The Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) 2025 event concluded on October 3 in Cebu with the announcement of the API Build Lab winners, showcasing some of the most promising API-driven solutions from Southeast Asia. The top prize went to the Employer API, created by Jan Alvin Pabellon of Smile API. The First Runner-up was the KIVOE Identity API, developed by Elmer Joaquin of Kivoe, and the Second Runner-up was the FRED API, designed by Franczeska Lou Badong of Via Panisperna.
The API Build Lab, organized by 917Ventures through its API venture Concati, in partnership with GOAB, invited developers and startups from the region to submit innovative API concepts that show strong potential for commercialization. Finalists participated in a two-week virtual Build Sprint from September 19 to October 2, where they received hands-on coaching and mentoring. They then pitched their solutions live at the GOAB event in Cebu.
An API (Application Programming Interface) acts like a digital intermediary, allowing different software applications to communicate with each other. This enables businesses to utilize existing tools and services, such as mapping or payment systems, instead of developing these solutions from the ground up. APIs save time and money while leading to enhanced and more integrated services for users.
Five finalists presented their solutions at the conference. Elmer Joaquin from Kivoe introduced the KIVOE Identity API, while Gabriel Catimbang from CSGUILD showcased the Lendr API. Franczeska Lou Badong of Via Panisperna unveiled the FRED API, Jan Alvin Pabellon from Smile API competed with the Employer API, and Christiansen Hermosilla from CHECK Technologies shared the Student Inference Engine. Each of these innovations highlighted the remarkable talent emerging from Southeast Asian developers.
At the finale, the Employer API from Smile API was crowned the Grand Winner, receiving a prize of ₱50,000. The KIVOE Identity API from Kivoe secured the title of First Runner-up with a prize of ₱30,000. The FRED API from Via Panisperna was named Second Runner-up and awarded ₱20,000. In addition to cash prizes, the winning APIs will also be published and monetized on Concati's open-exchange marketplace, offering developers opportunities to scale their solutions globally.
Smile API is a Philippines-based platform that helps businesses access employment and income data to provide faster and more reliable financial services. Kivoe is developing secure digital identity tools that simplify authentication and trust for online transactions. Via Panisperna, with its FRED API, focuses on creating data-driven tools that enhance information retrieval and management for enterprises. Together, these startups exemplify the growing diversity and impact of API-driven ventures in the region.
Since its inaugural edition in 2013, GOAB has served as a launchpad for startups, investors, and innovators across Asia to connect, collaborate, and create. This year’s conference, featuring the introduction of the API Build Lab, reaffirms its role not only as a platform for discussions but also as a launchpad for the next wave of solutions in fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and more.
Natasha Dawn Bautista, the Head of Growth Marketing and Corporate Relations at 917Ventures, delivered a keynote speech titled “Unlocking 917Ventures and Globe Group’s Unfair Advantage” at GOAB 2025. In her presentation, she shared insights on how 917Ventures enables startups to scale by leveraging the strengths of the Globe Group's digital ecosystem. Additionally, she served as a reactor for GOAB's lightning pitch sessions, where early-stage founders presented their innovative ideas, showcasing the vibrancy of the regional startup ecosystem.
About 917Ventures
917Ventures is one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia and the tech innovation arm of the Globe Group. We are home to some of the most successful digital pioneers in the country like GCash, KonsultaMD, AdSpark, m360, and Rush Technologies. We build businesses that uplift the lives of Filipinos through digital inclusion and enablement. To know more about 917Ventures, you may visit: https://917ventures.com.
About Geeks on a Beach
Geeks on a Beach is the Philippines’ pioneering beachside international tech and startup conference, launched in 2013. Known for its unique blend of serious conversations in a fun, laid-back environment, GOAB has connected thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, developers, creatives, and policymakers. Over the years, GOAB has helped catalyze deals, investments, and partnerships that continue to shape the Philippine and Southeast Asian startup landscape.
This year’s GOAB will be held on 1-3 October 2025 at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. It is organized by the non-profit group geeksPH with the support of its foundational government partner, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.