The Philippine startup community is abuzz with anticipation as the sixth edition of the internationally acclaimed Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference officially kicks off from November 22 to 24 on the idyllic Panglao Island in Bohol.
This event, renowned for drawing key figures from the tech world, marks a significant conclusion to the 2023 Philippine Startup Week.
Organized by GeeksPH and co-hosted with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), GOAB expects to welcome around 500 participants.
These attendees include a mix of movers and shakers from the Philippine startup scene, global and national leaders, innovators, and investors. The conference is set to foster discussions on the latest trends and forecasts in technology, startups, and design, aiming to empower participants to harness the potential of technological advancements.
The formal opening of GOAB will be conducted by DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy. Tina Amper of GeeksPH, the founding organizer of GOAB, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s return after a hiatus caused by the pandemic. She emphasized the significance of celebrating advancements in digitalization, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and the increasing funding acquired by Filipino startups.
The founding team of GOAB includes prominent figures such as Dave Overton of Symph, Mark Deutsch of Happy Garaje, and Doris Isubal-Mongaya of PRWorks. Serving as advisors are esteemed personalities like Manny Ayala of Hatchd and Endeavor PH, and Christina Laskowski from the Silicon Valley-based Science and Technology Advisory Council.
A lineup of influential speakers, including DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy and leaders from various sectors of the tech industry, are set to grace the event. These sessions will explore potential investment opportunities and cover diverse themes like FinTech, EduTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, with a special focus on youth and women.
This year’s GOAB will also highlight the impact of the Innovative Startup Act and DICT’s programs on the Philippine startup ecosystem. Special Masterclass sessions and an exclusive investor dinner are planned for November 22, setting the stage for high-level learning and networking.
GOAB is not just about plenary and breakout sessions; it’s a premier networking event where lasting connections are formed, fostering collaboration among tech investors, innovators, and enablers from the Philippines and beyond.