Author: Ron Castro
The competition saw 140 entries nationwide, with 24 finalists receiving distinctions across eight major categories focused on innovation, growth, and leadership.
The project is designed to provide daytime embedded generation to the Camiguin Electric Cooperative (CAMELCO), a solution intended to reduce the island’s high dependence on imported and diesel-based power.
The seven winning startups represent key sectors responding to the evolving needs of Filipino communities, spanning sustainable energy, human resources, health innovation, and property technology.
Organizers highlighted persistent challenges and confronted the urgent need for a more focused national strategy.
The report highlights a significant slowdown in funding but calls for stronger governance and a coordinated talent policy to maintain the country’s competitive edge.
The summit was anchored by the DTI’s commitment to building a unified regional startup roadmap.
OneLot focuses on the Philippines’ used car industry, which the company values at $15 billion.
The fund is dedicated to investing in Filipino and regional founders developing technology-driven solutions for the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration will combine DCFC’s approach to financing with Kredit Hero’s intelligent loan origination technology to strengthen the financing options available to entrepreneurs in the country.
The TBI program, implemented through partnerships with higher education institutions, has already yielded impressive results, including 5,576 jobs created and Php1.89 billion in private investments attracted.
The 11 companies selected for this year’s cohort operate across technology, consumer, mobility, sustainability, and other sectors.
The event successfully highlighted the National Capital Region’s undeniable position as the Philippines’ primary innovation hub while confronting the structural challenges that threaten to slow its momentum.