Taguig City: The Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and the Aptos Foundation have collaborated to launch the Hiraya Network in the Philippines. This initiative aims to empower Filipino innovators and researchers, particularly in blockchain technology and Web3.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Hiraya Network will provide startups, universities, and innovators with access to the Aptos Foundation's extensive network. This collaboration is expected to offer wider access to funding opportunities, alongside essential training and upskilling.
Emerson Fonseca, CEO of The BLOKC, emphasized the abundance of talent in the Philippines and the lack of investors. He stated during the launch in Taguig City that their mission is to provide opportunities for these talents. Roxanne Avi±ante, a senior science research specialist at DOST-ASTI, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in market penetration for developers.
The partnership with Aptos is focused on capacity-building and technical collaboration for research and development. Avi±ante noted the significance of blockchain and Web3 in enhancing government services and ensuring transaction transparency. She mentioned that blockchain technology is already in use for various transactions, including cryptocurrency.
Web3 technology is also gaining importance, as demonstrated by South Korea's SK Telecom, which uses Web3 in its "T wallet" in partnership with Aptos. Thomas Chou, Aptos Foundation's head of marketing in APAC, expressed the foundation's commitment to building talent through collaborations with universities and upskilling engineers via Web3 technology.
The term "Hiraya" is derived from an ancient Filipino word meaning hope and dreams. Established in 2017, the Hiraya Network provides boot camps, hackathons, and incubation for innovators. Avi±ante mentioned that ASTI continues to explore funding sources for research and development and values its partnership with Aptos in capacity-building.
She further explained that ASTI has been instrumental in connecting Aptos with industry players and academic institutions to foster development.
