Five startups tackling diverse challenges from coconut waste utilization to online learning platforms were awarded Php 1 million grants each after graduating from the second batch of the StartUp QC program, a rolling incubation initiative by the Quezon City Government.
Eco-Uling by Project Lily Inc., Forent, Hibla PH, Kippap Learning, and Likhaan, representing a diverse mix of social enterprise, e-commerce, and digital platform ventures, impressed judges with their innovative solutions and resilient spirit after a month-long incubation process. Apart from receiving Php 1 million in equity-free financial grants, the startups will also receive other business and product development support.
Throughout the program that kicked off in mid-October, these startups benefited from various training and mentoring sessions, industry exposure, and networking events provided by StartUp QC’s program partners that include a number of esteemed QC-based educational institutions, government offices, and private companies to provide resources and mentorship to the budding startups.
The program’s culminating Demo Day provided a platform for the startups’ pitches to reach key players like angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts, fueling potential partnerships and funding opportunities
Juan Manuel “Jay” Gatmaitan, Head of Quezon City’s Local Economic Investment and Promotions Office, expressed his appreciation to the five finalists during Demo Day. ”To all startups, congratulations on reaching this milestone. Your hard work, creativity and determination have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
The second batch of the StartUp QC program saw five promising ventures showcase their potential and earn well-deserved recognition.
Eco-Uling by Project Lily, a livelihood project turned social enterprise, tackles coconut waste head-on by transforming it into eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. Forent, a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace, eases limited mobility and offers a convenient transportation alternative. Hibla Philippines, with its digital design visualization and automated weaving assistance, bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern convenience.
Likhaan, an online platform, connects Filipino creators with a global audience, empowering them to showcase and sell their creations. Kippap Learning, another e-learning platform, tackles subpar education by providing solutions that boost licensure exam pass rates.
Thinking about the future, Hibla Philippines founder Nice Marquez said the next phase of their journey is to revolutionize the intersection of tradition and technology.
“The immersive technology we aim to create for customization is at the forefront, making personalized heritage pieces more accessible to everyone. Beyond the realms of technology, we envision collaboration with creatives and fashion designers as a pivotal step forward. By blending innovation with tradition, we aim to create a unique space where Philippine heritage not only survives but thrives. This involves working closely with artisans, weaving communities, and designers who share our passion for preserving and promoting our rich cultural tapestry,” said Marquez.
For Kippap’s Engr. Emmanuel Perez, StartUp QC’s support will help them expand their services. “We want to enrich the learning experience of more students by replicating our proven learning model to other fields of test taking. In parallel with this, we will also continue developing our programs and app to create a more engaging and dynamic platform for our students,” Perez explained.
Isis Umali, CEO of Likhaan, also outlined what lies ahead for her startup. “We are now focusing our energy in building Quezon City’s ecosystem by bringing the vibrant creativity of QC’s talented creators to the global stage. We’re actively mapping and identifying these incredible artisans, preparing to onboard them onto our platform. Our mission is to not only showcase their exceptional creations but also to provide robust marketing support, helping them reach a broader audience and thrive in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce,” said Umali.
StartUp QC’s program is aimed at propelling Quezon City to the forefront of the Philippine startup scene, and harnessing its long term benefits to the community. “The startups are not just graduating from this program, but you are really entering this community. We hope that you continue to help build the community with us,” Gatmaitan concluded.
StartUp QC isn’t just fueling the present, it’s igniting the future with its Student Edition/ business plan competition. Aspiring young entrepreneurs, aged 18+, with at least one Quezon City resident on their team and enrolled in any Philippine college, can join this entrepreneurial bootcamp for a chance to secure funding (up to Php100,000!), gain valuable mentorship, and launch their dream business. Applicants can sign up here – https://qcservices.quezoncity.gov.ph