Innovation took center stage at GrowthCon PH 2025, the premier gathering of startups, innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers in the Philippines organized by The Business Manual and held at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig on Tuesday, June 10.
The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief and host RJ Ledesma welcomed the audience and participants to the event, his inspiring introduction followed by a welcome speech delivered by One Mega Group Chief Operating Officer Ramon Galicia.
“AI is changing how we work, how we create, how we connect—and most importantly, how we grow. Here in the Philippines, the question is even more vital: How do we harness this potential to empower local founders, drive inclusive innovation, and create real economic impact?”
“That’s what GrowthCon is all about. More than just another conference, it’s a launchpad for ideas, a venue to honor outstanding startups, a space for connection, and a catalyst for growth,” Galicia said.
Following Galicia, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for MSMEs, Job Fairs, and Government Services Royston Cabunag and DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff Englebert Josef Chua delivered insights-driven addresses, emphasizing the strategic role of government and private sector collaboration in fostering AI adoption and digital transformation within the Philippine startup and MSME ecosystem.
Cabunag spoke about SM Supermalls’ long-standing commitment to mentoring MSMEs through the SM for MSMEs program, while Asst. Secretary Chua shared information on the state of the Philippine startup and MSME sector and how the DTI prioritizes and supports their growth.
“Powering Up the Startup Ecosystem Through AI,” the theme for this year’s GrowthCon, revolved around the game-changing power of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating startup success. GrowthCon PH 2025 included two panel discussions, the first-ever The Business Manual Startup Awards, and the much-anticipated Startup Pitching Competition–Student Edition. It was also held as part of the celebration of MSME month.
Engaging panels
The first panel, AI Tools to Power Up Your Business, explored the latest AI tools helping startups automate tasks, enhance customer engagement, and scale their operations more efficiently. DashoContent Founder and CEO Fleire Castro, Sprout Solutions Co-Founder and CEO Patrick Gentry, Philippine AI Business Association Co-Founder and Founding President Jerry Ilao, and Embiggen Ventures and Embiggen X Managing Partner Xavier Marzan shared their insights throughout the discussion.
The panel discussion highlighted the game-changing potential of harnessing AI as a tool to enhance workflows and processes and increase productivity and operational efficiency.
The following business leaders joined the second panel, AI in Action: Best Practices and Real-World Experience with AI: President and CEO of iFace Inc., Tony Chua; Creative Director and Junior Partner at Gigil, Jeano Cruz; President of Vision Express, Neelam Gopwani; Founder and CEO of the Luxe Beauty & Wellness Group, Anna Magkawas; Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-commerce Corp., Steve Sy; and Managing Director of SEEK Philippines, Dannah Majarocon.
The members of the second panel discussed how they’ve successfully integrated AI and automation into their business operations and systems, while emphasizing that human oversight remains essential to ensure these systems function effectively.
Startup Pitching Competition winners
The GrowthCon PH 2025 Startup Pitching Competition attracted applications from student teams across the Philippines, showcasing the next wave of AI-powered innovation in the country.
Clinivue emerged as the overall champion, winning over the judges with its groundbreaking AI-powered approach to detecting a pressing health concern. Representing Mapúa University Makati, Kobe Lituañas and Christine Julliane Reyes of Clinivue showcased an innovative mobile application that uses a smartphone camera to assess cardiovascular biomarkers and detect atrial fibrillation—a heart condition affecting over 46 million people worldwide. Their compelling pitch and cutting-edge technology earned them top honors.
Taking home the 1st Runner-Up title was BuddyBetes, a digital companion app designed to support diabetic patients through AI-powered monitoring, personalized coaching, and real-time support. Pitched by Princess Angel Ventures of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the app was recognized for its user-centric features and its potential to make a meaningful impact in diabetes management.
Meanwhile, AGAP.Ai, represented by Reynand Jay Canoy of the Asian Institute of Management, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up for its impressive pitch on leveraging artificial intelligence to build Southeast Asia’s first AI-powered, culturally tailored developmental milestone monitoring platform that empowers parents and healthcare professionals to detect early signs of childhood developmental delays and disorders.
Other notable finalists included Avilta of Ateneo de Manila University, Ground Up of De La Salle University, and Pack Up of Central Philippine University in Iloilo.
Finalists were choszen through a rigorous screening process and pitched live before an enthusiastic audience, industry leaders, and a distinguished panel of judges: Carlo Calimon, President and Co-founder of Startup Village; Jay Fajardo, CEO of Launchgarage Innovation Hub; Joseph De Leon, Founding Member and Lead Investor of Manila Angels Investors Network; Xavier Marzan, Managing Partner of Embiggen Ventures and Embiggen X; and Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, Director at the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
“We are thrilled to see such incredible talent and purpose-driven innovation among our student startups,” said RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual. “Clinivue, BuddyBetes, and AGAP.Ai exemplify the ingenuity and resilience of our youth-driven local startup ecosystem. We’re excited to watch their journey unfold.”
Second runner-up winner AGAP.AI will receive PHP200,000 in media values from The Business Manual, while Buddy Betes, as 1st runner-up, will receive PHP300,000 in media values.
Grand Champion Clinivue will receive PHP500,000 in media values from The Business Manual as well as a scholarship at Founder Institute Philippines, which will afford them entry into a mentorship program, USD25,000 in Google Cloud Credit. and exposure to the world’s largest network of startup incubators, accelerators, and investors–setting them up for the next stage of their startup growth.
The inaugural The Business Manual Startup Awards
The Business Manual received quite a number of entries for the first ever The Business Manual Startup Awards, but the jury had to make the difficult decision to narrow the list down to the Top 5 most innovative and AI-driven ones. Five startups were honored for their outstanding contributions to the business community.
The five winners of the awards, in no particular order, were Shoppable, an AI-powered supply chain platform for MSMEs; Invest Ed, a fintech using AI to deliver education loans to underserved Gen Zs; MindNation, which uses AI to deliver accessible, high-impact mental health and well-being support; Flying Tigers Express, a logistics innovator connecting underserved towns across the Philippines through a direct inter-island delivery network; and LITHOS Manufacturing, which uses nanotech and AI to tackle pollution and climate challenges.
Each of the honorees was awarded PHP500,000 of media values from The Business Manual.
With an entire afternoon filled with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring pitches, and well-deserved recognition, The Business Manual’s GrowthCon PH 2025 reaffirmed its role as a driving force in the Philippine startup ecosystem. From harnessing the power of AI to celebrating student-led innovations and honoring the country’s most promising ventures, the event showcased how technology, talent, and tenacity are shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurship.
As GrowthCon PH continues to evolve, it remains committed to empowering founders, bridging innovation with opportunity, and fueling a generation of startups poised to make a global impact.
The Business Manual’s GrowthCon PH 2025 was made possible through the unwavering support of our venue partners: Samsung Hall at SM Aura, and SM Supermalls; our sponsors: Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, GCash, and Eastern Communications; our food and beverage partners: Savore Catering, H2V2, and Pickup Coffee; our media partners: The Philippine Star and Gadgets Magazine; our partner professional organizations: Philippine Marketing Association, Startup Village, Anvil Business Club, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc., and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association; and our partner student organizations: Ateneo Management Association and UST Economics Society.
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