GOAB 2023 brings innovation to Panglao, Bohol

MANILA, Philippines — The highly anticipated tech event of the year, Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), launched in Panglao, Bohol on Wednesday.

The 6th annual GOAB, which runs from November 22 to 24, is expected to attract hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and global tech leaders. The organizers promised valuable talks and growth opportunities at a top beach resort in Panglao, Bohol.

The conference, which focuses on partnerships, growth and innovation in startups, tech and design, aims to foster collaboration not just locally but globally. It features a diverse program with opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking and investments.

The main conference will kick off on Thursday, featuring a keynote address on the Philippine Startup Development Program by Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy. The program includes a panel titled "From Seeds to Stars: Unveiling the 10-Year Evolution of the Philippine Startup Ecosystem."

GOAB is the result of collaboration between GeeksPH and the DICT. The event will focus on fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in the Philippines, shining a spotlight on this year's theme, "Igniting Innovation and Collaboration."

In a statement released on Wednesday, GOAB organizers highlighted that this year's event commemorates the 10th anniversary of the conference, symbolizing the enduring growth and dynamism of the Philippine startup landscape."

"From its humble beginnings in Boracay, GOAB has evolved into a champion of the local startup community, celebrating the Philippines' growth and potential," it said. 

The event offered many informative panels and talks with top speakers, covering diverse topics:

• Founders' Panel: Navigating the Challenges of Startup Life
Luminaries: Roland Ros (Kumu), ER Rollan (GrowSari), Angeline Tham (Angkas), Steve Sy (Great Deals E-Commerce)

• Philippine Venture Capital Report 2023
Presenter: Franco Varona (Foxmont Capital)

• Investors Panel
Panelists: Franco Varona, Paulo Campos (Kaya Founders), Mark Sng (Gentree Fund), Martin Cu (500 Global), Patricia Sosrodjojo (Seedstars), Ziheng Li (Saison Capital), Jason Ramirez (Kickstart Ventures)

• Fireside Chat: