IGNITE 2025: Lighting Up ASEAN’s Innovation Landscape Through Collaboration and Growth
IGNITE, the Philippines’ premier international innovation conference, returned this year with a transformative edition that gathered the brightest minds in technology, business, and investment under one roof.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
Held on October 15, 2025, at Fairmont Makati, IGNITE 2025 carried the theme “Gateway ASEAN: Expanding Markets, Empowering Growth,” turning the venue into a hub of ideas, strategic networking, and cross-border collaborations that reinforced the Philippines’ role as a bridge in the ASEAN startup ecosystem.
The conference opened with inspiring remarks from key figures shaping the region’s innovation landscape Executive Director of JETRO Manila Kazuo Nakamura, Director III of the DICT–ICT Industry Development Bureau Jhino Illano, and Chief Technology Transfer Officer of DOST–PCIEERD Russel Pili. Their messages underscored a shared vision for ASEAN’s digital growth and set a collaborative tone for the day.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
Throughout the program, participants engaged in keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that explored emerging trends and opportunities within the region. Topics such as AI-powered leadership, AI trends in ASEAN, and a preview of ASEAN Summit PH 2025 offered valuable insights for startups and corporations aiming to scale across borders.
One of the day’s most anticipated segments was the JETRO Co-Innovation Pitch Session, which featured Japanese corporation Enebloom alongside Filipino startups Better-ed, Klimatech, Hotelblock.ai, and Alerto. The session highlighted how cross-border partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and new market possibilities, demonstrating the power of collaboration between Japan and the Philippines.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
Another key moment was the Startup World Cup Philippines Regional Final, where Edge Tutor International Pte. Ltd. emerged as the national champion. Their victory earned them the chance to represent the Philippines at the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley in 2026, a testament to the growing global visibility of Filipino startups.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
Xeleqt Technology Innovations Inc. and Avilta followed in second and third place, impressing judges with their strong pitches and reinforcing the depth of talent in the country’s innovation landscape.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
Beyond the sessions, booth exhibitions showcased cutting-edge technologies and solutions from various industries, giving participants the chance to explore emerging products and ideas.
The conference concluded with a by-invitation networking dinner, where conversations evolved into potential partnerships—capturing IGNITE’s mission of building bridges and fostering meaningful connections across ASEAN.
Since its launch in 2017 by TechShake and dentsu, IGNITE has grown from a 500-participant gathering into one of the Philippines’ foremost innovation conferences, consistently drawing attendees from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the wider ASEAN region.
This year’s edition welcomed over 1,000 participants, supported by more than 70 community partners and media organizations including Philippine Primer, When in Manila, Fintech News PH, and BusinessWorld.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
More than just a showcase of technology and talent, IGNITE 2025: Gateway ASEAN served as a reminder of the region’s shared potential—when markets expand and growth is empowered, Southeast Asia moves forward together.
