About
I design products, build ventures, and strengthen innovation ecosystems.
Leandro Rey Gepila is a startup ecosystem builder, innovation operator, and product designer based in Baguio City, Philippines. He works with founders, organizations, and communities to turn ideas and complex problems into products, ventures, programs, and systems that create real-world impact.
Leandro Rey Gepila
Product Designer & Ecosystem Operator
I help founders and organizations turn ideas into meaningful impact through product strategy, human-centered design, and ecosystem development.
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Founders & teams supported
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Ecosystem events organized
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Startups incubated
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Partner organizations
The long version
Leandro Rey Gepila is a startup ecosystem builder, innovation operator, and product designer based in Baguio City, Philippines. He currently works with Incubator Baguio, contributing to the development of the city's startup and innovation ecosystem.
His work sits at the intersection of product development, venture building, innovation programs, and ecosystem development. He helps founders, organizations, and communities turn ideas into products, ventures, programs, and opportunities.
At Incubator Baguio, he designs and delivers innovation programs, supports early-stage founders, develops ecosystem initiatives, builds partnerships, and creates digital systems for local innovators. His work includes building Baguio's innovation ecosystem database, developing its first open innovation challenge database, and strengthening Incubator Baguio's digital presence.
Previously, Rey worked with the University of the Cordilleras Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (UC InTTO), supporting student ventures, SMEs, and early-stage technology startups through incubation programs and ecosystem activities. He has also contributed to regional innovation initiatives through TARAKI-CAR and worked with e27's Innovate team on programs connecting startups, SMEs, corporates, and ecosystem partners across Southeast Asia.
Alongside ecosystem development, he works with early-stage teams on product strategy, UX/UI design, venture building, AI-powered products, and pitch storytelling. He also contributes to the community as a mentor, speaker, facilitator, panelist, and competition judge.
DOST-CAR accredited resource person for Technopreneurship, Product Development, and TBI Management.
How I work
- 1Human-Centered DesignI use human-centered design to deeply understand users before building solutions. Every product starts with problem clarity, user insight, and real-world context.
- 2Lean Startup ApproachI apply lean startup principles to validate ideas early through MVPs, rapid iteration, and continuous feedback. The goal is to reduce risk and focus only on what creates real value.
- 3Systems Thinking in ExecutionI approach projects as systems, not just tasks. By structuring workflows, decision points, and feedback loops, I ensure consistent execution and scalable outcomes.
Open for collaboration
Based in Baguio City, Philippines (UTC+8). I typically respond within 24–48 hours.
Experience
July 2025-Recent
Incubator Baguio
Innovation Ecosystem Enabler
Incubator Baguio is the City Government of Baguio’s research and innovation platform focused on connecting government, academia, industry, and society to develop solutions aligned with the city’s priorities.
- Built and developed the Baguio City Startup and Innovation Platform, creating a centralized digital space for the city’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
- Curated and structured ecosystem resources, programs, events, opportunities, and innovation challenges to improve access and connectivity among ecosystem stakeholders.
- Developed the platform as an ecosystem-building tool, enabling greater visibility, collaboration, and engagement among founders, researchers, institutions, industry, government, and other innovation stakeholders.
2025 — Present
inv8 Studio
Product & Innovation Lead
inv8 is a product and innovation studio focused on turning early-stage ideas into validated products through structured execution and user-centered design.
- Lead end-to-end product development from problem definition to MVP validation, working closely with founders and teams
- Build internal systems and workflows that enable consistent, scalable, and outcome-driven delivery
- Bridge product strategy and operations to ensure ideas are translated into clear, executable outputs
Sep 2023 — Dec 2025
UC Innovation and Technology Transfer Office
Startup Development Associate
UC InTTO is the innovation arm of the University of the Cordilleras — one of the most active university-based incubators in the Cordillera region.
- Designed and implemented incubation frameworks supporting student ventures, SMEs, and early-stage tech startups from ideation through market validation — managing a portfolio of 20+ incubated teams
- Organized 30+ ecosystem events and startup bootcamps with DOST, DICT, and regional universities; co-facilitated five startup caravans across the Cordillera
- Delivered TBI management training to two regional innovation hubs and served as DOST-CAR Accredited Resource Person
Jan 2026 — Mar 2026
e27 Optimatic
Project Manager
e27 is Southeast Asia's largest tech media and startup community platform. Its Innovate arm delivers open innovation consulting connecting startups, corporates, and investors across the region.
- Managed end-to-end delivery of a regional AI-focused innovation competition — from program design and participant recruitment through execution and evaluation
- Led startup scouting and selection across Southeast Asia, qualifying early-stage startups for a Japan-based incubation program with a global innovation organization
- Developed operational systems including outreach pipelines and coordination workflows to improve program efficiency and partner alignment
Credentials & certifications
- Venture Capital Accelerated — Quest Ventures
- Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Management — DOST-CAR
- Social Entrepreneurship — UP Open University
- Technology Business Incubator Management — BLOCK71 / BluC 53 Singapore
- Google Project Management Specialization
- Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability — Wharton
- Design Thinking & UX Design Foundations
- DOST-CAR Resource Person — Technopreneurship, Product Development, TBI Management
Awards & recognition
- Most Promising Prototype & Community Impact Award — AI.deas for Impact 2025 CAR (Mentor)
- First Runner Up — DisruptorX Philippines 2025 (Mentor)
- Champion — DOST Northern Luzon Technology Pitching Competition
- Champion & Best in Pitch — Philippine Startup Challenge 8 CAR (Mentor)
- SMART Innovation Generation 2 GIGA 25
- TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021 Finalist
- Kumu Haqathon 2021 Finalist
Open for collaboration
Let's build something worth building.
Product work, innovation programs, or ecosystem partnerships — tell me what you're working on.