A recent study by QBO Innovation indicates that the Philippine startup ecosystem is expanding beyond Metro Manila, with regional hubs demonstrating growth. However, challenges related to scaling remain prevalent.
The findings are detailed in the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports, a collaborative effort between QBO Innovation, the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups – National Capital Region (SCALE NCR).
The reports provide an overview of the startup ecosystems in five regions: Region I (Ilocos Region), Lanao del Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and General Luna, Surigao del Norte. The research involved discussions with local stakeholders, data validation, and the identification of key drivers, resources, success stories, and growth potential. The reports aim to provide actionable insights for ecosystem enablers to foster sustainable development.
Key findings include:
- Iloilo: Demonstrated strong government support through local policies and initiatives.
- Negros Occidental: Showed effective collaboration between academia and industry, contributing to talent development.
- Lanao del Norte: Exhibits a growing pool of young tech talent, supported by academic institutions.
- General Luna: Features a community of digital nomads and tech workers, presenting potential for integration into startup activities.
- Region I: Is experiencing increased startup activity in urban centers like Laoag and Dagupan.
The reports also highlight challenges faced by startups in these regions, specifically limited access to funding, industry connections, and broader markets, hindering scaling efforts.
“Regional development is essential to strengthening the country’s overall innovation landscape. These reports serve as a roadmap for empowering local startup ecosystems, bridging gaps, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation-driven growth. For startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs, this means greater access to support networks, funding opportunities, and industry collaborations that can help turn ideas into scalable ventures. By working together, ecosystem builders, policymakers, and investors can fuel the next wave of Philippine startups, ensuring that innovation thrives in every corner of the country,” said Alwyn Rosel, Executive Director of QBO Innovation.
The 2024 reports were produced in partnership with local Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), including UMWAD Western Visayas, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Bannuar TBI, Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) WAVES TBI, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) iDEYA, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Kwadra TBI, and Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) HIVE TBI.
QBO Innovation has commenced its 2025 initiative, with initial visits to Cagayan and Isabela, and encourages further regional participation.
The 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports are available for download at https://www.qboinnovation.com/resources/2024-startup-ecosystem-mapping-reports
QBO Innovation, a pioneering public-private initiative in the Philippines, acts as a central hub for the startup community. It fosters growth by providing incubation, acceleration programs, and various resources to enhance startups’ access to markets, knowledge, funding, and talent. Established in 2016 through a collaboration between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, DOST, and DTI, QBO aims to cultivate a globally competitive Philippine startup ecosystem.