideas into stunning works of art, celebrating self-expression and creativity.

In her spare time, Joy volunteers as an outreach program coordinator, consults for companies and organizations that value collaborations that greatly benefit Philippine communities, creates content thru photography & writing, invests in startups, real estate & agriculture, manages Airbnb units, and dabbles in high-risk stock trading.

AGM Saturnino oversees the functions of the Special Projects Group, that of developing new businesses in joint venture with the private sector or another government corporation, conducting project evaluation, due diligence and detailed analysis of the viability, technical feasibility, economic and social desirability of projects. He builds up strategic alliances, develops and establishes domestic and international linkages with prospective investment partners. With a solid experience in joint venture undertakings, corporate finance, project evaluation and management, feasibility study preparation, public-private partnerships, macroeconomic analyses, Saturnino promotes investments in the areas of renewable energy, industrial estate development, food terminal complex, decontamination of agri and non-agri product, health and technology innovations. He holds a Master of Science in Policy Science (Monbusho Scholarship Grant), from the International Graduate School of Policy Science, Saitama University, Japan. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering degree from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Jerahmeel Chen serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at the National Development Company, where his primary responsibility involves driving strategic development for innovation. This encompasses organizing impactful events and conferences tailored to benefit the startup industry. Moreover, he takes the lead in formulating pioneering and imaginative policies that serve as the guiding principles behind the operations of the Philippine Innovation Hub. Essentially, his role is to spearhead innovative initiatives and strategies that foster growth and progress within the innovation ecosystem of the country.

Maria Elena Arbon, Regional Director of DTI Region 7 and concurrent Regional Director of the Negros Island Region (NIR), is a visionary leader dedicated to driving innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development across Central Visayas and Negros Island. Under her stewardship, DTI 7 has championed impactful initiatives such as STARTUPISLAND PH, fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem; the Digital Services Entrepreneurs Advancement Mentorship (DREAM) program, equipping creatives and MSMEs with essential digital skills; Creative Connect, empowering local enterprises to leverage digital tools; and the Central Visayas Investment Assistance Network (CVIAN), fostering cross-sector collaboration. Her strong advocacy for the “Buy Local, Buy Bisaya” campaign has further strengthened support for local products, reinforcing economic growth within the region. With a strategic focus on digitalization, technology-driven solutions, and robust consumer protection, Director Arbon remains committed to economic resilience, consumer welfare, and inclusive progress across both Central Visayas and Negros Island.

Gia Santos is the CEO & Co-Founder of BookSpine, a tech-driven circular economy platform dedicated to making books accessible and fostering a culture of reading in the Philippines. With a background in electronics engineering, Gia has been an active part of the startup ecosystem since 2013, including her work with the IdeaSpace team and founding various startups focused on innovation and social impact. A DOST-Newton Agham Leaders in Innovation Fellow, she brings a deep understanding of tech and entrepreneurship, previously leading ventures in health tech and eCommerce. At BookSpine, she drives a mission to match every reader with their perfect book through sustainable sourcing, curated bundles, and an AI-powered recommendation app, which aims to also promote Filipino-authored books and bring them closer to people all over the Philippines.