Startups supported by the Department of Science and Technologys technology business incubator network generated ₱1.872 billion in revenues, attracted ₱2.275 billion in investments, and created 8,598 jobs between 2017 and 2025, according to figures presented at the 10th National Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Summit on November 13.
The DOST-PCIEERD-supported network incubated 2,218 startups during the period, of which 697 graduated from their respective incubation programs.
The figures were presented as government officials, university leaders, and startup ecosystem stakeholders gathered in Butuan City to assess the progress of technology business incubation and discuss how to help more Filipino startups commercialize their innovations and build sustainable businesses.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. challenged incubators to focus on commercial outcomes rather than simply increasing the number of startups and facilities.
“Let us move beyond counting incubators and activities. Let us measure whether startups survive and scale,” Solidum said in his keynote address.
He emphasized the need for universities, industry, investors, and government to work more closely together to address gaps in technology transfer, financing, infrastructure, mentorship, and market access.
“The result is a startup that thrives: a technology that is commercialized, an investment that is mobilized, and jobs that are created,” he said.
The Philippines now has 93 DOST-supported technology business incubators nationwide, comprising 59 industry-related, 25 agriculture-related, and nine health-related facilities.
The industry-related incubators operate under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Program, which supports universities in developing technology-based startups and translating research into commercially viable products and services.
Solidum called for a more competitive approach to developing the country’s incubation ecosystem.
“We need to win by designing our TBIs properly,” he said, urging incubators to “outthink,” “outbuild,” and “outwin” competitors.
He also identified the need for stronger manufacturing infrastructure, including pilot production facilities that would allow startups to move beyond university laboratories and produce their innovations at a larger scale.
The summit also introduced the Expanded HEIRIT: National TBI Sustainability, Commercialization, and Innovation Management Program, intended to strengthen the long-term sustainability and commercialization capabilities of technology business incubators.
Looking ahead, DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Julius Leaño Jr. announced that the agency plans to launch the third phase of HEIRIT in 2027, supporting at least 25 additional universities in establishing and operating technology business incubators.
“The DOST’s next milestone is not simply to incubate more startups, but to see more of them become sustainable enterprises that can compete in the free market, provide livelihoods, and contribute not only to regional economies, but replicate successes to ASEAN countries and to the world,” Leaño said.
DOST has also expanded its direct support for startups through the Startup Grant Fund (SGF), which has provided more than ₱638 million to 178 startups and social enterprises, according to figures Solidum presented during Philippine Startup Week 2026.
DOST-PCIEERD recently signed grant agreements totaling ₱108 million with 16 startups under the 2026 SGF, Leaño disclosed. Among the recipients is BlackGold Food Corporation, a student-led venture from Caraga State University that received ₱5 million to support the development and commercialization of its black-rice-based NutriBar product.
BlackGold CEO Kieth Charles Bequibel said the grant was an important milestone for the company, which has remained committed to using locally sourced ingredients and supporting Filipino farmers.
“From day one, I stayed committed to sourcing 100% locally and uplifting Filipino farmers, even when people doubted our vision. Staying in the game taught me that success comes from consistency and securing the DOST-PCIEERD grant proved that even a young, first-time food founder, and start-up from Caraga can make the impossible happen,” said Bequibel.
Regional development was another focus of the summit, with DOST highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs outside Metro Manila.
“A talented student in Caraga should have the same chance as one in Metro Manila. Talent is everywhere, opportunity should be too,” Solidum said.
In Caraga, three PCIEERD-supported incubators have worked with 147 startup teams, demonstrating the growing role of regional universities in developing local innovation ecosystems.
The summit also featured discussions on the role of local governments in startup development, the long-term financial sustainability of incubators, and the importance of connecting startups with customers, investors, and commercial partners.
Solidum said the next phase of technology business incubation must produce measurable economic outcomes while ensuring that Filipino startups can compete in national and international markets.
“Let us build a system where a good idea is never lost for lack of a connection.”