The Philippines is making waves in the startup scene as nine of its innovative companies, including the speech development system Mylo Speech Buddy, have been selected for Echelon’s TOP100 Startups. The event, held at the Singapore Expo on May 15-16, 2024, was a hallmark gathering for the tech ecosystem in Asia.
Echelon X, organized by e27, is a significant technology event that attracted over 7,000 participants, including startups, SMEs, investors, and various ecosystem stakeholders from more than 30 countries. The event aims to strengthen the tech community through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
The TOP100 Program this year focused on startups with high growth potential. These selected startups gain regional exposure, funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to exclusive networking events. The program spans six months and includes one-on-one coaching and masterclasses designed to accelerate their growth.
This year’s Echelon X featured 150 speakers and 46 sessions, covering themes such as agile practices, collaborative ecosystems, and sustainability. The TOP100 startups had the advantage of participating in these sessions, enriching their knowledge and experience in the dynamic startup landscape.
Among the highlights was the strong representation from the Philippines. Aside from Mylo Speech Buddy, eight other startups from the country—Britana, Hey Roomie, MedCheck, Pawnec, PayMongo, Shoppable Business, Twala, and Experto—participated in exclusive events and masterclasses since March, gaining access to over 800 investors on the e27 PRO Connect platform. They showcased their innovations at exhibition booths and competed for a chance to present on the Pitch Stage.
Vincent Rocha, CEO and Founder of Mylo Speech Buddy, a startup designed to support individuals with speech delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity. “Being part of Echelon’s TOP100 Growth Program is an ‘ausome’ opportunity for Mylo Speech Buddy and for my fellow autism parents. This platform provides us with unparalleled access to investors and mentors who can help us scale our impact. We are excited to leverage this platform to further our mission of supporting children with ASD and speech delays,” he said.
Launched on April 2 in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day, Mylo Speech Buddy is dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in their journey from zero words to their first spoken word.
Rocha added, “The mentorship and exposure we have gained through the TOP100 Growth Program have been inspiring since our launch last month. We are eager to continue our journey and collaborate with other innovative startups and industry leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.”
As the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem continues to expand, initiatives like the TOP100 Program are crucial in providing startups with the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
Echelon also announced plans to establish Echelon Philippines in September, recognizing the country’s significant market potential and the numerous funding opportunities available.