Regional hubs boost Philippine startup growth

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth as regional hubs across the country expand, according to the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports released by QBO Innovation, the country’s first public-private initiative to empower the startup community through collaboration and development.

The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology’s 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), highlights the dynamic evolution of local startup ecosystems and provides actionable insights to drive innovation and sustainability further.

The comprehensive report, developed through discussions with key industry drivers, validation of local insights, and data gathering, focused on five key regions: Region I (Ilocos Region), Lanao del Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

Iloilo emerged as a standout with strong government support, bolstered by local policies and initiatives designed to nurture startup growth—a model that other budding ecosystems can emulate.

Negros Occidental is benefiting from a robust collaboration between academia and industry, fostering a steady pipeline of talent and innovation in Metro Bacolod’s burgeoning startup scene.

Lanao del Norte is home to a thriving base of young tech talent, with academic institutions and local enablers playing a critical role in driving interest in entrepreneurship.

General Luna, Surigao del Norte (Siargao), known for its vibrant community of digital nomads and tech professionals, presents a unique opportunity to integrate this talent into startup activities.

Region I, (Ilocos Region) is witnessing increased startup activity, particularly in urban centers like Laoag and Dagupan, where innovation is steadily taking root.

While the findings reveal promising growth in these regions, the report highlights persistent challenges that hinder startups from scaling beyond their immediate communities.

Limited access to funding, weak industry connections, and difficulties in reaching broader markets remain significant barriers. To address these issues, strengthening investment opportunities and enhancing industry linkages will be essential for enabling startups to scale nationally and globally.

“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,” said Alwyn Rosel, Executive Director of QBO Innovation.

The 2024 reports were made possible through collaboration with local ecosystem enablers, including: UMWAD Western Visayas Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Bannuar Technology Business Incubator (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 Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) HIVE TBI.

Building on the success of the 2024 reports, QBO Innovation is now gearing up for its 2025 initiative, with planned visits to Cagayan and Isabela.

The organization is encouraging more regions to participate and contribute to this ongoing effort, aimed at deepening the understanding and strengthening of the Philippine startup ecosystem.