“The return of Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), the country’s premier tech startup international
conference to Cebu this year after a decade, is a testament to GOAB’s success as a
catalyst for Cebu’s tech startup ecosystem,” said GOAB lead organizer Tina Amper.
In 2024, Cebu City climbed to 10th place in Southeast Asia’s startup rankings, according to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index. It remains the second-leading startup ecosystem in the Philippines, underscoring Cebu’s rise as a tech destination.
Amper emphasized Cebu’s strategic location in Central Visayas, which has historically served as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, enablers, and innovators from different regions. Central Visayas, led by Cebu, emerged as the fastest-growing economy in the Philippines, contributing 6.6% to the country’s growth in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
From “Ceboom” to ICT Hub
The roots of Cebu’s tech growth can be traced to its entrepreneurial boom in the 1980s and 1990s. By the 2000s, Cebu transformed into an ICT hub, leveraging government-backed initiatives focused on business process outsourcing (BPO) and ICT-enabled services.
Jojo Flores, GOAB founding advisor and Plug and Play Tech Center Philippines co-founder, noted that Cebu’s pool of English-educated talent. Fostered by its educational institutions and training programs, paved the way for this transformation. The Cebu IT Park, established as the first tech hub outside Manila, became a hub of innovation by 2010.
“Bringing GOAB to Cebu in 2015 was pivotal in nurturing Cebu’s vibrant startup ecosystem, which has continued to grow thanks to initiatives like GOAB,” Flores said. GOAB has played a significant role in fostering collaboration and innovation within Cebu’s tech community through networking events, mentorship programs, and educational workshops.
Overcoming Challenges in Cebu’s Tech Ecosystem
Despite its growing success, Cebu’s tech startup ecosystem still faces challenges, including gaps in infrastructure, investment, and government support. A 2015 study titled “Cebu City Tech Startup Ecosystem” identified these areas as critical for improvement.
However, recent government initiatives like the Innovative Startup Act and the establishment of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) have provided much-needed support and incentives for startups.
With the return of Geeks On A Beach in 2024, Cebu solidifies its status as a rising tech hub in Asia. “GOAB offers a space where startups get celebrated, founders get funded, and partnerships are forged,” Amper added.
Join Geeks On A Beach 2024
Join GOAB and be part of Cebu’s growing tech ecosystem. Purchase your tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited time.
Connect with GOAB on social media:
- Facebook: @GeeksOnABeach
- X: @GeeksOnABeach
- LinkedIn: Geeks On A Beach
