Hiraya Network launched in the Philippines; aims to empower local blockchain talent

The Aptos Foundation has launched the Hiraya Network, an initiative designed to empower local blockchain talent and projects within the Aptos ecosystem. Through grants, educational programs, and collaborations, Hiraya Network aims to foster innovation and community building in the country’s growing Web3 space.  

“With the launch of the Hiraya Network, we see a powerful opportunity to nurture Filipino talent, explore real-world blockchain applications, and drive economic empowerment through blockchain and Web3,” Roxanne Aviñante, Senior Science Research Specialist at the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) said.  

Bringing blockchain to universities and startups  

Hiraya Network will focus on three key areas: community engagement, developer support, and collaboration with academic institutions and startups. These efforts will include university partnerships, hackathons, open-source R&D projects, and fundraising initiatives for Filipino blockchain entrepreneurs.  

“Our goal with Hiraya Network is to take what we have built over the past few years and take it to the next level,” Mark Hugh Neri, country lead for Hiraya Network, said. “Together with our ever-growing community of developers, mentors, creatives, academic and industry partners, we are going to make moves with Aptos.”  

Aptos Foundation is working closely with DOST-ASTI and The Blockchain Lead Organization and Knowledge Center (The BLOKC) to integrate blockchain education into university curriculums and train future innovators.  

“We believe that the future doesn’t just happen, we build it,” Aviñante said. “And the only way to build it right is by working together.”  

Government support for blockchain development  

DOST-ASTI emphasised the government’s role in enabling innovation. Aviñante highlighted that the agency is exploring potential funding and research opportunities to support blockchain projects.  

“The government’s role in all of this is simple: we’re here to enable innovation,” she said. “Through agencies like DOST, we explore funding opportunities, facilitate research, and back bold ideas that will shape the future.”  

Aviñante noted that DOST-ASTI has been actively collaborating on blockchain initiatives, including conferences, educational programs, and R&D projects on digital identity systems, supply chain transparency, and financial inclusion.  

“Over the years, we’ve been diving deep into emerging technologies. We’ve been working with blockchain and Web3 through projects like unique ID protection and Project Carbon,” she said. “We’re also conducting studies for blockchain infrastructure to support R&D in the Philippines.”  

Creating opportunities for Filipino builders  

Through Hiraya Network, Filipino blockchain builders and founders will gain direct access to Aptos Foundation’s global resources, including grants and accelerators tailored to different stages of project development.   

Aviñante stressed that the initiative is not just about technology but about people. “The network isn’t just about building technology; it’s about building people. It’s about giving talent, builders, and founders a space to try,” she said. “We want to see Filipino talents, students, enthusiasts, and developers leading the change in the global blockchain and Web3 space.”  

A future built on collaboration  

Aviñante acknowledged the curiosity and excitement surrounding blockchain technology, particularly its potential applications in the Philippine economy. “This is new to us, and that’s what makes it exciting,” she said. “There’s a real sense of curiosity about how it works and how it can unlock new possibilities in blockchain and Web3.”  

She also expressed optimism about the impact of the Hiraya Network on the local blockchain ecosystem. “Our expectation is simple: we want to see this community grow, not just in size, but in impact,” she said. “We want to see real solutions to real problems, and most importantly, we want to see Filipinos leading the change in the global blockchain space.”  

“ What we’re trying to achieve really is to help builders, startup founders so that they can have access through the network with mentoring, access to funds and distribution,” Mark Hugh Neri, Country Lead of Hiraya Network, said.  

“We’re beyond just a startup; we’re here to partner with each of you and truly build the future of Web3, not only in the Philippines but across the region and the world,” Thomas Chou, Head of Marketing for APAC and MENA of APTOS Labs said.  

“This is just the beginning,” Aviñante concluded. “We’re excited to see how this community will shape the future of blockchain and Web3.”