R.G. Manabat & Co. spotlights Filipino innovation at Global Tech Innovator competition

Betterteem, an AI-powered startup that forecasts employee resignation trends to help organizations proactively address attrition and enhance workforce experience, won first place in the Philippine leg of the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator (GTI) competition. 

The awarding took place at the MAP x KPMG Technology Summit, positioning Betterteem to represent the Philippines at the GTI Global Finals during the Web Summit in Lisbon this November.

Held in June, the MAP x KPMG Technology Summit brought together business executives, policymakers, and technology leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital transformation are reshaping industries in the Philippines. 

The local edition of the GTI competition was a key highlight, underscoring R.G. Manabat & Co.’s commitment to nurturing homegrown innovation and giving Filipino startups a global stage.

Homegrown tech making an impact

Betterteem, led by CEO Bo Discarga, impressed judges with its human-centric use of predictive AI, anticipating employee attrition months in advance and helping organizations improve workplace experiences. 

Klimatech Innovative Solutions, led by CEO Joseph Valdez, took second place for its renewable energy and environmental technologies, including wind-turbine electricity, carbon-capture systems, and AI-powered weather monitoring for disaster preparedness. 

Meanwhile, third place went to Waste4Good, an agri-tech startup led by CEO Lorilyn Daquioag, for solutions supporting sustainable farming and food security.

Emmanuel P. Bonoan, vice chairman and chief operating officer of R.G. Manabat & Co., praised Betterteem for its practical innovation. 

“Betterteem demonstrated how predictive AI can help organizations better understand employee behavior and improve retention,” he said. 

“Their approach shows the meaningful impact technology can have on workforce management and organizational efficiency.”

Filipino startups go global

This is not the first time Filipino startups have earned a place on the global GTI stage. 

In 2023, Peddlr, led by Nel Laygo, represented the Philippines in Lisbon with a digital platform empowering micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. In 2024, smart-recycling startup Rezbin from Iloilo, headed by Mari Martirez, topped the local competition and advanced to the international finals with technology modernizing waste disposal and sustainability practices.

Sharon G. Dayoan, chairman and CEO of R.G. Manabat & Co., emphasized, “Our participation in the GTI program each year reflects our confidence in Filipino innovators. This platform allows us to showcase creative solutions addressing real-world challenges while supporting the growth of the local startup ecosystem.”

Bonoan added, “The Philippines has a wealth of emerging talent, and our support helps these startups gain exposure and develop their capabilities. By guiding and empowering them, we aim to help them succeed globally while contributing to the country’s innovation landscape.”

The GTI competition celebrates the world’s most innovative tech companies with the potential for lasting impact. 

By hosting the Philippine leg at the MAP x KPMG Technology Summit, the firm reaffirmed its commitment to local entrepreneurs and fostering an ecosystem where digital transformation, collaboration, and sustainability thrive.

Betterteem’s upcoming participation in the global finals highlights the strength of Filipino innovation on the world stage, continuing a tradition of Philippine startups standing alongside leading innovators worldwide. 

The summit not only showcased emerging technologies but also emphasized the importance of collaboration between innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders in creating inclusive, future-ready growth for the Philippines.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by R.G. Manabat & Co..