THE Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups – National Capital Region (SCALE NCR), a consortium formed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has introduced key initiatives to drive innovation and support startup growth in Metro Manila.
One of the major initiatives launched by the program is the NCR Local Government Unit (LGU) Mapping project, led by De La Salle Animo Labs, which aims to map out all 17 cities in the region to identify opportunities for collaboration and support for startups. This will then guide the development of a five-year startup development roadmap for Metro Manila.
This initiative aligns with the DOST’s Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program, which seeks to strengthen regional startup ecosystems.
“The startup ecosystem development is a testament to our commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit and driving innovation across Metro Manila and the Philippines. By empowering more startups to take root and flourish, we aim to create a ripple effect that will inspire a new wave of innovation and strengthen our economy. We are grateful for the invaluable partnerships with our key stakeholders, whose collaboration and support are crucial to making this initiative a success,” said Russell Pili, Chief Science Research Specialist at DOST-PCIEERD.
The mapping project will focus on key areas such as community culture, programs, and enablers within educational institutions, as well as the number of startups in each LGU. It will also evaluate non-educational enablers like incubators and accelerators, and review LGU-led programs and their outcomes.
“The Philippine startup ecosystem is poised to take off, with the digital economy valued at $6.45 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $35 billion within the next two years. This rapid expansion underscores the immense potential of our region’s innovation landscape. We are committed to supporting initiatives by SCALE NCR to further accelerate this momentum by creating a more interconnected and supportive environment for startups,” said QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo.
SCALE NCR also aims to enhance Metro Manila’s ranking in the global startup ecosystem. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 (GSER 2024) currently places Manila in the 81st-90th range in the Emerging Startup Ecosystem category. In addition to the roadmap, SCALE NCR has announced the creation of the Startup Institute. The first training sessions will take place on September 20 and 23, 2024, at Colegio de Muntinlupa.
Furthermore, SCALE NCR will introduce the NCR Investors Network, which will connect startups seeking funding with investors who can provide both capital and mentorship. To further boost the startup ecosystem, SCALE NCR will host the NCR TBI Summit on October 10 and 11, 2024.
