TechShake Launches AI Salon Philippines, Advancing Global AI through Regional Solutions

Manila, Philippines — January 22, 2026.

TechShake officially launched and led AI Salon Philippines, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Philippines’ position within the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.

AI Salon Philippines is a decentralized, chapter-based global community that brings together AI founders, builders, investors, and ecosystem partners across leading startup hubs worldwide. United by a shared purpose, brand, and platform, each local chapter serves as a trusted space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and real-world application of AI. With the launch of AI Salon Philippines, the country formally joined this global network.

A Curated Space for Serious AI Conversations

AI Salon Philippines was designed as an invite-only gathering, intentionally limited to around 60 participants to foster meaningful dialogue and high-trust exchange. Attendees included leaders from major conglomerates, founders of AI-driven startups, companies actively exploring AI integration, and representatives from government and public sector organizations.

Rather than focusing on hype, the Philippine chapter centered on practical use cases, responsible adoption, and cross-sector collaboration. The event created a neutral ground where enterprises, innovators, and policymakers explored how AI could be deployed in ways that are scalable, compliant, and impactful.

Launch Event Highlights

The inaugural AI Salon Philippines took place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, LEAP Studios, Makati City.

The program featured keynote insights, focused discussions on building and scaling AI solutions for global markets, and a curated networking session that encouraged candid exchange and the formation of early-stage partnerships across sectors.

The program featured in-person keynote insights from NVIDIA’s Head of Startups and Partnerships (Asia and ANZ), Pei Yi Pang, discussing how AI startups can scale for global markets, alongside Kita founders Carmel Limcauco and Rhea Malhotra, who explored AI agents as the most disruptive technology in 2026.

The agenda was complemented by online sessions from international speakers, including Australia-based Wenee Dericott-Yap (Director of AI Literacy of 43 Degrees Below), who examined AI Literacy as the Missing Skill in the Future of Work, and Finland-based Dr. Taavi Kuisma, Founder and CEO of Future Objects.

The founder of AI Salon Philippines, Jeff Abott, and our very own Co-Founder and CEO, Kotaro Adachi, shared a few words to share what our chapter has in store for this year. 

We were joined by Michael Bell, founder of our venue partner, LEAP Studios, for closing remarks.

The afternoon concluded with a curated networking session that encouraged candid exchange and the formation of early-stage, cross-sector partnerships.

Strengthening the Philippines’ Role in the Global AI Ecosystem

By launching and leading AI Salon Philippines, TechShake reinforced its role as a bridge between the country and international innovation communities. The chapter aligned with TechShake’s broader mission of connecting innovation founders, enterprises, and institutions to global opportunities, while ensuring that emerging technologies like AI are adopted responsibly and strategically.

As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, AI Salon Philippines positioned the country not just as a participant, but as an active contributor to regional and global conversations on the future of artificial intelligence. The successful launch marked the beginning of an ongoing series of closed-door salons, collaborations, and ecosystem-building initiatives that will continue throughout 2026 and beyond.