In line with its mission to enable enterprises of all sizes through meaningful technology, PLDT Enterprise led the next leg of the Innovation Spotlight, in partnership with the US Embassy, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, YSEALI AMPLIFY 9.0, Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP), Fibers Collective and Pina Beauty PH. The themed “Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups” gathered innovators, founders, and advocates to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital security can work together to empower startups and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The Innovation Spotlight series was designed to ignite collaboration among industries, innovators, and changemakers — each event highlighting practical, scalable solutions for growth and human-centered ways to use technology for progress. By fostering dialogue and discovery, the series helps leaders transform ideas into action and potential into real impact on communities and people.
This latest session focused on one of today’s most urgent and promising intersections: the role of AI and cybersecurity in driving startup success. The event brought together thought leaders including WASP Founder Captain Caroline Nacional and Joie Cruz, CEO of Limitless Lab, who shared insights on inclusive innovation and responsible technology adoption.
Empowering Startups Through Innovation and Security
Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, underscored the dual importance of innovation and protection in the digital era.
“Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s growing,” Ruiz said. “Startups are agile and fast-moving, but that agility must be matched with awareness and readiness. Security is not a luxury—it’s a foundation.”
Ruiz also highlighted how PLDT Enterprise is helping startups leverage AI securely and ethically, while building a culture of collaboration across industries and organizations to innovate and grow together.
“Cybersecurity isn’t a solo mission. It’s a team sport. And when startups collaborate with the right partners, they gain not just tools—but trust, knowledge, and resilience to innovate boldly in the digital world,” he added.
The event also showcased PLDT Enterprise’s latest technology solutions that are helping businesses strengthen their operations, including SmartSafe, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, and AI-driven tools that enable seamless, secure, and scalable growth.
Driving Collaboration and Digital Resilience
Beyond technology, the event emphasized the power of collaboration — bringing together startups, advocates, and organizations that share the goal of turning ideas into reality.
PLDT Enterprise reinforced its commitment to co-innovate with partners who bring specialized expertise to help startups integrate technology safely and meaningfully into their growth journey.
The discussions also tackled emerging industry trends such as AI-driven fraud prevention, cloud-based cybersecurity frameworks, and digital ethics, underscoring how businesses can embrace innovation without compromising trust.
A Commitment to a Safer and Smarter Digital Future
As part of its brand promise, PLDT Enterprise reaffirmed its mission to support businesses — from startups to large-scale enterprises — in embracing innovation while ensuring operational security and continuity.
Ruiz concluded: “Innovation is exciting. AI is powerful. And startups are the lifeblood of our digital future. But without security, innovation is fragile. Our goal at PLDT Enterprise is to help businesses not only build, but build securely, ethically, and boldly.”
