StartUp QC, the Quezon City government’s official initiative to boost the city’s startup ecosystem, recently presented six finalists for the second cohort of the program. Each finalist will be vying for a P1M capital grant.
Representing a diverse range of industries, the six new finalists are eco-friendly charcoal briquette maker Eco-Uling by Project Lily, peer-to-peer car rental platform Forent, fashion tech company Hibla PH, e-learning platform Kippap Learning, online platform and social commerce app Likhaan, and automated locker provider Zaxxun’s Boxmatic, who were all selected from a significant number of applicants after a rigorous selection and screening process.
According to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the newly selected startups have a huge role to play in shaping the city’s business landscape to be both dynamic and sustainable. “Our startup initiative aims to create new jobs and opportunities, stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit, promote innovation, and strengthen the startup ecosystem in Quezon City,” Mayor Belmonte said. “With the special focus of these startup finalists towards sustainability and social impact, they also support our commitment to deliver on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” she added.
The six selected startups will now advance to the coaching and mentoring phase, where they will undergo diverse business and technical training with the startup community. This collaborative effort, involving the government, academia, and the private sector, offers the six startups a holistic support system and equips them with the knowledge and skills to refine their business models for future success.
Partners of the StartUp QC Program include the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, Quezon City University, Ateneo De Manila University, Miriam College, Thames International, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Diliman. Additionally, collaborative entities include StartUp Village and Launchgarage.
Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and providing robust support for businesses. She highlighted the need for local governments to establish an inclusive environment that encourages the growth and advancement of various business types.
“With funding, mentorship, learning sessions, incentives, and business assistance from the local government, StartUp QC seeks to establish a city with a robust entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem involving the academe and private sector located in the metropolis,” she added.