After a successful inaugural event, Echelon Philippines is set to return in 2025, aiming to catalyze more investments and innovation in the country’s burgeoning startup landscape. Organized by e27 in collaboration with Brainsparks, the conference promises to further position the Philippines as a regional tech hub, building on the momentum from Echelon Philippines 2024, which saw record-breaking participation.
The 2024 event brought together over 2,500 attendees, 90 influential speakers, 40 exhibitors, and 15 startup showcases, underscoring the potential of the Philippines’ tech ecosystem. According to e27 Co-Founder and CEO, Mohan Belani, the enthusiasm and talent evident in the event highlighted the country’s emerging role within Southeast Asia’s tech industry. “e27 is thrilled to have partnered with Brainsparks for the first-ever Echelon Philippines event. Over the past decade, we’ve organized numerous pitching and networking events, witnessing firsthand the remarkable growth of the entrepreneurial community, advancements in technology infrastructure, and increasing investor interest in Philippines-focused startups and founders. This, combined with continued government support, highlights the country’s rising prominence in the regional Southeast Asia tech ecosystem. Echelon Philippines 2024 stands as a testament to the maturity and growing relevance of the Philippines in the region,” he noted, adding that government support has been instrumental in this growth.
Echelon Philippines 2024 provided a collaborative platform for startups, investors, and industry stakeholders to connect and explore synergies. A standout feature of the event was the Startup Pitch competition, where SolX, a digital energy solutions platform, secured the top prize. The competition spotlighted the innovation and capabilities of Filipino startups, underscoring the significant investment potential within the local ecosystem.
Artie Lopez, Co-Founder of Brainsparks, expressed excitement for the 2025 edition, emphasizing its expanded scope, “The growth of the Philippines’ startup ecosystem is a testament to the incredible talent and innovation present in the Philippines.” Plans for 2025 include more extensive startup showcases, tailored investor engagements, and content sessions aligned with the Philippine government’s vision of a tech-driven economy.
Belani also underscored the vital role of government collaboration in fostering a supportive environment for the tech sector, adding that Echelon Philippines serves as a bridge to encourage synergies between policymakers and industry leaders. The government’s backing, through policies such as the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Innovation Act, has laid a solid foundation for startups to succeed and scale.
The conference’s success and the government’s proactive support have been key factors in the recent growth of the Philippine startup sector. Manila’s ecosystem valuation surged from US$3.5 billion in 2023 to US$6.4 billion in 2024, a testament to the sector’s rapid development. This momentum has firmly placed the Philippines on the regional map as a prime destination for tech innovation.
With Echelon Philippines 2025 on the horizon, the country is poised to continue its progress toward a digitally-driven economy. The event is expected to deepen connections between Filipino startups and investors, promoting opportunities for local ventures to expand both nationally and internationally.