Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), the premier international tech conference in the Philippines, will return on October 1–3, 2025, in Cebu. Staying true to its legacy of conversations by the surf leading to global collaborations, this year’s GOAB will feature the API Build Lab Finale. The event is a unique competition showcasing the most promising API-driven solutions from Southeast Asia.
An API (Application Programming Interface) functions like a digital server. It enables different software applications to communicate with one another, allowing businesses to use existing tools and services, such as maps or payment systems, without needing to create them from scratch. APIs not only save time and money but also result in improved and more integrated services for users.
The
API Build Lab, organized in partnership with 917Ventures through its
API venture Concati, invites developers and startups from the region to
submit new or existing API concepts that demonstrate strong
commercialization potential. Finalists will participate in a two-week
virtual Build Sprint from September 19 to October 2,
where they will receive hands-on coaching and mentoring. They will then
have the opportunity to pitch their solutions live at the GOAB event.
Since its inaugural edition in 2013, GOAB has served as a launchpad for startups, investors, and innovators throughout Asia to connect, collaborate, and create. By hosting the API Build Lab finale, the conference upholds its tradition of highlighting the future of technology in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, this time focusing on developers and the API economy.
“Geeks on a Beach has always focused on fostering collaboration and innovation,” said Tina Amper, the organizer and advisor for GOAB. “Hosting the API Build Lab finale at this year's conference is a natural extension of our mission to provide builders, founders, and communities a platform to shine, while highlighting the Philippines as an emerging hub for tech-driven solutions,” said Amper.
The top finalists of the 5 API Build Lab will be flown to Cebu, receiving travel allowances, AWS credits, and complimentary GOAB passes. They will pitch live on stage, and winners will be crowned.
₱50,000 – Grand Winner
₱30,000 – 2nd Place
₱20,000 – 3rd Place
Winning APIs can also be published and monetized on Concati's open-exchange marketplace, providing developers with a way to scale their solutions globally.
“With API Build Lab, we aim to foster innovation by empowering developers to turn their ideas into real-world solutions,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director of 917Ventures. “Our partnership with GOAB enables us to showcase this talent on the largest platform for startups and technology in the Philippines,” said Yamat.
GOAB began as an ambitious idea to bring technology leaders together by the beach and has now evolved into a significant gathering that advances Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem. This year, with the introduction of the API Build Lab, GOAB reaffirms its role not just as a platform for discussions, but also as a launchpad for the next wave of solutions in fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and more.
Developers and startups can submit their API ideas at bit.ly/apibuildlab.
Key Dates
Submission Deadline: September 5, 2025
Virtual Build Sprint: September 19 – October 2, 2025
Final Pitch and Awarding: October 2–3, 2025 at GOAB Cebu