CEBU CITY — Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast (OMG!), a Cebu-based startup redefining delivery systems in the ASEAN region, has been awarded First Prize at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2024. The prestigious event, held from November 28 to 30 at Taj Vivanta in Dwarka, New Delhi, showcased the region’s most innovative and impactful startups, with OMG! standing out for its groundbreaking fulfillment model.

Co-founded by Karl Kesner, OMG! leverages AI technology to transform traditional fulfillment processes. By turning physical retail stores into decentralized hubs, the company enables 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,” said Karl Kesner, CEO and Co-Founder of OMG!. “We’re thrilled to bring this innovation from the Philippines to ASEAN and beyond. We are also deeply grateful to the DTI StartupIsland program for their invaluable mentorship and support, which helped shape our journey.”

The ASEAN-India Start-up Festival 2024 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 nations— and spotlight deep-tech and sustainable innovations aimed at addressing regional challenges and driving socio-economic growth. The three-day program included seminars, exhibitions, pitch competitions, networking sessions, and industry visits to encourage B2B and G2G collaborations.

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.

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.

The SIPH is a flagship initiative designed to nurture and empower startups in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Launched in 2018, the program aims to encourage, equip, connect, and support early-stage startups, providing them with the tools and guidance necessary to refine their business models and accelerate growth.

SIPH offers a comprehensive 9-session mentorship program tailored to address the unique needs of tech startups. Through structured mentorship, hands-on workshops, and extensive networking opportunities, participants gain valuable insights and connections to scale their ventures effectively. By fostering a vibrant and supportive startup ecosystem, the program contributes to regional innovation and economic development.

Since its inception, the SIPH Mentoring Program has successfully completed seven batches of graduates, empowering numerous startups to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the tech and business landscape in the Philippines.

According to DTI Cebu OIC-Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar, 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,” said Aguilar.

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.

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

Date of release: 20 January 2025

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