Innovation was the central theme at GrowthCon PH 2025, the leading assembly for startups, innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers in the Philippines. Organized by The Business Manual, the event took place on Tuesday, June 10, at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig.
RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief and host of The Business Manual, opened the event with an inspiring introduction, followed by a welcome speech from Ramon Galicia, Chief Operating Officer of One Mega Group.
“AI is changing how we work, how we create, how we connect—and most importantly, how we grow,” Galicia stated. “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.”
Following Galicia, Royston Cabunag, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for MSMEs, Job Fairs, and Government Services, and Englebert Josef Chua, DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff, delivered insightful addresses. They underscored the critical role of government and private sector collaboration in fostering AI adoption and digital transformation within the Philippine startup and MSME ecosystem. Cabunag highlighted SM Supermalls’ long-standing commitment to mentoring MSMEs through its SM for MSMEs program, while Asst. Secretary Chua provided an overview of the Philippine startup and MSME sector, detailing the DTI's priorities and support initiatives.
This year's GrowthCon, themed “Powering Up the Startup Ecosystem Through AI,” highlighted the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating startup success. GrowthCon PH 2025 featured two panel discussions, the inaugural The Business Manual Startup Awards, and the highly anticipated Startup Pitching Competition–Student Edition. The event was also part of the celebration of MSME Month.
Engaging discussions on AI
The first panel, AI Tools to Power Up Your Business, explored the latest AI tools that help startups automate tasks, enhance customer engagement, and scale operations more efficiently. Panelists included Fleire Castro, Founder and CEO of DashoContent; Patrick Gentry, Co-Founder and CEO of Sprout Solutions; Jerry Ilao, Co-Founder and Founding President of the Philippine AI Business Association; and Xavier Marzan, Managing Partner of Embiggen Ventures and Embiggen X. The discussion emphasized AI's potential to revolutionize workflows, increase productivity, and boost operational efficiency.
The second panel, AI in Action: Best Practices and Real-World Experience with AI, featured prominent business leaders who shared their experiences integrating AI and automation into their operations. This panel included Tony Chua, President and CEO of iFace Inc.; Jeano Cruz, Creative Director and Junior Partner at Gigil; Neelam Gopwani, President of Vision Express; Anna Magkawas, Founder and CEO of The Luxe Beauty & Wellness Group; Steve Sy, Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-commerce Corp.; and Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of SEEK Philippines. They stressed that while AI offers significant advantages, human oversight remains crucial for effective system functioning.
Startup pitching competition winners
The GrowthCon PH 2025 Startup Pitching Competition drew applications from student teams nationwide, showcasing the next wave of AI-powered innovation in the country.
Clinivue emerged as the overall champion, impressing 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 presented 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 globally. Their compelling pitch and cutting-edge technology secured them top honors.
BuddyBetes secured the 1st Runner-Up title. Pitched by Princess Angel Ventures from the University of the Philippines Diliman, this digital companion app supports diabetic patients through AI-powered monitoring, personalized coaching, and real-time support. It was recognized for its user-centric features and potential to significantly impact diabetes management.
AGAP.Ai, represented by Reynand Jay Canoy of the Asian Institute of Management, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up. Their impressive pitch focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to build Southeast Asia's first AI-powered, culturally tailored developmental milestone monitoring platform. This platform aims to empower 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 underwent 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.”
AGAP.Ai will receive Php200,000 in media values from The Business Manual, while BuddyBetes, 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, along with a scholarship at Founder Institute Philippines. This scholarship includes entry into a mentorship program, $25,000 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.
Inaugural the Business Manual Startup Awards
The Business Manual received numerous entries for its first-ever Startup Awards. The jury faced the challenging task of narrowing the list to the top five most innovative and AI-driven startups, which were honored for their outstanding contributions to the business community.
The five winners, in no particular order, were:
Shoppable: An AI-powered supply chain platform for MSMEs.
Invest Ed: A fintech company using AI to deliver education loans to underserved Gen Zs.
MindNation: Utilizes AI to provide 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.
LITHOS Manufacturing: Employs nanotech and AI to address pollution and climate challenges.
Each honoree received Php500,000 in media values from The Business Manual.
With an afternoon packed 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 its venue partners: Samsung Hall at SM Aura and SM Supermalls; sponsors: Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, GCash, and Eastern Communications; food and beverage partners: Savore Catering, H2V2, and Pickup Coffee; media partners: The Philippine Star and Gadgets Magazine; 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 partner student organizations: Ateneo Management Association and UST Economics Society.