Digital transformation is what TechUp Pilipinas envisions in initiating a movement of gathering innovators and organizations to help the Filipino people.
In an event last Tuesday, various tech groups, and enthusiasts gathered at The Study by Enderun in Mandaluyong City to share ideas and build partnerships.
The kick-off event allowed companies to build networks and impart their vision of making the Philippines among the world’s rising tech hubs. Some of the companies that were present during the event were NEM Philippines, Loyalcoin, Enderun Colleges and more.
“TechUp Tuesdays is an avenue to share ideas, invite new tech partners or people who just want to join the movement and learn about technology. It is a venue really for sharing,” TechUp Pilipinas Associate Director Bryan Makasiar said in an interview.
He also added that the platform is open for all and not just for tech companies.
Makasiar said TechUp Pilipinas is the digital transformation for the common person and the goal of their movement is to be a platform of ideas to “tech up” those who need it such as companies, small enterprises, and individuals who need technology.
“The goal really is to create solutions that drive the greatest inclusion with technology for national prosperity…not one entity can do it,” he added.
TechUp Pilipinas, which was first launched last May, aims to provide solutions to healthcare, shipping and logistics, rural banking, and education.
In a report of Arangkada Pilipinas+ USAID 2016 Broadband Policy Brief, technology remains elusive to many Filipinos with 80 percent of public schools lacking access to the internet. Broadband costs in the Philippines, according to the same report, are among the most expensive in the world.
As of now, TechUp Pilipinas has around 12 to 15 partners, including Enderun Colleges as their knowledge partner; and ready to board more organizations in the future.
“Having this venue, as we continue to work together, we continue to refine everything.” Makasiar said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, “We’ve always believed in collaboration… it is really working with the grassroots, the local government, the rural banks.”
TechUp Tuesdays is one of the movement’s initiatives to bring the tech community together, create an ecosystem and spread tech awareness to as many Filipinos as possible. It will be held every last Tuesday of the month with the inaugural event held last June 26 at The Study by Enderun at The Podium.