Inspiring sustainable solutions: Highlights from the Sustainability Startup Forum 2023

On 1 December 2023, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) in partnership with the University of the Philippines - Technology Management Center (UP-TMC) and the Strengthening University-Enterprise Collaboration for Resilient Communities in Asia (SECRA) co-organized the “Sustainability Startup Forum 2023” held in the Areté Sandbox – Ateneo Blue Nest space. The Sustainability Startup Forum 2023 had two key aims. First and foremost, the forum aimed to put a spotlight on the role of startups in the local economy and how they contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Secondly, the event sought to delve into the needs of these startups that address sustainability issues and how they can get access to support and resources that will help them thrive. With these goals in mind, the forum was structured with a series of keynote speeches and a moderated panel discussion involving the speakers. Throughout the entire event, startups set up booths and showcased their sustainable solutions.

Kicking off the keynote speeches was Dr. Charlotte Kendra Gotangco Gonzales, the Director of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability and the Chair of the Leadership Council of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines. Her talk highlights the impact startups can have on sustainability and resiliency within the broader value chain framework.

The next speaker that followed was Noel del Castillo, founder and CEO of SeeYouDoc, a startup focusing on digital healthcare solutions. He highlighted his experiences as the founder of a startup as well as how SeeYouDoc contributes to the UN SDGs namely, SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being.

Edison Tsai, CEO and Founder of Seedin Technology and Chair of the Strategic Partnerships for FinTech Alliance PH, took the stage as the third keynote speaker, shedding light on his fintech startup, SeedIn Technology, which engages in financing and investing activities. Edison Tsai’s speech underscored the importance of promoting sustainable and responsible finance while touching upon how his startup assists SMEs.

Concluding the keynote speeches was the last speaker, George Royeca, CEO and founder of Angkas. He discussed Angkas’ mission to provide a solution to Metro Manila's transportation issues. He highlighted that Angkas strived to provide a reliable and quality service while ensuring the welfare and compensation of Angkas drivers. He also shared the challenges that Angkas encountered including regulatory hurdles and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The keynote speakers were then invited to a moderated panel discussion where they tackled a range of topics on sustainability including the SDGs, incorporating sustainability into their business practices, and the challenge of scaling sustainable solutions.

The forum was then concluded with a networking session.

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