Geeks On A Beach: Boosting Cebu’s Tech Startup Scene

Business & Technology

"The return of Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) to Cebu this year, after a decade away, underscores its role as a key driver of Cebu’s tech startup ecosystem," remarked Tina Amper, lead organizer of GOAB.

In 2024, Cebu City advanced to tenth place in Southeast Asia, according to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index. It retained its position as the second-leading startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

Amper attributed Cebu’s growth to its strategic location in Central Visayas, a historical trade hub that continues to attract startup enablers from across the region.

Central Visayas, with Cebu at its core, emerged as the “fastest-growing” economy among the country’s 17 regions in 2023, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The region remains the fourth-largest contributor to the national economy’s growth, and the top contributor outside Luzon, accounting for a 6.6 percent share.

From 'Ceboom' to ICT Hub

“The evolution of Cebu’s startup scene is rooted in its entrepreneurial spirit, which began during the 'Ceboom' era of the 1980s and 1990s and was further fueled by the ICT sector’s rise in the 2000s,” noted Jojo Flores, GOAB founding advisor and co-founder of Plug and Play Tech Center Philippines.

Cebu’s ICT industry began to thrive in the early 2000s, following the national government's focus on ICT-enabled services and business process outsourcing (BPO) as economic drivers. The growing BPO and ICT sectors capitalized on a well-educated, English-speaking workforce supported by local colleges, universities, and training programs.

In response, the provincial government established the Cebu Provincial ICT Council in 2006 to attract ICT investments. The creation of the Cebu IT Park, the first IT hub outside Manila, marked a significant milestone. By 2010, Cebu IT Park had become a vibrant center for tech companies and startups, fostering innovation and collaboration.

“Introducing Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) to Cebu in 2015 played a crucial role in nurturing the province’s dynamic startup ecosystem, building on its history as an ICT investment hub,” Flores added. He emphasized that events like GOAB enhance the local startup community through networking, educational workshops, mentorship, and collaborative projects.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its progress, Cebu’s tech startup ecosystem faces challenges that need to be addressed to reach the next level. A 2015 study highlighted gaps in infrastructure, investment, and government support as critical areas for improvement.

On the positive side, the Philippine government has increasingly supported startups, enacting laws such as the Innovative Startup Act and establishing the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to offer support and incentives.

For GOAB lead organizers Amper and Flores, the return of Geeks On A Beach to Cebu after a decade reaffirms the province’s status as a burgeoning tech hub and investment destination in Asia.

“We invite all tech enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs to join GOAB, where startups are celebrated, founders find funding, co-founders connect, geeks get hired, companies discover talent, friendships are forged, partnerships are established, deals are made, creativity flourishes, connections are built, community is strengthened, and inspiration abounds,” said Amper.

To participate in Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at [https://geeksonabeach.com](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), and LinkedIn (Geeks On A Beach).

| Press Release