PhilDev, USAID to host 3rd IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium

MANILA, Philippines – As a way of helping thinkers and innovators pursue social responsibility, the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Aid, is holding its 3rd IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium on Wednesday, Feb 17, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

The symposium gathers leaders from different sectors to discuss topics such as emerging industry trends, different opportunities for startups, and ideas for science-based entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

Participating speakers include: Steve Jang, Strategic Advisor to Uber; Dr. Juan Hinestroza of Cornell University; Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV; and leading entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley.

Enterprises can lead social transformation in many ways, such as by turning inventors into entrepreneurs or by fostering sustainable ways for communities to meet different challenges. Many local businesses are beginning to tap science and technology as sources of creativity to solve urgent social problems. The symposium’s goal is to help these local businesses follow in the footsteps of successful homegrown social enterprises like Connora Technologies, Sustainable Alternative Lighting, and Kalsada Coffee.

“Innovation and local entrepreneurship play an important role in achieving inclusive growth and improving the lives of those in the margins,” said Dado Banatao, chairperson for PhilDev.

He added, “Through the IDEA program, PhilDev encourages scientists, engineers, and inventors to go into business and create innovations that impact local communities.” 

PhilDev is a nonprofit organization working to create an ecosystem of science and technology in the Philippines for long-term economic growth and development.

For more details about the event, visit http://www.phildev.org/idea-symposium-and-workshop-2016. – Rappler.com