Geeks on a Beach 2025 to Spotlight Tech Innovation with API Build Lab Finale

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

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.