7 Filipino AI startups head to GITEX AI Asia

SEVEN FILIPINO startups developing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions will showcase their technologies at GITEX AI Asia 2026 in Singapore, highlighting the Philippines’ growing presence in the global innovation space.

The firms span sectors from education and agriculture to property technology and disaster monitoring, reflecting a broader push to bring locally developed solutions to international markets, the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DoST-TAPI) said in a statement on Wednesday.

GradeChum, developed by CodeChum Software Solutions, Inc., uses AI to evaluate handwritten and digital student assessments, reducing teachers’ workload while providing real-time insights.

Farmesto Technologies, Inc. combines AI and Internet of Things sensors to automate nutrient dosing, irrigation and climate control in greenhouses, helping farmers improve yields and resource use.

Duon Technologies, Inc. developed DUON Wayfinding, a real-time indoor navigation platform that lets users locate facilities in large buildings while generating foot-traffic data for businesses.

Also among the seven is Collo Property Technology Solutions, Inc., which offers a cloud-based system that automates tenant management, billing and collections for property operators.

Meanwhile, Cerebro provides an integrated platform for school administration and digital learning, supporting hybrid education systems for K-12 institutions.

GreenVisions delivers AI-driven farm diagnostics and monitoring tools designed to reduce costs and improve crop output through precision agriculture.

WEHLO Resilience Technology Corp. has developed a localized weather and environmental monitoring system aimed at improving disaster preparedness and climate-related decision-making.

The startups are backed by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute, the commercialization arm of the DoST, which supports innovators through intellectual property protection, pre-commercialization services and market linkages.

Their participation in GITEX AI Asia is supported under government programs including the Grants and Assistance to Leverage Innovations for National Growth, Technology Innovation and Commercialization program and Expanded Venture Financing program.

The showcase comes as the Philippines continues to improve its standing in global innovation rankings. In the Global Innovation Index 2025 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the country ranked 50th out of 139 economies and third among lower middle-income economies.

Other reports point to steady progress in the startup ecosystem. The Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by StartupBlink cited continued growth, while the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome said the Philippines is transitioning from an emerging ecosystem to a growth-stage hub, particularly in fintech, artificial intelligence and sustainability.

The seven startups are scheduled to present at GITEX AI Asia 2026 on April 9 to 10 as part of efforts to expand the global reach of Philippine technologies and connect with international investors and partners. — Norman P. Aquino