PARIS – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco was one of the government entities recognized for its support for the development of the startup ecosystem in the inaugural awards called Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES).
SES Awards, presented by Silicon Valley-based global open innovation platform Mind the Bridge (MTB) and the International Chamber of Commerce, recognizes individuals and government-related organizations focused on supporting innovation and the growth of startup ecosystems in their own region.
“We thank Mind the Bridge and the International Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the consulate’s efforts in supporting startups. Together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, we will continue to work with Dynamico Space and other entities in supporting the growth of PH startups. We are optimistic that our startups will continue to innovate and support sustainable development in the country,” Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer said.
The consulate works closely with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, led by Trade Commissioner Celynne P. Layug, to support the growth of startups based in the Philippines, as well as foreign startups seeking to expand into the Philippines. The consulate also has a public-private partnership with Dynamico Space in providing exposure for Philippine startups in Silicon Valley and mentorship as they grow their startups.
MTB CEO and co-founder Marco Marinucci congratulated the Philippine Consulate for the recognition and looked forward to cooperation in building up startups.
Aside from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, among those shortlisted in SES Awards were Alberta Innovates and the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council.
The 2023 SES Award was presented to Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria and former European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. The award was given as part of broader recognition across four categories, comprising 15 regions and cities. Some of the SES awardees were the United Kingdom’s Venture Capital Unit, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Startup Programmes), Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Basque Government, the City of Hamburg, Investissement Québec and Global Digital Innovation Network – Born2Global from the Republic of Korea.
According to a May 2023 report from the Asian Development Bank, a supportive ecosystem for startups has been established in the Philippines. Fintech and e-commerce are key verticals in the country, driven towards greater digitalization in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Education (edtech), health (healthtech), agriculture (agritech), and environment (greentech) are emerging startups in the Philippines, promising high development impact.
The awarding ceremony in Paris was attended by Consul and economic officer Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, who represented the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
(PCGSF Release)
