The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is turning ideas into action with the launch of the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E), spotlighting the country’s first-ever Tech Expo and the grand finale of the nationwide Hackathon Championship.
Scheduled for October 20 to 21, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, the two-day event promises to put the Philippines’ digital transformation efforts on full display.
Hands-on tech for businesses and the public
For the first time, the PBC&E Tech Expo will open its doors to the public, giving attendees a chance to explore emerging technologies up close. Visitors can engage with cutting-edge solutions ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to smart city systems, fintech platforms, cybersecurity tools, and robotics.
Global tech giants such as Huawei, Google, Tencent Cloud, Microsoft, and Oracle, alongside local champions like Converge and Comclark, will present tools and innovations designed to help businesses grow and thrive in a digital economy. Organizers say the Expo is more than a showcase; it’s an interactive platform where attendees can test solutions, attend expert talks, and learn how technology can solve real-world challenges.
“This is not just an exhibit — it’s an invitation to participate in the country’s digital transformation journey,” said Enunina V. Mangio, President of PCCI.
The hackathon championship: Breeding the next generation of innovators
A centerpiece of this year’s conference is the National Hackathon Championship, where regional winners from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will compete for national recognition and mentorship from top innovators. Teams will present AI-powered business solutions, digital inclusion tools, and fintech innovations aimed at addressing both business and societal challenges.
Participants will be judged by a panel of industry experts, investors, and government leaders, with top teams earning not only cash prizes and high-speed internet support but also the opportunity to have their solutions adopted by public and private sector partners.
Organizers emphasize that the hackathon is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for the Philippines’ next generation of tech leaders, offering a rare bridge between ambition, innovation, and actionable deployment.
Collaboration between industry and government
The 51st PBC&E underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing digital innovation. Government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will showcase programs that support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technology.
The conference also draws global support, with embassies from Korea, Israel, Spain, and the United States confirming participation. Their involvement highlights the value of international cooperation in boosting trade, investment, and innovation.
Why the tech expo and hackathon matter
Industry observers note that the combination of a public-facing Tech Expo and a competitive Hackathon Championship reflects a broader trend in the Philippines: moving beyond talk about digital transformation toward practical, hands-on solutions that empower businesses and communities alike.
From testing AI platforms that can streamline MSME operations to discovering fintech innovations that promote financial inclusion, attendees will experience how technology is reshaping the way Filipino businesses operate and compete globally.
Looking ahead
The 51st PBC&E will provide a seamless integration of policy forums, technology showcases, business matching, and innovation competitions. Attendees will be able to move effortlessly from listening to expert panels to trying out new tech solutions and meeting potential collaborators and investors.
With the theme “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” the conference reaffirms PCCI’s commitment to building a connected, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. For startups, young innovators, and tech companies, the 51st PBC&E represents a rare opportunity to showcase solutions, gain mentorship, and connect with national and global decision-makers — all under one roof.
