[Philippines — July 8, 2025] – The modern workplace in the Philippines faces a productivity paradox: while 65% of employees actively use AI tools (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing">Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a>), most organizations struggle with fragmented solutions that create silos rather than solve them. Repetitive questions flood HR departments, payroll processes still consume more hours than necessary, and managers spend more time on administrative tasks than strategic leadership.

Today, Sprout Solutions addresses this challenge head-on with the launch of Sidekick Central—a multi-functional suite of AI assistants designed to transform operations across every level of an organization.

Unlike generic AI tools that require employees to learn new systems, Sprout's Sidekicks integrate seamlessly into existing workflows through a unified platform that provides specialized AI assistance for distinct business functions. From HR policy guidance and payroll optimization to management insights and employee self-service, Sidekick is purpose-built to address specific organizational challenges while working together as a cohesive intelligence layer.

Beyond Chat: AI that Works Within Your Business Context

The Sidekicks ecosystem represents a fundamental shift from one-size-fits-all AI to specialized intelligence that understands the nuances of Filipino business operations. Each assistant is trained on role-specific knowledge while maintaining seamless integration with Sprout's existing HR and payroll platforms.

"We've moved beyond the era of employees having to figure out how to make AI work for them," said Patrick Gentry, CEO and co-founder of Sprout Solutions. "Sidekick Central brings AI intelligence into the workflows that matter most. It's built to help teams work faster, with fewer blockers and more clarity. The result is immediate productivity gains without the typical AI learning curve. We're continuing to expand its capabilities across areas like HR, payroll, and operations — starting with high-impact use cases and evolving with the needs of each team."

Projected Impact Across Multiple Business Functions

Based on pilot implementations and the platform's core capabilities, organizations implementing Sidekick Central can expect significant operational improvements:

•&nbsp;Up to 60% reduction in routine employee inquiries through intelligent self-service

•&nbsp;Up to 45% faster policy clarification and compliance guidance

•&nbsp;Automated generation of HR documents and communications

•&nbsp;Up to 40% reduction in payroll processing time through intelligent error detection

•&nbsp;Up to 90% fewer compliance-related queries with proactive regulatory guidance

•&nbsp;Predictive analytics designed to identify potential issues before they impact employees

•&nbsp;Real-time workforce insights enabling faster strategic decisions

•&nbsp;Automated report generation projected to save 15+ hours per month per manager

•&nbsp;Predictive analytics for better resource planning and team optimization

•&nbsp;Instant access to personalized policy information and benefits guidance

•&nbsp;24/7 availability designed to eliminate wait times for routine support

•&nbsp;Proactive notifications for important deadlines and opportunities

"With the introduction of Concierge AI, we were able to reduce the number of HR inquiries. Because the AI is integrated with our systems and policies, it's saved our HR team a lot of time on basic queries. That's allowed them to focus on higher-level responsibilities without additional headcount. We're now able to focus on more impactful work as we continue to change and evolve."

—Shakira Snowdown, Country Head, Philippines, Pepper Money

Addressing the AI Adoption Gap in Philippine Business

The<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing"> Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a> reveals that while employees in the Philippines embrace AI tools, most organizations lack enterprise-grade solutions that balance functionality with security and compliance requirements.

83% of employees currently rely on consumer AI tools they've acquired independently, creating potential security risks and inconsistent outcomes.

This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Research from the<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2025/feb/impact-generative-ai-work-productivity"> Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a> demonstrates that workers currently using generative AI are saving 5.4% of their work hours—equivalent to over 100 hours annually per AI-using employee. For organizations where AI adoption reaches meaningful scale, this could translate to significant productivity gains across the workforce.

"Businesses in the Philippines are ready for AI, but they need solutions built for their specific context," explained Mary Abigail Galve, Head of People Operations at Sprout. "Sidekick Central doesn't just automate tasks—it understands Philippine labor laws, local business practices, and cultural nuances. This contextual intelligence is what transforms AI from a novelty into a strategic business advantage."

Enterprise-Grade Security Meets Startup Agility

Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure, Sprout's Sidekicks adhere to international security standards including ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance, while maintaining full adherence to the Philippine Data Privacy Act. The platform features:

•&nbsp;Role-based access controls

•&nbsp;Comprehensive audit trails

•&nbsp;Data sovereignty protections designed specifically for enterprises operating in the Philippines

Beyond security, Sidekick Central provides unprecedented visibility into organizational knowledge gaps through built-in analytics. Leaders gain insights into frequently asked questions, process bottlenecks, and training opportunities—enabling continuous improvement of both AI assistance and underlying business operations.

Seamless Integration with Existing Sprout Ecosystem

For the thousands of organizations already using Sprout's HR and payroll solutions, Sidekick Central represents an evolution rather than a revolution. The AI assistants leverage existing data and workflows, meaning customers immediately benefit from enhanced intelligence without system disruption or extensive retraining.

New customers gain access to the complete ecosystem—AI-enhanced HR management, intelligent payroll processing, and comprehensive analytics—through a single, integrated platform that scales from startups to enterprise organizations.

Available Now — Start Seeing Results Today

All Sprout clients now have full access to Sidekick Central. This includes:

•&nbsp;300 monthly credits for Concierge, Sprout's customizable AI Sidekick that uses uploaded company documents to answer internal HR, policy, and compliance questions

•&nbsp;Credits are automatically refreshed every month

•&nbsp;Small talk or basic greetings do not consume credits

•&nbsp;No additional setup required—clients can start seeing value in just a few clicks

Start your transformation: Sprout clients can access Sidekick Central through their HR dashboard or directly via<a href="https://sidekick.sprout.ph/"> https://sidekick.sprout.ph</a>

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-Enhanced Business Operations

Sprout is committed to continuous innovation that keeps customers ahead of global trends while addressing the unique challenges of the Philippine market. The company plans to expand the Sidekick Central platform with additional specialized assistants for finance, sales, and operations, while enhancing integration capabilities with third-party business systems.

"This is just the beginning of how AI will transform business operations in the Philippines," noted Gentry. "Sidekick Central represents our vision of AI that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it."

•&nbsp;Access Sidekick Central:<a href="https://sidekick.sprout.ph/"> https://sidekick.sprout.ph</a>

•&nbsp;Read the Research:<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing"> Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a>

•&nbsp;Request Demo: Contact your Sprout representative or visit<a href="https://sprout.ph/"> sprout.ph</a>

Multi-functional AI platform delivers specialized Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support—driving productivity gains of up to 40% while reducing operational bottlenecks across entire organizations [Philippines — July 8, 2025] – The modern workplace in the Philippines faces a productivity paradox: while 65% of employees actively use AI tools (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing">Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a>), most organizations struggle with fragmented solutions that create silos rather than solve them. Repetitive questions flood HR departments, payroll processes still consume more hours than necessary, and managers spend more time on administrative tasks than strategic leadership.Today, Sprout Solutions addresses this challenge head-on with the launch of Sidekick Central—a multi-functional suite of AI assistants designed to transform operations across every level of an organization.Unlike generic AI tools that require employees to learn new systems, Sprout's Sidekicks integrate seamlessly into existing workflows through a unified platform that provides specialized AI assistance for distinct business functions. From HR policy guidance and payroll optimization to management insights and employee self-service, Sidekick is purpose-built to address specific organizational challenges while working together as a cohesive intelligence layer. <h2>Beyond Chat: AI that Works Within Your Business Context</h2>The Sidekicks ecosystem represents a fundamental shift from one-size-fits-all AI to specialized intelligence that understands the nuances of Filipino business operations. Each assistant is trained on role-specific knowledge while maintaining seamless integration with Sprout's existing HR and payroll platforms."We've moved beyond the era of employees having to figure out how to make AI work for them," said Patrick Gentry, CEO and co-founder of Sprout Solutions. "Sidekick Central brings AI intelligence into the workflows that matter most. It's built to help teams work faster, with fewer blockers and more clarity. The result is immediate productivity gains without the typical AI learning curve. We're continuing to expand its capabilities across areas like HR, payroll, and operations — starting with high-impact use cases and evolving with the needs of each team."<h2>Projected Impact Across Multiple Business Functions</h2>Based on pilot implementations and the platform's core capabilities, organizations implementing Sidekick Central can expect significant operational improvements:<h3>For HR Operations:</h3>•&nbsp;Up to 60% reduction in routine employee inquiries through intelligent self-service•&nbsp;Up to 45% faster policy clarification and compliance guidance•&nbsp;Automated generation of HR documents and communications<h3>For Payroll Management:</h3>•&nbsp;Up to 40% reduction in payroll processing time through intelligent error detection•&nbsp;Up to 90% fewer compliance-related queries with proactive regulatory guidance•&nbsp;Predictive analytics designed to identify potential issues before they impact employees<h3>For Management Decision-Making:</h3>•&nbsp;Real-time workforce insights enabling faster strategic decisions•&nbsp;Automated report generation projected to save 15+ hours per month per manager•&nbsp;Predictive analytics for better resource planning and team optimization<h3>For Employee Experience:</h3>•&nbsp;Instant access to personalized policy information and benefits guidance•&nbsp;24/7 availability designed to eliminate wait times for routine support•&nbsp;Proactive notifications for important deadlines and opportunities"With the introduction of Concierge AI, we were able to reduce the number of HR inquiries. Because the AI is integrated with our systems and policies, it's saved our HR team a lot of time on basic queries. That's allowed them to focus on higher-level responsibilities without additional headcount. We're now able to focus on more impactful work as we continue to change and evolve."—Shakira Snowdown, Country Head, Philippines, Pepper Money<h2>Addressing the AI Adoption Gap in Philippine Business</h2>The<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing"> Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a> reveals that while employees in the Philippines embrace AI tools, most organizations lack enterprise-grade solutions that balance functionality with security and compliance requirements.83% of employees currently rely on consumer AI tools they've acquired independently, creating potential security risks and inconsistent outcomes.This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Research from the<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2025/feb/impact-generative-ai-work-productivity"> Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a> demonstrates that workers currently using generative AI are saving 5.4% of their work hours—equivalent to over 100 hours annually per AI-using employee. For organizations where AI adoption reaches meaningful scale, this could translate to significant productivity gains across the workforce."Businesses in the Philippines are ready for AI, but they need solutions built for their specific context," explained Mary Abigail Galve, Head of People Operations at Sprout. "Sidekick Central doesn't just automate tasks—it understands Philippine labor laws, local business practices, and cultural nuances. This contextual intelligence is what transforms AI from a novelty into a strategic business advantage."<h2>Enterprise-Grade Security Meets Startup Agility</h2>Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure, Sprout's Sidekicks adhere to international security standards including ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance, while maintaining full adherence to the Philippine Data Privacy Act. The platform features:•&nbsp;Role-based access controls•&nbsp;Comprehensive audit trails•&nbsp;Data sovereignty protections designed specifically for enterprises operating in the PhilippinesBeyond security, Sidekick Central provides unprecedented visibility into organizational knowledge gaps through built-in analytics. Leaders gain insights into frequently asked questions, process bottlenecks, and training opportunities—enabling continuous improvement of both AI assistance and underlying business operations.<h2>Seamless Integration with Existing Sprout Ecosystem</h2>For the thousands of organizations already using Sprout's HR and payroll solutions, Sidekick Central represents an evolution rather than a revolution. The AI assistants leverage existing data and workflows, meaning customers immediately benefit from enhanced intelligence without system disruption or extensive retraining.New customers gain access to the complete ecosystem—AI-enhanced HR management, intelligent payroll processing, and comprehensive analytics—through a single, integrated platform that scales from startups to enterprise organizations.<h2>Available Now — Start Seeing Results Today</h2>All Sprout clients now have full access to Sidekick Central. This includes:•&nbsp;300 monthly credits for Concierge, Sprout's customizable AI Sidekick that uses uploaded company documents to answer internal HR, policy, and compliance questions•&nbsp;Credits are automatically refreshed every month•&nbsp;Small talk or basic greetings do not consume credits•&nbsp;No additional setup required—clients can start seeing value in just a few clicksStart your transformation: Sprout clients can access Sidekick Central through their HR dashboard or directly via<a href="https://sidekick.sprout.ph/"> https://sidekick.sprout.ph</a><h2>Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-Enhanced Business Operations</h2>Sprout is committed to continuous innovation that keeps customers ahead of global trends while addressing the unique challenges of the Philippine market. The company plans to expand the Sidekick Central platform with additional specialized assistants for finance, sales, and operations, while enhancing integration capabilities with third-party business systems."This is just the beginning of how AI will transform business operations in the Philippines," noted Gentry. "Sidekick Central represents our vision of AI that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it."<h2>Learn More &amp; Access Resources</h2>•&nbsp;Access Sidekick Central:<a href="https://sidekick.sprout.ph/"> https://sidekick.sprout.ph</a>•&nbsp;Read the Research:<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YasFfUAY5m0ugkxrWBl74XYpdfcKRJ4/view?usp=sharing"> Sprout State of AI 2025 Report</a>•&nbsp;Request Demo: Contact your Sprout representative or visit<a href="https://sprout.ph/"> sprout.ph</a>

HR / Recruitment

Marketing / Research

System / Website / Application development

Software

Local companies

Multi-functional AI platform delivers specialized Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support—driving productivity gains of up to 40% while reducing operational bottlenecks across entire organizations

Sprout Eliminates Administrative Bottlenecks for Filipino Businesses with Sidekick Central AI Assistant Suite

[Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley's tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.

The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country's most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call "The Great AI Retention Paradox": while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.

The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing "sadness at leaving colleagues" as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.

The research reveals "The 3 C's of AI-Era Retention": Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.

Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.

Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.

Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors.

"Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables," explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.

Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution

The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments.

"Gen Z workers don't want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration," noted Maria Lourdes Ann "L.A." Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. "The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less."

Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as "AI-ready" show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.

This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.

Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis

The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach.

"If these patterns hold globally, we're looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy," said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. "The solution isn't more sophisticated AI tools—it's more sophisticated human connection."

Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the "HUMAN Protocol" for AI-era retention:

Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groups

Early adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.

The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila's Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on "Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership" with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.

The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.

The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.

Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia

Sprout's 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis. [Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley's tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country's most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call "The Great AI Retention Paradox": while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing "sadness at leaving colleagues" as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.<h2>The Connection-Retention Formula</h2>The research reveals "The 3 C's of AI-Era Retention": Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors."Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables," explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.<h2>Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution</h2>The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments."Gen Z workers don't want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration," noted Maria Lourdes Ann "L.A." Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. "The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less."<h2>The AI Readiness Gap</h2>Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as "AI-ready" show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.<h2>Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis</h2>The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach."If these patterns hold globally, we're looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy," said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. "The solution isn't more sophisticated AI tools—it's more sophisticated human connection."<h2>Actionable Framework for Leaders</h2>Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the "HUMAN Protocol" for AI-era retention:Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groupsEarly adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.<h2>Building on Success</h2>The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila's Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on "Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership" with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.<h2>Sprout Sidekick Central</h2>The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia

Event

Survey report

Sprout's 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis.

The Great AI Retention Paradox: Despite 62% Workplace AI Adoption, Filipino Workers Stay for Friends, Not Features

[Philippines] – [April 8, 2025] – As Sprout Solutions marks its 10th year as the Philippines’ most trusted and largest B2B SaaS company, it hosts its biggest event of the year, the 3rd annual SaaScon PH, the country’s premier conference for the local Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry.&nbsp;

Drawing over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors, SaaScon PH ’25 spotlights the next frontier of intelligent software under the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.”

Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, SaaScon brings together the nation’s most visionary SaaS builders, enablers and users.&nbsp; The conference delivers a full day of informative presentations, direction-setting panels, and deep-dive breakout tracks focused on the growing imperative for AI-powered transformation in business.

“The AI revolution is unfolding at a pace we’ve never seen before,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operating Officer at Sprout Solutions. “SaaScon is where we unpack how to survive and thrive in the age of AI and why it’s now aptly described as the latest industrial revolution”.

The 2025 theme addressed a pivotal shift: AI is no longer an optional innovation—it’s a core driver of operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and scalable growth. With emerging technologies rapidly reshaping almost every business function, SaaScon PH ’25 aimed to equip attendees with practical insights to navigate these seismic changes and harness AI’s full potential in their industries.

This year’s event also served as a milestone celebration of Sprout’s 10-year journey from local startup to SaaS market leader, championing digital transformation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.

SaaScon PH ‘25 opened with a keynote from Patrick Gentry, CEO and Co-Founder of Sprout, emphasizing the impact of agentic AI on the future of SaaS, and its strategic role in supercharging productivity, efficiency, and speed for businesses of all sizes.&nbsp;

Gentry’s opening is followed by a keynote from Anthony Oundjian, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who presents a compelling global, regional, and Philippines outlook on SaaS, AI and technology adoption across multiple industries.&nbsp;

Fireside Discussion with 2 Industry Stalwarts

The morning plenary also featured a fireside chat with Victor Genuino, President &amp; CEO of ePLDT and Lito Villanueva, Chief Innovations &amp; Inclusion Officer and Executive Vice President of RCBC, where they talk about how their industry-leading companies are leveraging this latest wave of computing technology, and their take on how small, medium and large organizations can use it to adapt and thrive in 2025 and beyond.&nbsp;

In a timely session on public-private collaboration, Usec. David Almirol (DICT), Dr. Gonzalo Varela (World Bank), and Frank Vibar (Asian Hospital), was joined by moderator Monchito Ibrahim (ATIN) to explore policies and partnerships for national digital resilience.

In a powerful closing panel at the morning plenary, industry drivers Unni Pillai (AWS), Dr. Alexander Titov (iDEA), Pushkar Misra (HGS), and Macario Fojas (Seven Seven Global Services) tackled the future of AI-native business models and product strategies.

Tailored Breakout Tracks for Every Growth Stage

Three simultaneous afternoon breakout sessions offered carefully curated content for SaaS users, startup founders, and investors:

Growing Business Talks with Reynaldo Lugtu, Fleire Castro, Eli Harrell, and James Mendoza focused on how SMEs can accelerate productivity, growth and even global competitiveness immediately with practical AI solutions. 

Enterprise Exchange, with thought leaders from IBM, Accenture, AWS, Concentrix, Foundever, among others, highlighted how large enterprises are responding to and leading the innovation opportunities brought about by SaaS and AI, and also showcased 5 startups and their solutions that help larger companies quickly scale this innovation.&nbsp; 

The Founders and Funders Forum, led by Franco Varona (Foxmont), explored how startup founders are building a new wave of AI-first solutions, and how VC's are separating hype versus high-return in their investment decisions. The Inner Circle session also pairs 10 promising startups with VCs for potential funding discussions.

SaaScon PH ’25 concluded the whole-day event with an engaging Executive Mixer that brings together attendees, organizers and sponsors for an evening of post-event networking, discussions, and deal-making.&nbsp;

A Milestone Event Powered by Industry Leaders

SaaScon PH 2025 brought together a dynamic coalition of sponsors and partners, reflecting the growing momentum behind SaaS innovation in the Philippines. At the forefront was Mynavi, serving as this year’s Platinum Sponsor, with KMC Solutions as Gold Sponsor—both reinforcing their leadership in shaping the future of work and technology in the region.

The event is further supported by Silver Sponsors: Crayon PH, Hive Health, Twala, Olivia, Britana, Ascend, and Sansan. Their participation enabled the delivery of high-value sessions, hands-on showcases, and meaningful engagement across the SaaS ecosystem.

A broad network of Strategic Partners also played a key role in amplifying the event’s reach and relevance. Representing sectors spanning technology, business, HR, and social development, the group includes: Asia CEO Forum, Xamun AI, JuanTax, Beeline, Philippines HR Group, Plan International Pilipinas, Dasho Content, AFG Partners, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), International HR Institute, VRI Times, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Events Hub, J&amp;S Events Management Services, VHub Human Resources and Organizational Development Consultancy, Kaya Founders, Wavemaker Partners, Unisol, and Globaltronics.

Together, these organizations highlight the collaborative spirit driving SaaScon PH—positioning the event as a key catalyst in building a future-ready, innovation-led SaaS landscape in the Philippines.

Sprout Solutions marked its 10th anniversary on April 8, 2025, by hosting SaaScon PH 2025, the Philippines’ premier SaaS conference, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors to explore the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.” As AI becomes a core driver of business growth and efficiency, SaaScon PH aimed to equip attendees with practical insights on adapting to this shift. <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/4ea42fb9-4a4c-43e6-ede7-7e28c8294500/public" alt="Panel Discussion at SaaScon - AI 2.0: Unlocking Growth and Innovation for the Future of Your Business featuring Unni Pillai from AWS Philippines, Dr. Alexander Titov of International Digital Economic Association, Pushkar Misra of Hinduja Global Solutions, Macario S. Fojas of Seven Seven Global Services, Inc., and Philip Amores of KMC Solutions" />[Philippines] – [April 8, 2025] – As Sprout Solutions marks its 10th year as the Philippines’ most trusted and largest B2B SaaS company, it hosts its biggest event of the year, the 3rd annual SaaScon PH, the country’s premier conference for the local Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry.&nbsp;Drawing over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors, SaaScon PH ’25 spotlights the next frontier of intelligent software under the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.”Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, SaaScon brings together the nation’s most visionary SaaS builders, enablers and users.&nbsp; The conference delivers a full day of informative presentations, direction-setting panels, and deep-dive breakout tracks focused on the growing imperative for AI-powered transformation in business.“The AI revolution is unfolding at a pace we’ve never seen before,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operating Officer at Sprout Solutions. “SaaScon is where we unpack how to survive and thrive in the age of AI and why it’s now aptly described as the latest industrial revolution”.<h2>Why “SaaS 2.0” Matters in 2025</h2>The 2025 theme addressed a pivotal shift: AI is no longer an optional innovation—it’s a core driver of operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and scalable growth. With emerging technologies rapidly reshaping almost every business function, SaaScon PH ’25 aimed to equip attendees with practical insights to navigate these seismic changes and harness AI’s full potential in their industries.This year’s event also served as a milestone celebration of Sprout’s 10-year journey from local startup to SaaS market leader, championing digital transformation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.<h2>Leadership Perspectives on AI and Growth</h2>SaaScon PH ‘25 opened with a keynote from Patrick Gentry, CEO and Co-Founder of Sprout, emphasizing the impact of agentic AI on the future of SaaS, and its strategic role in supercharging productivity, efficiency, and speed for businesses of all sizes.&nbsp;Gentry’s opening is followed by a keynote from Anthony Oundjian, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who presents a compelling global, regional, and Philippines outlook on SaaS, AI and technology adoption across multiple industries.&nbsp;<h2>Fireside Discussion with 2 Industry Stalwarts</h2><h2>The morning plenary also featured a fireside chat with Victor Genuino, President &amp; CEO of ePLDT and Lito Villanueva, Chief Innovations &amp; Inclusion Officer and Executive Vice President of RCBC, where they talk about how their industry-leading companies are leveraging this latest wave of computing technology, and their take on how small, medium and large organizations can use it to adapt and thrive in 2025 and beyond.&nbsp;</h2><h2>Government and Industry Dialogue</h2>In a timely session on public-private collaboration, Usec. David Almirol (DICT), Dr. Gonzalo Varela (World Bank), and Frank Vibar (Asian Hospital), was joined by moderator Monchito Ibrahim (ATIN) to explore policies and partnerships for national digital resilience.<h2>Building for an AI-Driven Future</h2>In a powerful closing panel at the morning plenary, industry drivers Unni Pillai (AWS), Dr. Alexander Titov (iDEA), Pushkar Misra (HGS), and Macario Fojas (Seven Seven Global Services) tackled the future of AI-native business models and product strategies.<h2>Tailored Breakout Tracks for Every Growth Stage</h2>Three simultaneous afternoon breakout sessions offered carefully curated content for SaaS users, startup founders, and investors:Growing Business Talks with Reynaldo Lugtu, Fleire Castro, Eli Harrell, and James Mendoza focused on how SMEs can accelerate productivity, growth and even global competitiveness immediately with practical AI solutions. Enterprise Exchange, with thought leaders from IBM, Accenture, AWS, Concentrix, Foundever, among others, highlighted how large enterprises are responding to and leading the innovation opportunities brought about by SaaS and AI, and also showcased 5 startups and their solutions that help larger companies quickly scale this innovation.&nbsp; The Founders and Funders Forum, led by Franco Varona (Foxmont), explored how startup founders are building a new wave of AI-first solutions, and how VC's are separating hype versus high-return in their investment decisions. The Inner Circle session also pairs 10 promising startups with VCs for potential funding discussions.SaaScon PH ’25 concluded the whole-day event with an engaging Executive Mixer that brings together attendees, organizers and sponsors for an evening of post-event networking, discussions, and deal-making.&nbsp;<h2>A Milestone Event Powered by Industry Leaders</h2>SaaScon PH 2025 brought together a dynamic coalition of sponsors and partners, reflecting the growing momentum behind SaaS innovation in the Philippines. At the forefront was Mynavi, serving as this year’s Platinum Sponsor, with KMC Solutions as Gold Sponsor—both reinforcing their leadership in shaping the future of work and technology in the region.The event is further supported by Silver Sponsors: Crayon PH, Hive Health, Twala, Olivia, Britana, Ascend, and Sansan. Their participation enabled the delivery of high-value sessions, hands-on showcases, and meaningful engagement across the SaaS ecosystem.A broad network of Strategic Partners also played a key role in amplifying the event’s reach and relevance. Representing sectors spanning technology, business, HR, and social development, the group includes: Asia CEO Forum, Xamun AI, JuanTax, Beeline, Philippines HR Group, Plan International Pilipinas, Dasho Content, AFG Partners, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), International HR Institute, VRI Times, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Events Hub, J&amp;S Events Management Services, VHub Human Resources and Organizational Development Consultancy, Kaya Founders, Wavemaker Partners, Unisol, and Globaltronics.Together, these organizations highlight the collaborative spirit driving SaaScon PH—positioning the event as a key catalyst in building a future-ready, innovation-led SaaS landscape in the Philippines.

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Sprout Solutions marked its 10th anniversary on April 8, 2025, by hosting SaaScon PH 2025, the Philippines’ premier SaaS conference, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors to explore the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.” As AI becomes a core driver of business growth and efficiency, SaaScon PH aimed to equip attendees with practical insights on adapting to this shift. 

Sprout Solutions Phil Inc