A consortium of technology business innovators (TBIs) has launched a project to develop a five-year roadmap aimed at identifying collaboration opportunities and support for startups in Metro Manila.
The Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups - National Capital Region (SCALE NCR) said the initiative seeks to enhance innovation and accelerate startup growth in the region.
To support this effort, SCALE NCR—established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)—has initiated the NCR Local Government Unit (LGU) Mapping initiative.
Led by De La Salle Animo Labs, this project will map all 17 cities in the NCR, pinpointing potential collaboration avenues and support systems for startups, which is essential for creating a comprehensive Startup Development Roadmap.
SCALE NCR emphasized that this initiative is part of the DOST's Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program, which aims to strengthen the region's startup ecosystem.
Russell Pili, Chief Science Research Specialist at DOST-PCIEERD, noted that developing the startup ecosystem will bolster entrepreneurship and promote innovation throughout Metro Manila and the Philippines.
“By empowering more startups to take root and flourish, we aim to create a ripple effect that will inspire a new wave of innovation and strengthen our economy,” Pili said.
The mapping plan will prioritize the identification of key elements such as community culture, educational programs, and support systems within institutions, as well as the number of startups in each LGU.
Additionally, it will evaluate non-educational resources, including incubators and accelerators, alongside programs promoted by LGUs and their outcomes.
Jay Fajardo, Executive Director of QBO Innovation, highlighted the potential of the Philippine startup ecosystem, noting that the digital economy is valued at $6.45 billion in 2023 and is expected to soar to $35 billion within the next two years.
He emphasized that this rapid growth offers opportunities for the region's innovation landscape.
Currently, the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 (GSER 2024) places Metro Manila in the 81st-90th range among Emerging Startup Ecosystems. But through this initiative, SCALE NCR seeks to enhance its position in the global startup ecosystem rankings.
SCALE NCR is part of the TBI Consortium, which is facilitated by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
The consortium includes QBO Innovation, Animo Labs, Miriam College Technology Business Incubator, Adamson University-AduNest, Mapúa University-Think & Thinker Laboratory, University of Santo Tomas-TomasInno Center, University of the Philippines Diliman-UPSCALE Innovation Hub, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines-NITRO.
Meanwhile, SCALE NCR has also announced the establishment of the Startup Institute.
This initiative aims to enhance the innovation ecosystem for industry and enterprise development, expand the pool of early-stage investable startups in the Philippines, and empower technology business incubators (TBIs) and entrepreneur-support organizations to accelerate the growth of startups and research and development project teams.
The pilot training sessions are scheduled for Sept. 20 and 23, 2024, at Colegio de Muntinlupa.
Additionally, SCALE NCR will introduce the NCR Investors Network, a platform designed to connect startups, businesses, and projects seeking funding with investors who can provide both capital and valuable mentorship.
Beyond networking opportunities, the network will promote investment education and awareness by offering workshops and seminars focused on trends, best practices, and investment opportunities.
To further strengthen the startup ecosystem in Metro Manila, SCALE NCR will host the NCR TBI Summit on Oct. 10 and 11, 2024.
Themed “Urban Prosperity Unleashed: Catalyzing the Dynamism of Startups and MSMEs in the Cities,” this two-day event will serve as a collaborative space for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to innovate and contribute to the prosperity of urban areas.