Bacolod City, Philippines — 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.
Held from 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 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 is available for local government units, colleges and universities, government agencies, and business associations.
Industry partners include Converge Global Business, Ignite Telecommunications, Dito Telecommunity, JustPressOne, Cirrolytix Research Services, and Colliers Philippines. Interested organizations may request the TRAIN 2026 Partnership Prospectus and Expression of Interest Form through b2b@jocellebatapasigue.com
Transformative AI Network (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.
#TRAIN2026 #AIInnovationWeek #TransformativeAINetwork #AIReadyPhilippines
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