MANILA, Philippines – With the overwhelming success of its debut, Echelon Philippines 2025, a tech and startup business conference, is expected to amplify investments and fuel innovation in the country’s thriving startup ecosystem, a multibillion-dollar industry that is said to be the fastest emerging in the world.
Organized by e27 in partnership with Brainsparks, the first-ever Echelon Philippines 2024 drew more than 2,500 attendees, featured 90 leading speakers, and hosted 40 exhibitors, along with 15 startup showcases.
The event has sparked new opportunities for Filipino startups, marking the Philippines as a rising hub for tech innovation in Southeast Asia.
“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,” said Mohan Belani, CoFounder and CEO of e27.
“The growth of the Philippines’ startup ecosystem is a testament to the incredible talent and innovation present in the Philippines,” said Artie Lopez, Co-Founder of Brainsparks. “Echelon Philippines 2024 has set the bar for what we can achieve and we are incredibly excited for 2025. Our goal is to not only showcase Filipino innovation but also to drive substantial investments that will fuel the growth of our startup community.”
Echelon Philippines provided a platform for startups, investors, and key industry players to come together and explore opportunities for collaboration and investment.
One of the highlights was the Startup Pitch competition, where SolX, a platform offering end-to-end digital energy solutions, took home the top prize. The competition underscored the potential of Filipino innovation, offering a spotlight on local startups and opening doors to significant investment opportunities.
“Echelon Philippines 2025 will amplify these opportunities,” Lopez added. “We’re planning more extensive startup showcases, deeper investor engagements, and specialized content sessions that align with the government’s vision for a tech-driven economy.”
Following Lopez’s vision, e27’s Co-Founder and CEO, Mohan Belani, emphasized the unique role government support plays in the growth of the tech ecosystem and highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts.
“At e27, we believe that collaboration between the private sector and government agencies is crucial to fostering sustainable growth in the tech ecosystem. The support of local government plays a unique role in creating a nurturing environment for startups and innovation to thrive. By working together, we can not only address the immediate needs of our entrepreneurs but also build a foundation that empowers them to drive long-term economic impact and social progress. Echelon Philippines serves as a bridge for this collaboration, creating an open space for government and industry leaders to explore synergies and align efforts for a vibrant, resilient future.”
Lopez also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the government, which has been supportive of the industry through sound policies and laws such as the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Innovation Act.
“With the government’s support, we’re laying the groundwork for startups to succeed. Echelon Philippines 2025 will take this a step further by deepening engagement with investors and facilitating more opportunities for Filipino startups to scale both locally and internationally,” he said.
The government’s strong support for the startup sector, combined with the success of Echelon Philippines 2024, is expected to continue driving investments and innovation in the coming years.
The Philippine startup ecosystem, particularly Manila’s, saw its valuation surge to $6.4 billion in 2024, nearly doubling from $3.5 billion in 2023. This growth reflects the collaborative efforts between the private sector and the government to strengthen the ecosystem and position the Philippines as a key player in the region.
“As we move towards Echelon Philippines 2025, we are fully aligned with the government’s vision of fostering a digitally-driven economy. By providing a platform where Filipino startups can connect with investors, corporates, and policymakers, we are directly supporting the government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation and build a robust, innovative startup ecosystem that will power the country’s future,” Lopez said.