Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), the Philippines’ leading international tech and startup conference, is set to return on October 1-3, 2025, at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. The eighth iteration of the conference will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy leaders to discuss how technology and collaboration can create a more resilient future.
Founded in 2013, GOAB has become a flagship event for the Philippine startup ecosystem. Known for its unique blend of serious conversations in a fun, laid-back setting, it attracts participants from across Asia, Silicon Valley, and beyond. The conference serves as a key platform for tech startups, connecting founders with mentors and investors, while also acting as a hub where professionals can find new projects and teams can learn the latest strategies. Over the years, GOAB has been instrumental in catalyzing deals, investments, and partnerships that have helped shape the Philippine and Southeast Asian startup landscape.
“Over the past eight years, GOAB has grown into a catalyst for collaborations, investments, and game-changing ideas,” said Tina Amper, GOAB’s lead organizer. “Given the global disruptions and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s more crucial than ever for our community to come together, tackle these challenges head-on, and strategically refocus, rebuild, and renew.”
This year, GOAB is introducing several new features, including Startup Demos, which will complement the signature lightning pitches that have long been a launchpad for founders. “With Startup Demos, we’re giving even more entrepreneurs the chance to turn their ideas into partnerships and real growth,” said Dave Overton, a Cebu-based GOAB co-founding organizer and Symph CEO.
In addition to the main conference, organizers are launching the GOAB Beach Club, a year-round membership platform for corporate partners. “The GOAB magic isn’t just a once-a-year event. It’s now a year-round movement inviting more partners to shape the future of innovation with us,” Overton added.
The event will also offer exclusive masterclasses on navigating the AI landscape, with special group rates available for teams. These sessions are designed for various functions, from business and marketing to engineering, and will cover practical applications of AI. One of the masterclasses will feature Tim Santos, who will present an overview of AI adoption in the Philippines based on the results of the PhilippineAIReport.com and offer strategies for executives and founders.
GOAB is organized by the non-profit group geeksPH with the founding support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This year’s event is sponsored by the Austrian Business Agency; Kickstart Ventures; 917 Ventures; Sinigang Valley Association (which includes Foxmont Capital Partners, Kaya Founders, AHG Lab, and Paymongo); Apollo Technologies Inc.; DOHE; Megaworld; Bamboo Ventures; CanTicket; PwCPH; Bullet Day Consulting; Remotify; Shoppable; Unisol; Uy Masuy; and The Sun People.
GOAB’s community partners are QBO Innovation Hub, Ideaspace Ventures, The Company PH, JEG Tower, DEVCON PH, UXPH, and The Gud Marketing. GOAB 8 is also supported by government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST-PCIEERD, DOST Region 7, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7. A special panel will feature representatives from these agencies, showcasing how collaborative programs such as StartupIsland.ph are driving Central Visayas toward becoming a powerhouse hub for technology and innovation.
This year’s roster of speakers and investors includes Jojo Flores, Co-Founder of Plug and Play Tech Center; Franco Varona and Catrina Magsadia of Foxmont Capital Partners; Audra Pakalnyte, General Partner at First Move; Hester Spiegel-van den Steenhoven, Co-Founder of Epic Angels; Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-Founder of e27 Singapore; Crystal Lee Gonzalez, CEO & Co-Founder of Noneaway Philippines; and Josef Werker, Co-Founder & CEO of Humble Sustainability Philippines.
“At GOAB, we’ve seen how small startups can grow into acquisitions and international expansions. These stories of resilience inspire the next generation of innovators. They remind us why we need more partners to step in and support this momentum,” said Amper.
To join Geeks on a Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.