PLDT Enterprise Innovation Spotlight: AI and Cybersecurity

PLDT Enterprise Innovation Spotlight: AI and Cybersecurity for Startups

Turning Digital Innovation into Real-World Impact

PLDT Enterprise recently hosted the latest leg of its Innovation Spotlight series, themed “Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups.” The event 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. PLDT Enterprise Innovation Spotlight: AI and Cybersecurity for Startups

Participants and speakers of PLDT Enterprise’s Innovation Spotlight: Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups gather for a photo after an insightful session on how collaboration and innovation can empower the startup ecosystem.

The session was held in collaboration 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. It was designed to ignite collaboration among industries, innovators, and changemakers, highlighting practical, scalable solutions for growth and human-centered ways to use technology for progress.

I’ve always believed that innovation without impact is just noise. For readers, this means PLDT Enterprise is not just talking about AI and cybersecurity—it’s showing how these technologies can be applied to solve real startup challenges. And yes, it also means you can finally stop thinking of AI as just a buzzword—it’s becoming a survival tool.

Empowering Startups Through Innovation and Security

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized 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.” PLDT Enterprise Innovation Spotlight: AI and Cybersecurity for Startups. PLDT Enterprise Innovation Spotlight: AI and Cybersecurity for Startups

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, highlights the critical role of cybersecurity and collaboration in enabling secure innovation for startups.

Ruiz also highlighted how PLDT Enterprise is helping startups leverage AI securely and ethically, while building a culture of collaboration across industries and organizations. “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.”

The event showcased PLDT Enterprise’s latest technology solutions, including SmartSafe, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, and AI-driven tools that enable seamless, secure, and scalable growth.

I’ve always said that startups thrive on speed, but speed without security is reckless. For readers, this means PLDT Enterprise is giving startups the tools to move fast without breaking trust. And yes, it also means you can finally stop pretending that “password123” is a valid security strategy.

Joie Cruz, CEO of Limitless Lab, shares insights on how leaders can bridge business growth, social impact and AI innovation in leadership during PLDT Enterprise’s Innovation Spotlight session.

Driving Collaboration and Digital Resilience

Beyond technology, the event emphasized the power of collaboration. Startups, advocates, and organizations came together with the shared 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. Discussions tackled emerging industry trends such as:

AI-driven fraud prevention.
Cloud-based cybersecurity frameworks.
Digital ethics in innovation.

These conversations underscored how businesses can embrace innovation without compromising trust.

I’ve always argued that collaboration is the hidden engine of resilience. For readers, this means startups don’t have to fight cyber threats alone—they can tap into ecosystems of support. And yes, it also means you can finally stop thinking of cybersecurity as a boring IT checklist—it’s becoming a competitive advantage.

Captain Caroline Nacional, Founder of the Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP), discusses the importance of digital safety, leadership, and social impact in today’s interconnected world.

Technology Solutions for Startup Growth

PLDT Enterprise presented several solutions designed to strengthen operations:

SmartSafe: A platform that integrates AI-driven monitoring with proactive threat detection.
Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Tools that protect networks, applications, and data from evolving threats.
AI-driven analytics: Systems that help startups scale securely while optimizing performance.

These solutions are built to be scalable, meaning they grow with the startup. Whether you’re a two-person team or a fast-scaling enterprise, the technology adapts to your needs.

I’ve always said that scalability is the difference between surviving and thriving. For readers, this means you don’t need to overhaul your systems every time you grow—PLDT Enterprise’s solutions are designed to expand with you. And yes, it also means you can finally stop duct-taping free software together and calling it “infrastructure.”

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.”

I’ve always believed that the future belongs to those who innovate responsibly. For readers, this means PLDT Enterprise is not just offering tools—it’s offering a philosophy: build with speed, but also with safety. And yes, it also means you can finally stop thinking of cybersecurity as a cost—it’s an investment in resilience.

My Take: Why This Matters for Startups

I’ve covered countless tech events, but this one stands out because it tackles two of the most urgent issues for startups: AI adoption and cybersecurity readiness. Startups often chase growth at all costs, but without security, that growth is fragile.

What I like most is the integration. AI tools, cybersecurity frameworks, and collaborative ecosystems don’t feel like separate topics—they’re presented as parts of a unified strategy.

For readers, the benefit is clear: you’re getting a roadmap to scale responsibly. You can harness AI to innovate, while relying on secure infrastructure to protect your assets. And yes, it also means you can finally stop saying, “We’ll worry about security later”—because later might be too late.

Technology That Serves People and Communities

At its core, the Innovation Spotlight series is about technology serving people. It’s about reducing risks, empowering startups, and ensuring that innovation translates into real-world impact.

For readers, this means you’re part of a growing ecosystem where startups are not just building apps or platforms—they’re building trust, resilience, and community impact. And yes, it also means your next big idea might be safer, smarter, and more scalable than you thought possible.

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s innovations, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ai-and-cybersecurity-pr

Fluffy

Tech Editor, gear head , photographer, videographer, editor and all around lover of technology.