Globe Telecom has partnered with Ashoka Philippines for Globe Future Makers (GFM) program which seeks to build an ecosystem of social innovators using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to address various causes of poverty in the country.
GFM is currently looking for individuals or groups with at least a working prototype of their solution to issues on health and well-being, learning and education, climate change, and peace and security in response to UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 which calls for investment in infrastructure and innovation to find lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges. Applications for the program is extended until May 21, 2017 and may be accessed via www.globefuturemakers.com.
Globe engaged with Ashoka the largest professional network of social innovators in the world as the GFM program’s implementing partner. By leveraging Ashoka’s unique expertise in finding and supporting social innovators worldwide, the GFM program was designed with a more nuanced selection process. The program also gets access to Ashoka’s national nominator networks, regional mentors, and partners.
“Globe and Ashoka both have the same goals to create positive societal impact by enabling social innovators with digital technology to drive social development in the Philippines. We are confident that with Ashoka’s more than 30 years of expertise in the field of social entrepreneurship, they can help us identify startups with systems-changing solutions who can make large-scale impact to society. Globe, on the other hand, will provide the best ones with technology support, mentorship, and network that will allow them to scale and further make a difference to society,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.
The top five teams will be provided with expert mentorship from Globe, Ashoka, and Singtel Group. On the other hand, the Portfolio Development team of Kickstart Ventures, Inc., Globe Telecom’s corporate venture capital arm, will facilitate access to relevant startup workshops or clinics, introductions to potential partners, mentors, advisers, and investors via Kickstart’s broad network as well as provide free Semaphore web-to-SMS API credits. Such support will allow the five teams to build their products faster and launch sooner to benefit the communities they aim to serve. GFM Candidates will be selected on a merit-basis in terms of business solutions and social impact.
Rico Gonzalez, Chairman, Ashoka Board of Trustees said: “In Ashoka, we understand that for solutions to succeed it is critical to collaborate across sectors. Our partnership with Globe Telecom allows us to continue to create an enabling ecosystem for social innovation in the Philippines. We know that technology plays a key role in our future in its ability to connect people and increase access to information.”
Founded in 1980, Ashoka is the world’s pioneer in establishing the field of social entrepreneurship. With over 3,000 Fellows from 89 countries, Ashoka is also the largest network of leading social innovators in the world. Some notable Fellows include: Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, for his work in making information more accessible; and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Kailash Satyarthi, for championing children’s rights around the world.
In the Philippines, there are currently six Ashoka Fellows such as: Girlie Garcia-Lorenzo, co-founder of Kythe Foundation, Inc., for her work in integrating psychosocial support in the country’s healthcare system; and Laurindo Garcia, for his work in creating online communities of inclusion for the most marginalized sectors in South East Asia.
Future Makers is the social innovation program of the Singtel Group of Companies within the Asia Pacific region. Launched in 2016 in Singapore and Australia, the program seeks to recognize the most innovative technology-enabled solutions focused on solving social issues in Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines.