24/06/2026
The roadmap to an AI-ready Philippines starts here! 🤖
Join TRAIN 2026 (Transformative AI Network: AI & Innovation Networking Week) at SMX Convention Center Bacolod. It is a massive 5-day gathering dedicated to accelerating the Philippines’ journey toward an AI-ready future.
đź“ŤSMX Convention Center Bacolod | Meeting Rooms 1 - 6
đź“… 20 - 24 July 2026
⏰ 9 AM - 5 PM
TRAIN 2026 Mobilizes for Bacolod's AI and Innovation Networking Week
Preparations are underway for TRAIN 2026 (Transformative AI Network: AI & Innovation Networking Week), a five-day national gathering that aims to bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, startups, civil society, and innovation communities to help accelerate the Philippines' journey toward an AI-ready future.
Scheduled on July 20–24, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, TRAIN 2026 will feature conferences, masterclasses, roundtable discussions, startup pitches, technology showcases, investor engagement activities, and community networking sessions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, entrepreneurship, future skills, and AI governance.
Leading the initiative is lawyer and digital countryside advocate Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Convenor of the Transformative AI Network (TRAIN), the Philippine ICT Innovation Network, and former Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development.
She is co-designing, co-creating and curating the week-long networking program supported a by a growing team of volunteers, industry champions, ICT advocates, startup leaders, and community organizers.
"We believe that AI readiness requires more than technology. It requires partnerships, skills, governance, innovation ecosystems, and communities working together. TRAIN 2026 is designed to bring these stakeholders into one space where ideas can become action," Batapa-Sigue said.
The event comes at a critical time as global studies highlight the growing importance of AI skills, workforce transformation, and digital readiness.
Recent international reports indicate that artificial intelligence is reshaping labor markets, accelerating demand for new skills, and creating opportunities for economic growth across Southeast Asia.
With more advancement in AI, Batapa-Sigue says, there are several scenarios forecasted by global experts -which could happen depending on our readiness as a country.
And the Philippines should strive to avoid displacement of jobs and stalled progress but instead strive for a future economy co-piloted and augmented by AI and other technologies – and this can only happen when adoption and upskilling move at the same pace.
TRAIN 2026 will feature five thematic days:
Day 1: Connected Communities and Innovation Ecosystems
Day 2: AI-Powered Enterprises
Day 3: Digital Business, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth
Day 4: AI Startups and Innovation and
Day 5: Global AI Futures.
Organizers are currently inviting partners, sponsors, speakers, paper presenters, exhibitors, meeting hosts, investors, startup founders, and delegates to participate in the event.
A wide range of partnership opportunities are available for local government units, colleges and universities, government agencies, and business associations.
About TRAIN
The Transformative AI Network (TRAIN) is a private sector-led initiative that promotes networking and collaboration among government, industry, academia, startups, and communities to advance responsible AI adoption, innovation, digital transformation, workforce readiness, and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.
Connect. Innovate. Transform. Together.
