Start-ups enjoy QC govt support

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The Quezon City Government recently awarded P6M in equity-free grants to six local tech startups under its ‘Startup QC Program.’

Aiming to empower homegrown innovators to deliver impactful solutions across multiple sectors. As the first and largest LGU-run startup program in the Philippines, Startup QC has become a beacon of technological advancement and entrepreneurship support. The program’s Demo Day showcased tech-driven solutions designed to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, spanning industries such as youth empowerment, education, disaster resilience, sustainability, finance, and information technology.

This year’s Startup QC Cohort 3 finalists demonstrated an impressive range of innovation and creativity. They emerged from an initial pool of 58 applicants after a comprehensive selection process that included group mentorship, product development workshops, and specialized coaching from industry practitioners. Each startup presented unique, scalable solutions for a variety of critical needs, showcasing the potential of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Among the finalists, Nyha Robotics garnered significant attention for its mission to make robotics education more accessible to children. First recognized in the Startup QC Student Competition, Nyha has already begun building a reputation for its groundbreaking work, standing alongside seasoned entrepreneurs in the cohort. Additionally, Callback, a platform aiming to professionalize the casting process for cultural workers, and Kwentoon, a digital storytelling platform that promotes youth literacy and Filipino contemporary arts, made notable strides with their impactful ventures.

LITHOS Manufacturing developed a compact, portable water filtration system that provides safe drinking water to remote or disaster-affected communities, addressing a crucial need in disaster resilience. Pasajob, branded as GJobs within the GCash platform, accelerates job placements through a referral-based system that rewards users with referral fees. Meanwhile, RevUp Finance is transforming SME financial operations by reducing invoicing and payment processing times by as much as 80 percent.

“Global scalability is within reach,” remarked Jay Gatmaitan, Head of the QC Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO). He praised the program’s accomplishments and affirmed Quezon City’s role as a leader in LGU-driven startup ecosystems.

The success of Startup QC has drawn attention both locally and internationally, notably through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Youth Co:Lab. Representatives from various countries visited the Philippines to study the program’s model for potential adaptation, underscoring Quezon City’s influence on the global stage of startup incubation. In response to the positive reception, the city is exploring a startup incentives program to further encourage entrepreneurship among its residents.

The local government’s commitment to fostering innovation has been bolstered through partnerships with key institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Launchgarage, a tech innovation incubator that has provided critical guidance.

Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed pride in the program’s impact, stating, “We are proud to see how these startups evolve and create meaningful sectoral transformation. Quezon City remains proactive and open to cultivating a more vibrant environment for local talents, business, and economic development.”

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