The GIST Network will be in the Philippines this August to host a masterclass on establishing entrepreneurship programs at universities and colleges in the country. The goal of the masterclass is to build out a startup ecosystem that emphasizes innovation.

Set for August 9 in Davao, Philippines, the masterclass “Building Your Campus Innovation Ecosystem” will train students and faculty on the Lean Startup Method – which they can use to create and sustain an innovative startup ecosystem. The masterclass will also include a student pitch session and roundtable for participants to begin planning how they will build out their ecosystems.

The masterclass will be hosted by the U.S. Department of State and in-country partner, Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City. A top university in the Philippines, AdDU offers degrees in arts and science, business and governance, engineering and architecture, education, and nursing.

Eli Velasquez, Director of Venture Development at VentureWell, will travel to Davao City to lead the masterclass. Velasquez has a background that includes developing and launching early stage innovation programs. He will work closely with in-country stakeholders to do just that in the Philippines.

Photo Credit: Flickr | Grisel Garcia