Cebu-based startup delivery systems wins at ASEAN-India Startup Festival

CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based startup delivery systems--“Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast” (OMG!) won the first prize at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2024 held at Taj Vivanta in Dwarka, New Delhi in November last year that showcased the region’s most innovative and impactful startups with OMG! standing out for its groundbreaking fulfillment model.

Karl Kesner, co-founder of Oh My Genie (OMG!) received the award and described the systems as an AI technology transforming traditional fulfillment processes by turning physical retail stores into decentralized hubs that enable faster and more cost-effective delivery—a solution that can fulfill online orders in as fast as 30 minutes.

“This unique approach not only addresses inefficiencies in delivery systems but also supports local businesses and reduces environmental impact.  This recognition affirms our mission to provide crazy-fast delivery while promoting sustainability and empowering local economies,” Kesner said.

He is excited to bring this innovation from the Philippines to ASEAN and beyond and is deeply grateful to the DTI StartupIsland program for its invaluable mentorship and support that helped shape his journey.

OMG! is also one of the graduates of the StartupIslandPH Mentoring Program (SIPH), StartupIslandPH Mentoring Program (SIPH) initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 in partnership with the local startup community.

OMG! is also a recipient of the DOST-PCIEERD Startup Grant Fund (SGF), a government initiative to support innovative startups. The company’s success at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival highlights the impact of nurturing Filipino talent to address global challenges.

The ASEAN-India Start-up Festival

According to DTI-7 that the ASEAN-India Start-up Festival is a prominent event designed to foster innovation and collaboration between startups from India and the 10 ASEAN member countries, organized by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur in partnership with India’s Department of Science & Technology (DOST) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

 

The event featured 100 startups, 60 from India and 40 from ASEAN nation and spotlight deep-tech and sustainable innovations to address regional challenges. The three-day program included seminars, exhibitions, pitch competitions, networking sessions, and industry visits to encourage B2B and G2G collaborations, DTI-7 said.

During the grand valedictory ceremony attended by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director of IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Nagaboopathy Mohan, DST Coordinator for the ASEAN region, OMG! was recognized with First Prize in Problem-Solving Excellence for Tackling ASEAN Regional Challenges. The award was presented by Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of India.

DTI Cebu OIC-Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar said that OMG!’s victory underscores the power of technology-driven solutions to address pressing regional challenges.  “As the company continues to grow, it serves as an inspiring example for other businesses looking to optimize fulfillment and delivery systems in the digital age,” Aguilar added.

For more information, visit ASEAN-India Start-up Festival 2024 Website, OMG! Website: https://www.ohmygenie.vip/ and https://www.facebook.com/startupisland.ph. (Photos: DTI7/Google)