Company: Mylo Speech Buddy, Taguig City, Philippines
Nomination Submitted by: Uniquecorn Strategies Inc.
Company Description: Mylo Speech Buddy, founded in July 2023, is a speech development system that supports and empowers individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and speech delays, complementing speech therapists and medical professionals. It provides affordable, high quality video on demand application that uses Discrete Video Modeling Methodology, the most effective approach for children w/ ASD, per studies.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Tech Startup of the Year- Software
 Nomination Title: Mylo Speech Buddy
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
Established in July 2023 by Filipino entrepreneurs Vincent Rocha and Enrico Aquino, Mylo Speech Buddy is a rapidly growing startup offering an innovative speech development app tailored for children with speech delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects about 1% or 75 million individuals worldwide, with 1.2 million cases in the Philippines. Despite this prevalence, accessible and affordable therapy services for Filipino parents are scarce. The app addresses the critical need due to the shortage of therapists globally within the autism community.
Inspired by Rocha's journey with his son Noah who was diagnosed with autism at two years old, Mylo combines his technological expertise with personal experience to create a tool that supports children like Noah. The app collaborates closely with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and medical professionals to meet the unique needs of autistic children.
The app uses the Discrete Video Modeling Methodology, the most effective approach for children with ASD based on studies. It is worth noting that Mylo complements, rather than replaces, therapy sessions and professional consultations. Available on the App Store and Google Play Store, it supports individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in their journey from zero words to their first spoken word.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
Mylo Speech Buddy has achieved significant milestones since its inception in July 2023 and its official app launch in April 2024. The app reached 60,000 downloads, with an average usage of 15 minutes per session, generating USD 9,000 in monthly recurring revenue. It expanded to 40 countries without marketing efforts outside the Philippines and saw an increase in paid subscribers.
It has quickly garnered recognition from national and international platforms:
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Won 1st place among 12 startups that pitched their ventures at Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Cohort 3 in June 2024.
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Won 1st runner-up at PLDT and Smart Startup Innovation Challenge in November 2023, demonstrating its innovative approach and market potential.
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Featured among the Top 100 Startups at PH Startup Week 2023 organized by QBO Innovation Hub in November 2023.
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Named one of top 100 startups of Echelon X, Asia's cornerstone tech and startup conference organized by e27, held at the Singapore Expo in May 2024.
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Contender at SLINGSHOT x Venture Pilipinas Pitch Competition backed by the Department of Trade and Industry (government agency) in November 2023.
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Finalist and vied for funding and mentorship at CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch Season 9: Open Edition in September 2023. The show is the Philippines' equivalent of Shark Tank, The Apprentice, and The Voice combined.
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Participated in Startup Village in Canada (June 2024) and connected with top minds in the tech industry, expanding its network.
These achievements highlight Mylo Speech Buddy's rapid growth, innovation, and market impact within a short span.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 233 words used.
Mylo Speech Buddy's achievements are significant due to its rapid impact within a short timeframe. Serving a niche market, Mylo Speech Buddy initially focused on the Philippines. The domestic market alone was not large enough to sustain growth. As a result, Mylo expanded its reach globally to serve a wider audience.
Founded to help co-founder Vincent's son Noah, who has autism, Mylo Speech Buddy has grown its downloads to 60,000 and found a path to profitability within just one year of operation and with minimal funding. Such growth and profitability are significant challenges for most startup companies. Winning 1st place in the Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Cohort 3, 1st runner-up in the PLDT and Smart Startup Innovation Challenge as well its inclusion in Echelon’s TOP100 Startups in Southeast Asia and QBO Innovation Hub's Top 100 Startups in the Philippines, showcases its market viability and the confidence industry leaders have in Mylo Speech Buddy’s future.
Feedback from parents, therapists, and individuals within the autism community has refined Mylo Speech Buddy's approach, emphasizing community support. Seeing firsthand how technology improves communication for children like Noah deepens the company's commitment to fostering advocacy for those with autism.
These achievements highlight Mylo Speech Buddy's growth, innovation, and market impact, demonstrating its potential to support the global autism community and reaffirming its mission to provide speech development tools from zero words to their first spoken words.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 242 words used.
Coverage in various media publications highlights Mylo Speech Buddy's impactful first year in the market and its goal for global expansion:
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