IdeaSpace gathers ‘Faces of Change’

CAN you single-handedly change the face of journalism in the country? Or drive an online revolution through shoes and all things “sulit”? Or maybe create a PC-to-mobile messaging platform that strengthens connections between OFWs and their loved ones?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you just might be the next face of change.

IdeaSpace Foundation Inc. recently gathered successful disruptors dubbed the “Faces of Change” to inspire the future generation of technopreneurs.

“Today we see how simple ideas can potentially come true; and how they actually, eventually did,” said Earl Valencia, president of IdeaSpace Foundation.

Chikka founders Dennis Mendiola and Chito Bustamante; Maria Ressa of Rappler.com; Ann Villar Jacobe of Shoephoric.com; RJ David of Sulit.com.ph; Kuyi Mobile founder and Streetfood Tycoon creator Erik Garayblas and Morphlab’s Winston Damarillo were given tribute by IdeaSpace as “Faces of Change.” The event was held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and was attended by startup founders, students, teachers, developers, digital citizens and industry experts. It was co-presented by AIM, Stanford Club of the Philippines and Smart Communications Inc.

“We’re actually at a tipping point in our country today,” says Earl. “There’s a lot of good news: seven percent growth; 50 percent of the population is below 23 years old and we’re one of the more stable economies in Asia. A former professor in Stanford told me that if you’re a tornado, chickens will fly; and right now, the Philippines is in a tornado. The question is how do we make sure that we sustain this tornado?”

IdeaSpace is a program designed to help budding technology entrepreneurs turn groundbreaking solutions into successful commercial products.

“The challenge posed to us was how to create an incubation or start-up fund in the Philippines and the journey to IdeaSpace started from that. Sillicon Valley is not a just a place, it’s a mindset. We hope to promote and foster that kind of mindset here,” said Valencia.

Ressa said opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the country are boundless, provided they make right use of it.

“This is a great time not just for technoprenuers but for the entire country. The CSIS or the Center for Strategic and International Studies says that the Philippines is part of the top two or three fastest growing economies in the world—and trends say that we can grow tremendously in the next three years.”

The Faces of Change reminded budding technopreneurs they will face challenges.

Ressa had to contend with altering the entire business model of journalism in the Philippines. “The first problem was that the business model of traditional journalism is dead. And the challenge was how to change journalism in terms of processes and philosophy,” she said. (PR)