“There are a number of existing co-working spaces in the Philippines. However, these spaces are largely inaccessible to grassroots innovators, students, academia and government as they charge high fees and membership is not always accepted.” — HIFI
June 2016 End date
May 2017
Issue
As the second fastest growing economy in the world, the Philippines now ranks third in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
The government has tripled its investments in science and engineering and exports of electronics is set to grow from the current level of 50%. But there is a lack of affordable gathering space to support tech innovation at the grassroots level.
Project
HIFI’s space offers the first and only large scale, open community space for tech, governance and social innovation.
The HIFI complex provides conference capabilities, training and mentoring programs, disaster mapping and maker labs. Through the partnership with MAVC, the hub will coordinate and implement activities aimed at encouraging new cross sector relationships, developing capacity in tech for disaster resilience, local and national governance.
Activities are designed to bring together actors from different sectors, seed new ideas and unite the civic technology community around this newly established hub. Additionally, HIFI provides various services to the local community and Making All Voices Count network including online and offline platforms for information exchange and support for other grantees in the Philippines.
Partner
HIFI is an initiative of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, an academic institution established in 1988 that nurtures innovation and inclusion through its programs. With its two breakthrough goals of innovation and inclusion, Benilde shines as a beacon of innovative thinking and creative talent for the purpose of nation building and inclusive growth and development. Benilde is committed to nurturing generations of highly skilled leaders with skills in social innovation and inclusion.