All systems go: Collaboration meets innovation as GOAB 2025 kicks off in Cebu

Cebu, Philippines — 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.

Enabling the startup ecosystem

Rick Amores, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Region 7 Director, described GOAB as a “convergence point” that fosters natural connections between government, entrepreneurs, and investors in an approachable setting.

The DICT plays an enabling role in this convergence: “We help build the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity backbone that startups need to thrive, collaborating closely with our sister agencies—the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),” Amores explained.

“With the National Broadband Program, Cebu will soon be connected to our digital backbone. Through the eGovPH app, which now has over 13 million users, citizens can access IDs, licenses, travel requirements, and even senior citizen discounts—all in one place,” he added.

Amores emphasized that these types of infrastructure and services make the innovation and startups supported by GOAB possible.

Tristan Abando, the Director of DOST Region 7, emphasized the importance of bridging the “valley of death” between research and commercialization. On this critical stage, GOAB plays a key role. Through regional research and innovation councils, DOST collaborates with the DICT and DTI to align university-based initiatives with market-driven startups, ensuring that more ideas evolve into viable businesses.

“We want to shift the mindset so that Filipinos are not just users or consumers of technology, but also creators and innovators,” stated Abando.

This collaborative and mentorship-driven approach is also embraced by DTI Region 7, which launched the originally Cebu-based Start-Up Island PH program. This initiative has since expanded to connect entrepreneurs with experienced tech founders from across the country who serve as mentors.

“Tech founders possess strong technical skills, but only a few successfully transition into successful entrepreneurs. Mentorship provides them with the necessary encouragement,” said Hope Melgar, Director of DTI Region 7, acknowledging GOAB’s role in facilitating connections between mentors and founders.

Focus on grassroots innovation

This year, the GOAB program is expanding to highlight grassroots innovation across various fields, including health care, creative hubs, music, and design. “We wanted to provide visibility for individuals engaged in this kind of work and help them network with the right people, enabling them to grow and make a greater impact on the community,” stated Mark Deutsch, co-founder of GOAB.

Among those featured are: Hillary Overton’s Learning Board, which is advancing family care and community health; Allen Tan’s Creative Club, which has transformed a former hotel into 30 studios for artists and designers; Mikiharu Yabe’s Door to Asia, which connects Southeast Asian designers with local communities; and Cara Angan’s September Fever, a homegrown music festival that has evolved into a regional platform for independent musicians.

GOAB’s collaborative legacy continues through Zero Ten Park (formerly known as The Company). Joy Garingo Dela Serna, the general manager, highlighted the new partnership with U.S.-based Gener8tor. This collaboration aims to expand programs that link startups with global networks and foster their growth throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

GOAB has evolved into a crucial bridge-builder within the Philippine innovation ecosystem by serving as a hub for collaboration and supporting grassroots initiatives. “GOAB is where collaboration occurs. It’s a place where resilience and creativity meet opportunity. And in 2025, it will once again serve as the platform through which the Philippines connects to the world,” said Overton.