GIA Manila Acceleration Programme
For Singapore-based tech startups and SMEs looking to expand into the Philippines through Manila.
Connects Singapore companies with in-market partners and opportunities to test and commercialise their solutions.
About this programme
Organised by Plug and Play, the GIA Manila Acceleration Programme is a curated programme for high-potential tech startups and SMEs 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.
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
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Practical trainingThrough live workshops online, industry experts will share practical tips on the Philippines' business landscape, talent acquisition, regulations and scaling in the market. -
Dedicated mentorshipParticipants 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. -
Direct market immersionDuring 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. -
NetworkingParticipants 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
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Singapore-based tech startups or SMEs
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.
GIA Manila Acceleration Programme