Leandro Rey Gepila
Product Designer & Ecosystem Operator
Product Designer × Ecosystem Builder | Building the Baguio Startup Ecosystem
In the field
Background
Leandro Rey Gepila is a product and innovation operator based in Baguio City, Philippines. His work sits at the intersection of human-centered design and startup ecosystem development, combining product thinking with systems building in emerging regions.
He has played a key role in the development of the Baguio and Cordillera startup ecosystem, designing incubation programs, supporting early-stage founders, and delivering initiatives in partnership with DOST, DICT, TARAKI-CAR, and regional universities. His experience spans student ventures, SMEs, and technology startups, with work that includes startup caravans, TBI management training, and ecosystem programs across the region.
Beyond the local ecosystem, he has contributed to open innovation programs with e27, supporting collaborations between startups, corporates, and ecosystem partners across Southeast Asia.
He currently leads product development and operations at inv8 Studio, working closely with founders to move from problem definition to MVP validation using structured product strategy, design thinking, and lean startup principles.
His work is grounded in a clear focus: building systems that help founders move faster, make better decisions, and turn ideas into validated products.
Leandro is a DOST-CAR accredited resource person for Technopreneurship, Product Development, and TBI Management.
How I work
Human-Centered Design
I use human-centered design to deeply understand users before building solutions. Every product starts with problem clarity, user insight, and real-world context.
Lean Startup Approach
I 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.
Systems Thinking in Execution
I approach projects as systems, not just tasks. By structuring workflows, decision points, and feedback loops, I ensure consistent execution and scalable outcomes.
Experience
Product & Innovation Lead
CurrentInv8 Studio
- 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
inv8 is a product and innovation studio focused on turning early-stage ideas into validated products through structured execution and user-centered design.
Project Manager
e27 Optimatic
- 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, identifying and qualifying early-stage startups for a Japan-based incubation program in partnership with a global innovation organization
- Developed operational systems including outreach pipelines and coordination workflows to improve program efficiency and partner alignment
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.
Startup Development Associate
UC Innovation and Technology Transfer Office
- 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 in partnership 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 for Technopreneurship, Product Development, and TBI Management.
UC InTTO is the innovation arm of the University of the Cordilleras — one of the most active university-based incubators in the Cordillera region.
Credentials & Certifications
- Venture Capital Accelerated - Quest Ventures
- Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Management – DOST-CAR
- Social Entrepreneurship – University of the Philippines Open University
- Technology Business Incubator Management - BluC 53 Singapore
- Google Project Management Specialization by Google
- Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability by Wharton
- Design Thinking & UX Design Foundations
- DOST-CAR Resource Person for Technopreneurship, Product Development, and 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
Public Engagements
DepEd SHS Entrepreneurship Forum
Panelist
Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio City
KSU TBI Management Training & Workshop
Resource Speaker
Kalinga State University, Tabuk City Kalinga
Ctrl + Change Year One Robotics Exhibit
Panelist
University of the Cordilleras Integrated School
USAP Orientation and Inspiration
Resource Speaker
City of Baguio SK District 2
PCNHS Startup Fireside Chat
Resource Speaker
PCNHS–SHS Lucban Campus
Managing, Monitoring, and Evaluating an Incubator
Resource Speaker
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
Portfolio Management Workshop for SMEs
Resource Speaker
InTTO Office, Baguio City
Startup Ignited 6
Panelist
SLU Bakakeng Campus, Baguio City
UI/UX Design Training
Resource Speaker
University of the Cordilleras
KARSI Dap-ayan ng Kalinangan: Innovations Uplifting Communities
Workshop Facilitator
Philippine Science High School CAR Campus
Cordinnovation Week 2024
Facilitator
Baguio City
Cordillera Startup Week 2023
Facilitator
Baguio City
TARAKI Regional Startup Caravan
Resource Speaker
Bangued, Abra