917Ventures, Globe’s corporate venture builder, has unveiled API Build Lab through its API venture, Concati —a new program designed to fuel the next wave of API innovation in Southeast Asia.
The initiative invites developers and startups to submit fresh API concepts or enhance existing ones with high commercialization potential. Chosen participants will gain access to mentorship, funding, and global market exposure via Concati’s open-exchange marketplace.
Why It Matters
API Build Lab will culminate at Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) 2025, the Philippines’ premier international tech conference, happening on October 2–3 in Cebu. The program highlights 917Ventures’ commitment to building Southeast Asia’s developer ecosystem while showcasing the Philippines as a rising tech hub.
Opportunities for Developers
Finalists will join a two-week Virtual Build Sprint (Sept. 19–Oct. 2), guided by 917Ventures’ product and technology experts. The Top 5 teams will receive AWS credits, travel allowances, and free conference passes to GOAB 2025, where winners will be announced.
🏆 Prizes:
- ₱50,000 – Grand Winner
- ₱30,000 – 2nd Place
- ₱20,000 – 3rd Place
Winning APIs may also be published and monetized on Concati’s marketplace, giving developers the chance to scale their solutions globally.
Voices from the Community
“With API Build Lab, we aim to unlock innovation by empowering developers to transform ideas into real-world solutions,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director of 917Ventures.
“By leveraging Concati’s open-exchange marketplace, developers not only gain visibility but also a pathway to commercialization. This program nurtures the developer community and positions the Philippines as a key player in Southeast Asia’s API economy.”
Tina Amper, Organizer and Advisor of GOAB, added: “Geeks on a Beach has always been about sparking collaboration and innovation. Partnering with 917Ventures and Concati to host the API Build Lab finale is a powerful way to showcase the Philippines as an emerging hub for API-driven solutions.”
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: September 5, 2025
- Virtual Build Sprint: September 19 – October 2, 2025
- Final Pitch & Awarding: October 2–3, 2025 at GOAB Cebu
Unlocking Everyday Possibilities
By connecting developer talent with real-world opportunities, API Build Lab is helping democratize access to APIs and accelerate innovation across fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and more. The initiative underscores 917Ventures’ vision of empowering communities through technology and creating everyday possibilities.
Developers and startups can submit their API ideas at bit.ly/apibuildlab.
