MARK your calendars for the landmark 10th edition of Echelon, Asia's cornerstone tech and startup conference, in Singapore from May 15 to 16, 2024. Celebrated for connecting the brightest minds and cultivating a robust tech network across Southeast Asia, Echelon has proudly announced the first 26 innovative startups chosen for its esteemed TOP100 Program. Even in the face of last year's financial hurdles, these fledgling companies have surged ahead, making a positive dent in the economic landscape. Anticipating a crowd of over 10,000 tech enthusiasts, this year's Echelon X promises to spotlight pioneering startups from across the Philippines, Taiwan, India, and more.

In an email interview, Mohan Belani, co-founder and chief executive of e27, Echelon X's organizer, discussed the upcoming event and what 10 years of running the conference taught him.

The Manila Times (TMT): What criteria were used to select the first 26 startups for the TOP100 Program, and how do they reflect the program's focus on business resilience and sustainable regional growth?

Mohani Belani (Belani): We consider market potential, traction, investment/fundraising, scalability, growth potential and impact when we select startups for the TOP100 Program. With these in mind, we specially designed activities for the TOP100 Program, such as mini events, mentoring, and investment matching that are tailored to the needs of the startups in the program, thereby reinforcing the program's commitment to supporting their growth and success.

TMT: How does the inclusion of startups from beyond Southeast Asia, such as India, Bangladesh and Taiwan, align with Echelon's goals for the TOP100 Program, and what impact do you anticipate this will have on the startup ecosystem in the region?

Belani: We wish for the TOP100 Program to promote regional collaboration, expand networks, and embrace diverse perspectives and expertise. Beyond having a diverse pool of startups and a broader reach, our goal for the program is to foster cross-border partnerships, serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, and drive growth and innovation within the startup ecosystem across Southeast Asia and beyond. We also provide private access to government agencies in Southeast Asia, thereby allowing startups to leverage existing market-access programs that can enhance their growth and market expansion. We hope that these collaborative efforts will lead to a sustainable growth of startups, thereby enabling them to become profitable businesses.

TMT: Can you share some success stories from previous participants of the TOP100 Program, like Priyoshop, and how the program contributed to their growth and funding achievements?

Belani: The exhibition space, onstage pitching, investor matching during the Echelon conference, and regional networking events are some of the ways that allow participants from the TOP100 Program to pitch their ventures and secure crucial funding. To date, the program has been successful in connecting hundreds of startups to investors as well as potential collaborators and customers, and we hope to continue this success with this year's iteration of the program.

TMT: How has the mentorship and workshop component of the TOP100 Program been tailored to address the evolving needs of more mature startups in its 10th edition?

Belani: The mentorship and workshop component of the TOP100 Program have been tailored to meet the specific needs of mature startups. We have expanded the mentorship pool to include seasoned industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and investors with extensive experience in navigating and addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by more mature startups. The workshops are also designed to equip the startups with skills and knowledge necessary to scale operations and better compete in global markets. We believe that the mentorships and workshops will be instrumental in helping startups across all stages, not just mature ones, to continue their growth trajectory.

TMT: With the expansion of the program to include startups from a wider geographical area, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee for Echelon in fostering a cohesive and collaborative environment among participants from diverse backgrounds?

Belani: We acknowledge that challenges may arise due to differences in business practices, market orientation, and even startup stages. That said, we believe that these factors will not hinder learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, as the varying perspectives and expertise brought by the participants can enrich discussion, spur innovation, and broaden participants' networks. With that in mind, we are optimistic that Echelon will be able to create a vibrant, cohesive and collaborative environment, fostering the growth of startups across diverse industries and backgrounds.

Visit: https://e27.co/echelon/asia for more information on e27.