by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
The Philippines is poised to become a global hub for AI-powered software engineering, thanks to Ascendion, a leading provider of AI-driven software engineering solutions.
The company’s strategic expansion, marked by the integration of Collabera Digital under the Ascendion brand, signals a major investment in the country’s tech talent and a commitment to driving innovation on a global scale.
Company executives led by Karthik Krishnamurthy (CEO) and Manan Mehta (Senior Vice President and Head of APAC), during the ribbon-cutting ceremony
This move is projected to generate at least 6,000 new jobs in the Philippines, injecting an estimated US$500 million into the local economy over the next three years.
This expansion isn’t just about job creation; it’s about empowering Filipino engineers with cutting-edge skills and positioning them at the forefront of the AI revolution.
The software engineering solutions company is committed to providing every software engineer in the Philippines with AI deployment certification, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“Our commitment to the Philippines has never been stronger,” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO of Ascendion. “We are redefining how we serve clients and empower local talent with global capabilities. We are creating a stronger, more agile organization that will deliver transformative growth for the Philippines.”
Ascendion’s vision for PH: Cultivating an AI ecosystem
Karthik Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer, Ascendion
Ascendion’s vision for the Philippines goes beyond simply establishing a presence. The company is actively cultivating an AI ecosystem, making the country a major delivery hub for AI-enhanced software development.
This involves a multi-pronged approach:
- AI-enabled engineering teams: The software engineering solutions company is deploying hundreds of AI agents to assist engineers in tasks ranging from code generation and software testing to risk mitigation. This collaborative approach combines human expertise with the power of AI, boosting productivity and efficiency.
- 100% AI certification for software engineers: Recognizing the importance of future-proofing its workforce, the software engineering solutions company is providing specialized AI training to all its Philippines-based engineers. This investment ensures that local talent remains competitive and at the forefront of technological advancements.
- AI studio Manila: Ascendion is establishing a dedicated facility in Manila for collaborative AI development, innovation, and software engineering research. This hub will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, further solidifying the Philippines’ position as an AI leader.
“By integrating our capabilities, we are creating a future where the Philippines is a global leader in AI innovation,” said Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President, Global Growth Markets at Ascendion. “With one of the most tech-savvy populations in the world, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead in AI-powered digital transformation.”
Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President & Head of APAC, Ascendion
The impact of Ascendion’s investment is already being felt. Filipino engineers are collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, applying AI to software development to achieve remarkable results. Ascendion shared several examples of recent successes:
- A logistics leader transformed a $33 billion unit by eliminating manual tasks, boosting data-driven decisions by 70%, and halving operational costs and time through advanced machine learning forecasting.
- A leading payment solutions provider boosted productivity by 50% with intelligent automation tools, significantly expanding service reach.
- A healthcare innovator achieved a 90% reduction in data migration costs and 75% faster deployment, saving over 5,000 hours annually.
To further support AI-powered talent growth, Ascendion is introducing two key platforms to the Philippines: Ascendion AVA+, an AI-first software engineering accelerator that improves productivity, risk management, and time-to-market; and MeTAL, a talent orchestration platform connecting Filipino professionals to high-impact projects across global enterprises.
Ascendion’s expansion in the Philippines represents a significant step towards building a stronger AI ecosystem in the region.
By hiring over 6,000 skilled AI-enabled professionals, providing AI-first software solutions to global enterprises, and strengthening Manila’s role as a key center for AI-powered software engineering, Ascendion is driving economic growth and positioning the Philippines as a trailblazer in the next wave of digital innovation.
The integration of Ascendion and Collabera Digital under a single brand signifies a pivotal moment, bringing together the best of both worlds: innovative AI-powered solutions for businesses and global career opportunities for Filipino professionals.