Two foundations led by Silicon Valley technopreneurs Diosdado Banatao and Romesh Wadhwani have joined forces to improve technopreneurship education in the Philippines.
The Philippine S&T Development Foundation (PhilDev) and the Wadhwani Foundation have formed a partnership to help Filipino students and educators become more equipped to build innovations grounded in local needs.
“This partnership is more than strategy, it’s synergy,” said Frederick Blancas, executive director of PhilDev. “We’re combining global expertise with deep local understanding and empathy to create something sustainable, scalable, and truly Filipino.”
The partnership will provide students with training on an AI-powered digital platform, guidance from startup mentors, and other resources typically unavailable in regular classrooms. Educators will also receive industry-aligned learning modules and practical tools to help them teach and inspire more effectively.
Bulding a local startup ecosystem
“Technopreneurship turns innovation into impact, transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions. By empowering Filipinos with the right skills and resources, this partnership paves the way for a dynamic and sustainable future,” said William Eka, VP for Southeast Asia at Wadhwani Foundation.
The program also aims to help build local ecosystems that support startups beyond their early stages. The initiative will begin with Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), with plans to roll out nationwide. It also includes the development of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and help them build long-term businesses.
The collaboration combines experience, mentorship, and tools to create a more supportive space for Filipino innovation and entrepreneurship.
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