GIA Manila Acceleration Programme

GIA Manila Acceleration Programme

For Singapore-based tech startups looking to expand into the Philippines through Manila.

Connects Singapore companies with in-market partners and opportunities to test and commercialise their solutions.

Register interest

About this programme

Organised by Plug and Play, the GIA Manila Acceleration Programme is a curated programme for high-potential tech startups across all sectors, and includes rigorous growth training, market immersion to Manila, and mentorship.

The programme is offered in a hybrid format and consists of two phases:

Preparation Phase
Workshops, pitch polishing sessions, one-on-one mentorship sessions and introductory meetings with prospective partners are conducted to position participants for success in Manila.

Immersion Phase
Participants will then go on a week-long trip to Manila, to continue business discussions and engage with potential partners, clients and investors in the Philippines.

Upon return to Singapore, participants will have the opportunity to pitch at Plug and Play’s APAC Summit and continue to have deal flows facilitated by the GIA Manila team from Plug and Play. All participants will be guaranteed at least five business leads with prospective partners from Manila.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that runs accelerator programmes and corporate innovation activities in more than 50 locations globally. It was founded in 2006 in Silicon Valley and has a global network of over 550 corporate partners. Plug and Play Asia Pacific headquarters was launched in Singapore in 2010 and it has since expanded into Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

Key features

  • Practical training
    Through live workshops online, industry experts will share practical tips on the Philippines' business landscape, talent acquisition, regulations and scaling in the market.
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    Dedicated mentorship
    Participants will undergo mentoring by experts who are aligned to their business and interests, and who understand the Philippines market and can facilitate valuable introductions to stakeholders and potential partners.
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    Direct market immersion
    During the week-long immersion in Manila, participants will get access to co-working spaces, live fireside chats and office hours with representatives from Philippines corporates, investors, startups and GIA Manila alumni. There will also be time set aside for participants to meet business leads in-person.
  • Networking
    Participants will be exposed to a variety of ecosystem players in the Philippines and beyond. They will also have the opportunity to pitch at events such as the GIA Manila Ecosystem Mixer in Manila, Investors' Day, and Plug and Play's bi-annual APAC Summit in Singapore.

Eligibility

  • Check
    Company has at least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean(s) and/or Singapore PR(s), determined by the ultimate individual ownership
  • Check
    Business entity registered and operating in Singapore
  • Check
    Has a minimum viable product with existing customers and/or partners

How to apply

Applications for the GIA Manila Acceleration Programme are now closed. Interested applicants can register your interest here to be notified of upcoming programmes.

Still thinking of what programme to participate in?
Submit your interest and EnterpriseSG will reach out to you when an opportunity arises for the relevant Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) programmes.
Register interest

GIA Manila Acceleration Programme

Register interest