Category: News

  • Davao Startup Week 2025 Champions “Grassroots, Global Reach” as Region’s Innovation Scene Gains Global Traction

    Davao City, Philippines — Davao is gearing up to host the fourth edition of Davao Startup Week (DSW) from September 21 to 27, 2025, with this year’s theme, “Grassroots, Global Reach: Scaling Innovation from the South,”taking center stage as a rallying call for inclusive and place-based innovation.

    The weeklong event will bring together over 2,000 founders, investors, students, community leaders, and policymakers to celebrate and strengthen the region’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. DSW 2025 is spearheaded by IDEAS Davao, co-presented by Upgrade Innolab, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

    Organizers emphasize that this year’s theme reflects the region’s ambition to grow homegrown startups with the potential to scale globally. “Grassroots, Global Reach means innovation doesn’t have to come from traditional tech hubs. It can start in the provinces, in classrooms, in small barangays, and still reach global markets,” said Val Anthony Cimafranca, DSW 2025 Convenor.

    National and Global Momentum

    According to the StartupBlink 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Davao now ranks #3 among startup ecosystems in the Philippines, moving up from #4 in 2024 — the only Philippine city to improve its national position this year. Globally, Davao jumped 163 spots, now ranked #580 out of over 1,000 cities worldwide.

    The report also highlights that Davao has the highest ecosystem growth rate in the country at 97%, a testament to ongoing efforts in university innovation programs, government support, capital formation, and increased startup activity in the region.

    “This growth isn’t accidental,” Cimafranca added. “It’s the result of years of builder-led momentum — not just conferences and talks, but real teams solving real problems.”

    Highlights of Davao Startup Week 2025

    Among the key events scheduled during the week are:

    • Opening Ceremony & GovTech Mindanao Summit (September 24) – Ten startups will present technology-driven solutions to local government units (LGUs), in a summit organized in partnership with MinDA and Upgrade Innolab.
    • 4th Mindanao Incubator Summit (September 25) – A gathering of over 200 incubator leaders and innovation consortia to craft a unified strategy for startup growth across the island.
    • Techstars Startup Weekend: Social Impact (September 25–27) – A 54-hour innovation sprint focused on building prototypes around energy, agriculture, disaster resilience, and smart cities.
    • Davao Investors Mixer (September 26) – An event designed to bring together new and experienced angel investors with emerging local startups.
    • Davao Innovation Night & Startup Champion Awards (September 27) – A culminating event to celebrate startup achievements, launch regional ihubs, and recognize ecosystem builders.

    Additionally, grassroots-led activities from schools, tech communities, and local businesses will be held across the city from September 21 to 25, making DSW a citywide celebration of innovation.

    Open Call for Participation and Partnerships

    Organizers are inviting entrepreneurs, investors, academic institutions, development partners, and members of the public to participate in the celebration.

    “Whether you’re a student in Tagum, an investor from Manila, or a social enterprise founder from Cagayan de Oro, Davao Startup Week is your entry point into the future of innovation in the South,” Cimafranca said.

    Last year, DSW engaged over 54,000 online viewers, partnered with 19 organizations, hosted 16 official events, and raised more than ₱1.5 million in sponsorships. This year, the organizers aim not only to expand reach, but to deepen collaboration and deliver tangible value for participating startups.

    About Davao Startup Week

    Davao Startup Week is an annual innovation festival that highlights the startup landscape of the Davao Region. It serves as a platform for founders, investors, students, and community enablers to connect, collaborate, and celebrate entrepreneurial progress. The event is part of the broader efforts to position Davao as a leading hub for innovation and inclusive growth in Mindanao and Southeast Asia.

    Media Contact

    Richard R. Day
    Stakeholders Coordinator, Davao Startup Week 2025
    📧 rrday@up.edu.ph
    📞 09153933320
    🌐 www.davaostartupweek.com

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    Candice Lleses

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  • Davao City Rises to 3rd Place Among PH’s Top Startup Ecosystems

    Davao City has officially claimed the third spot among the Philippines’ top startup ecosystems, moving up from its previous fourth-place ranking in 2024. In StartupBlink’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Davao is the only Philippine city to have improved its national position and now boasts the highest national ecosystem growth rate at 97%. Globally, the city jumped an impressive 163 spots, securing its new position as the 580th best startup ecosystem in the world.

    Richard Day, Project Development Officer of IDEAS Davao, credits this progress to strong collaboration among the city’s ecosystem stakeholders.

    Over the past two years, we’ve focused on strengthening Davao City’s startup ecosystem by bringing in financial institutions, accelerators, cooperatives, and investors to support homegrown innovation. Through our Plugin x Provinces program, we’ve also begun activating ecosystems beyond the city. At the core of everything we do is a message to the global business community: Davao’s startup DNA—rooted in resilience, creativity, and innovation—is rising, and we’re committed to moving upward, year after year,” Day said.

    Established in 2021 through the initiative of the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), IDEAS Davao is the Davao region’s official startup consortium, committed to driving innovation from the grassroots level. With stakeholders from LGUs, government agencies, the private sector, and higher education institutions, the consortium has assisted in the development of over 150 startups in the regions overseen by multiple technology and business incubators.

    IDEAS Davao’s numerous ecosystem activation activities include the annual Davao Startup Week, the Plug-In Program, Founder’s Forum, the Mindanao TBI Summit and the Nextstage Acceleration Program.

    While the Philippines overall experienced a slight decline, falling four spots to 64th place globally, three of its six ranked cities improved their global standing: Davao, Iloilo, and Naga. Despite the national drop, the country still recorded a modest annual ecosystem growth rate of 0.6%. Multiple public sector initiatives have also gained traction in recent years, such as the Innovative Startup Act, Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, and the CREATE MORE Act, which present more opportunities for Filipinos to access innovation initiatives by the government. This, on top of the Philippines’ status as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economy, shows immense potential for local founders to tap into technology-forward consumers.

    “The Philippines is making progress toward becoming a formidable startup ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. The country enjoys a talented English-speaking population, with many already working remotely for international startups. Its attractiveness to foreign entrepreneurs and digital nomads, combined with the massive knowledge that local remote workers have gained while working in international startups, should allow for successful ecosystem growth—provided more of the local population embraces entrepreneurship,” the 2025 report states.

    StartupBlink is a global innovation economy platform that manages the world’s most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research database. Its annual Startup Ecosystem Report, launched in 2017, ranks more than 1,400 cities and 110 countries based on startup activity, impact, and the enabling conditions for ecosystem growth.

    With this ascent, IDEAS Davao invites entrepreneurs, investors, or partners to explore opportunities in Davao’s startup scene, especially as we gear up for Davao Startup Week 2025 in September of this year. 

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    Candice Lleses

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  • How a PH Startup Is Making AI More Accessible for Every Pinoy Builders & the Construction Industry

    The construction industry is losing billions due to delays, cost overruns, and inefficiencies—an issue that affects 9 out of 10 projects worldwide. For contractors, project managers, and developers, these challenges mean missed deadlines, financial setbacks, and frustrated clients. The PH startup AIMHI is here to change that, providing builders with tools that could prevent issues before they even start.

    When we first introduced AIMHI, we had one mission: to empower contractors with AI-driven tools that minimize delays, prevent costly mistakes, and manage projects proactively—without the stress. We know that running a construction business is no easy feat. The challenges of budgeting, scheduling, and managing teams can make or break a project. But what if technology could handle the complexity for you—so you can focus on what you do best: building?

    Today, we’re making that vision more accessible than ever. We are making AI more affordable for every Pinoy builder!

    The AIMHI Builder Suite is the Philippines’ first AI-powered construction project management app designed to help contractors streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity at a fraction of the cost.

    P9,000/year – 3 users + P10,000 credits
    P15,000/year – 5 users + P16,000 credits
    P20,000/year – 7 users + P23,000 credits

    For the price of a few days of manual work, you get smarter scheduling, automated reports, and real-time cost tracking that saves time, reduces risk, and increases profitability.

    Smarter Construction for Everyone

    For decades, only large firms had access to advanced construction management tools, leaving small and mid-sized contractors struggling with manual tracking, miscommunication, and cost overruns.


    AIMHI changes the game. With AI-driven decision support and automation, even smaller contractors can plan, track, and execute projects like industry giants—all at a fraction of the cost.

    What’s Inside AIMHI Builder Suite?

    AIMHI Builder Suite is packed with essential tools to simplify project management and eliminate costly inefficiencies—available for new subscriptions only.


    ● Smart Project Scheduling & Next Best Action (NBA) – Avoid scheduling conflicts and keep projects moving seamlessly.
    ● Budget vs. Actual Tracking – Stop budget overruns before they happen with real-time cost monitoring.
    ● Material & Equipment Requests – Prevent procurement delays and misallocated resources.
    ● Scope of Work Monitoring – Keep teams aligned with clear project scope tracking.
    ● Automated Reports & Updates – Generate Daily & Weekly Progress Reports, Two-Week Look-Ahead Plans, and Equipment Usage Reports instantly.
    ● Real-Time Resource Tracking – Digital inventory management, manpower attendance, and productivity monitoring.

    At an unbeatable price, AIMHI Builder Suite helps construction companies stay ahead of delays, cut waste, and drive higher profits.

    Unlock AIMHI Power Tools for Just ₱250/Month!

    For those looking to maximize efficiency and automate complex tasks, AIMHI Power Tools delivers premium AI-driven features for just ₱250 per month!

    ● AI-Powered Reporting & Insights – Download Estimates, Bill of Materials (BOM), Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and Gantt Charts in one click.
    ● Smart Cost & Risk Forecasting – Get accurate expense predictions and project duration estimates.
    ● Automated Catch-Up Plans – Stay ahead of delays with AI-generated recovery strategies.

    For the price of a cup of coffee, AIMHI Power Tools gives you enterprise-grade project
    management capabilities—without the enterprise price tag.

    AI is Transforming Construction—Don’t Get Left Behind

    AI is reshaping industries globally, including construction. Top firms are already leveraging AI to reduce waste, optimize resources, and improve decision-making. With AIMHI, even small and mid-sized contractors can now harness this same technology.

    ● Monitor budgets vs. actual costs to prevent unnecessary expenses
    ● Optimize material tracking & manpower productivity to reduce waste
    ● Implement smart scheduling that adjusts in real-time based on project conditions
    ● Automate reporting to eliminate hours of manual paperwork.

    Why settle for outdated methods when AI-powered construction management is now within reach?

    Trusted & Backed by Industry Leaders

    AIMHI has earned various recognition for innovation in AI-powered construction management.


    AIMHI is a DOST Grantee – backed by the Department of Science and Technology for its innovation, a UPSCALE Grantee with Accenture recognized by top industry experts, and was awarded Startup of the Year in 2024, proving its impact in modernizing construction management.


    With this new standard for affordable, AI-driven construction solutions, the question isn’t “Why use AIMHI?”—it’s “Why not?”

    Try AIMHI Builder Suite Today!

    Sign up for a free demo and see how AIMHI can revolutionize your projects. Get a quote now: https://aimhi.ai/contact/

    Use code “AIMHIpowertools” to unlock special benefits!

    With AIMHI Builder Suite, affordable AI-powered construction management is finally here. Don’t miss out—build smarter today!

    For media queries, please reach out to:

    Cherryanne Lee Angoy
    Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intelligence (AIMHI) Construction App
    CEO
    (+63) 9177078008 | Email: cherryanne@aimhi.ai

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    Maryl Malabad

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  • IDEAS Accelerate Volume 3 Issue 1 Out Now!

    2024 marks IDEAS Davao’s most transformative and impactful year to date. As the significance of technology and innovation takes center stage in regional discussions of economic growth, an increasing number of stakeholders are entering the vibrant startup scene, with landmark legislation like the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act and the CREATE MORE Act passed this year opening greater opportunities to explore the Philippines’ untapped potential as a startup powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

    This year’s IDEAS Accelerate issue is both a celebration and a reflection of Davao’s remarkable growth. With the launch of five flagship events, a meteoric rise of 243 spots in the global startup ecosystem index, and the reclaiming of Davao’s position as the fourth-best startup ecosystem in the Philippines, the region is charting an upward trajectory unlike anything we’ve seen before.

    As you explore this issue, you’ll discover inspiring stories of our impact across Mindanao, profiles of Davao’s most promising ecosystem players, and the invaluable contributions of new startup champions in our community. This edition also showcases pioneering entrepreneurs, significant milestones of technology and business incubators (TBIs) and tech transfer organizations, and the steadfast efforts of government agencies in ushering in a new era for entrepreneurship in the region.

    IDEAS Davao remains steadfast in its mission to transform innovation into impact, and as we look ahead, we are excited to build on the momentum of 2024. Together, let us continue to shape a future where Davao thrives as a beacon of growth, collaboration, and opportunity.

    Click here to read our expanded newsletter!

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    Candice Lleses

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  • Davao City to Launch Startup Investors Community in Partnership with 2024 Davao Startup Week

    In an effort to further bolster its startup ecosystem, Davao City is set to introduce its very own Startup Investors Community in collaboration with the upcoming 2024 Davao Startup Week.

    This initiative, spearheaded by IDEAS Davao in conjunction with Upgrade Innolab, Villgro Philippines, and the City Government of Davao, is scheduled to be unveiled during the Investors Mixer event, titled “Connecting Startups with Local Investors,” which will take place at Seda Hotel on September 29, 2024, starting at 10:30 AM.

    The event is expected to draw the participation of 50 investors and entrepreneurs from the city. Its primary aim is to facilitate dialogue between investors and established entrepreneurs, urging them to consider investing in locally-grown tech startup companies supported by the region’s incubators, accelerators, and venture-b builders firms.

    Notable participants slated to attend include impact investor groups and Venture Capital firms such as Villgro Philippines, Bayanihan Ventures, E3 Hubs Malaysia, and Gobi Core.

    This endeavor comes in response to the 2023 Startup Ecosystem Mapping recommendation, which urged Davao to establish its own investor community to enhance accessibility to funding for early-stage startups. The presence of angel financing is anticipated to significantly contribute to the further advancement of the city’s startup ecosystem, creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.

    Mr. Richard Day, President of Upgrade Innolab, emphasized the challenges faced by the Davao startup ecosystem in accessing essential risk capital. He highlighted the need for individuals who can help mitigate the risk for promising startups catering to growing markets.

    While startups in Davao and the region can secure funding for research and development through government grants such as the DOST Startup Grant Fund Program, NEDA Innovation Fund, and DICT Startup Grants, the competitive nature of these programs poses a challenge.

    To date, Davao Region ranks second in the number of startups funded by DOST, with only four startup companies benefiting from the grants. Therefore, the establishment of a robust capital access system in Davao City and the region at large is imperative.

    Mr. Day stressed the importance of gathering institutions and individuals capable of financing budding startup companies and securing substantial capital for the expansion and scaling up of operations. Potential interventions include organizing targeted demo days and investment readiness training for incubators, as well as setting up angel clubs and networks to engage local tycoons and high net-worth individuals. Educating potential investors about startups and startup investments is identified as a challenging yet essential step in this process.

    IDEAS Davao, with the support of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center, remains optimistic about the prospect of providing a more inclusive and accessible capital for innovators and entrepreneurs in their pursuit to build, launch, and scale their ventures.

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    Candice Lleses

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  • Davao Startup Week Gears Up for its 3rd Edition on September 2024

    Photos from the Davao Startup Week 2023 Opening Ceremony

    Davao Startup Week is set to make a return for its 3rd edition from September 19 to 29, 2024, highlighting Davao Region’s growing prominence in the startup ecosystem. The event, organized by IDEAS Davao, Upgrade Innolab, the City Government of Davao, and the Department of Science and Technology, will operate under the theme “InnovNation: Accelerating Davao’s Global Disruptive Potential.”

    Notably, Davao has seen a remarkable ascent in the Global Startup Index, climbing 208 ranks this year. This progress underscores the region’s increased focus on fostering and supporting startups, driven by advancements in talent development, infrastructure, mentorship, networking, and funding accessibility.

    Several new organizations, including Wadwahni Foundation, Bayanihan Ventures, Davao Defi, NFT Davao, Ateneo de Davao University’s ADDVentures TBI, and Davao del Norte State College’s  BUGSAI TBI, have significantly contributed to the burgeoning startup environment. Additionally, the establishment of over 30 coworking spaces and innovation laboratories in key cities across the region further solidifies Davao’s position as a conducive space for startup success.

    Recent events like the DevCon Summit in Mindanao and Blockhain Pilipinas have provided local talents with valuable exposure to prominent companies, investors, and communities. Additionally, initiatives like the IDEAS Davao monthly Founders Forum and Bayanihan Ventures Founders Circle have expanded support networks for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

    The upcoming Davao Startup Week 2024 expects to draw 5,000 participants across 17 pre-events organized by various groups, fostering collaboration among students, professionals, incubators, accelerators, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Key events include the 3rd Mindanao Incubator Summit, Davao Investors Mixer, Davao Innovation & Startup Champion Awards, and Techstars Startup Weekend Davao: ASTRA.

    A significant highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the Department of Science and Technology Region XI iHubs, dedicated makerspaces for innovators across the region. The launch of the Davao Angel Investors Network and the Startup Kabataan Program by the City Government of Davao is also highly anticipated.

    Davao Startup Week 2024 is poised to feature ideation workshops, pitching competitions, exhibits, and networking events, drawing participants not only from the Davao Region but also from across the country. The event aims to showcase Davao’s potential as a developing center for innovation and entrepreneurship in Mindanao.

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    Candice Lleses

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  • PH Incubators Gather in Davao City for Conference

    The 3rd Mindanao Incubator Summit is slated to convene on September 27, 2024, n Davao City, Philippines, in conjunction with the Davao Startup Week 2024. Organized by Region XI’s startup consortium, IDEAS Davao, and in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Wadhwani Foundation, the summit aims to bring together business incubators, accelerators, and other startup enablers from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

    With an expected attendance of 200 delegates representing over 50 incubators in the Philippines, the event seeks to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies by providing a range of support resources and services, including physical space, capital, coaching, common services, and networking connections.

    The Philippines is home to 81 incubators that are largely funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Program. Notable local incubators in Davao include the University of the Philippines Mindanao Technology Business Incubator, the University of Mindanao UMasenso Hub, the University of the Immaculate Conception Marian TBI, University of Southeastern Philippines Agilab, Ateneo de Davao University ADDVentures, Philippine Women’s College of Davao CHI+, and Davao del Norte State College BUGSAI TBI.

    Moreover, Davao City is host to a growing number of non-profit organizations like Upgrade Innolab Inc. and Bayanihan Ventures, which provide support to startups through incubation, acceleration programs, and investments. The DOST has also developed the Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program to strengthen innovation efforts in the regions and create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.

    As this year’s co-presenter, the Mindanao Development Authority aims to synergize Mindanao-based startups and boost the assistance provided to startup founders by establishing linkages with BIMP EAGA member countries and industries. In collaboration, the Wadhwani Foundation empowers university-hosted incubators by providing technical assistance and access to a cutting-edge digital entrepreneurship platform, all at no cost to partner institutions.  

    “It is our mission to create a thriving campus innovation ecosystem by seamlessly integrating technopreneurship and innovative ventures into IT and engineering curricula. Through Wadhwani Entrepreneurship Program (WEN) and together with the TBIs, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and foster a vibrant ecosystem for our entrepreneurs” says Rose Ofianga, Program Manager, Wadhwani Foundation. 

    The 3rd Mindanao Incubator Summit is expected to serve as a platform for participants to share best practices in supporting startup founders, attract more investment for local startups, and foster the growth of successful startup companies in Mindanao.

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    Candice Lleses

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  • IDEAS Accelerate Vol. 2: Empowering Davao’s Best, Forging Mindanao’s Future

    We are thrilled to introduce you to the 2nd Issue of the IDEAS Accelerate newsletter, the official publication of IDEAS Davao, to support and empower Davao’s startup community.

    This newsletter is our way of sharing with you the amazing stories and achievements of our members, partners, and collaborators who are making a difference in Davao and beyond through innovation and entrepreneurship.

    In this issue, you will find:

    ✅ A feature on the winners of the Techstars Startup Weekend Davao 2023, a 54-hour event where participants pitched their ideas, formed teams, and built prototypes.
    ✅ A spotlight on the 2nd Mindanao TBi summit, focusing on how tech can be used for social good and uplifting communities.
    ✅ A showcase of the successful events and activities that we organized and co-hosted during the Davao Startup Week, such as the Tech Transfer Forum, Davao Innovation Night, and the Davao Startup Champion Awards.
    ✅ A summary of the latest news and updates from our closest partners and sponsors such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
    ✅ A list of the up-and-coming communities you can join to know more about resources that you can access to grow your startup

    We hope that this newsletter will inspire you to join us in our mission to create a thriving and sustainable startup ecosystem in Davao. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, an experienced investor, or a curious observer, we invite you to be part of our community and discover the endless possibilities that Davao has to offer.

    To get your FREE digital copy of the newsletter, simply click on the links below 👇:

    PDF version:

    https://tinyurl.com/ACCELERATE-IDEAS-Issue2

    Flipbook version:

    https://tinyurl.com/ACCELERATE-IDEAS-Issue2-Flip

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    Candice Lleses

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  • Kabalikat Awards 2023: DOST PCIEERD lauds innovation efforts of startup enablers in Davao Region

    The Department of Science and Technology recognized Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups in Davao Region (IDEAS Davao) as its top partner in promoting and cultivating science, technology, and innovation in the region and the country.

    Of nine startup consortia in the country, IDEAS Davao was conferred with the Kabalikat Award in the TBI Consortium category by the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). It was given during the agency’s 13th Anniversary Celebration on June 28, 2023, at the Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel.  

    The DOST PCIEERD  Kabalikat Awards highlight the impact of collaborations in various fields, from the business, public, academic, partner regions, and consortia sectors to the regional startup ecosystems.

    The Council judged the TBI Partner based on its Operation/Implementation/Fulfillment of Consortium Plans/Deliverables, Contribution to the Science and Technology Agenda of PCIEERD,  and Compliance with PCIEERD Rules/Policies. 

    IDEAS Davao Milestones

    The  IDEAS Davao was established in December  2021 under the Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) program of the DOST-PCIEERD. 

    The University of the Philippines Mindanao TBI led the implementation of the ReSEED Program in the Davao Region.

    The consortium aims to synergize the programs of technology business incubators (TBIs), accelerators, government agencies, the private sector, investors, and other startup enablers to achieve a more robust, inclusive, and conducive startup ecosystem in the Davao Region. 

    Among the active partners and members of the consortium are the local startups,  university-based TBIs UP Mindanao TBI,  Agilabs of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), UMAsenso Hub of the University of Mindanao (UM); regional offices of DOST,  Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); community and international organizations such as DevCon Davao Chapter, UX Davao, Social Entrepreneurs in Mindanao, Women in AI Asia Pacific, WordPress Users Davao,  ICT Davao, Impact Pioneers Network, E3 Hubs, Techstars, and local businesses, among others. 

    In one year since its inception, IDEAS Davao has engaged more than  2,300 participants and stakeholders in about 32 online and offline regional events cultivating the innovation culture in the Davao Region and promoting PCIEERD programs. These include hackathons, innovation, and investment dialogues, the first Mindanao TBI Summit, startup ecosystem mappings, capacity-building activities and workshops for startups and TBIs, and other collaborations mostly during the very first Davao Region Startup Week organized by the startup consortium in August 2022.

    They have also facilitated several partnerships between consortium members and partner organizations, such as with StartupBlink, Zuitt, DICT Davao Region, USEP, and the Embassy of Israel to the Philippines as well as the approval of two Mindanao-based startups to the DOST’s Startup Grant Fund program. 

    The consortium was also able to pool close to P1 million (USD 18,000) worth of funding and in-kind sponsorships.

    “We are thankful to the DOST for this award, and we could not have made these efforts to activate the startup ecosystem in the Davao Region without their support to us through the ReSEED Program as well as the active participation of the members and the trust of our partners,”

    IDEAS Davao project lead and UP Mindanao assistant professor  Miguel Carlo S. Guillermo.

    IDEAS Davao regional startup ecosystem lead Candice Kirsten Lleses said the Kabalikat Award greatly benefits the startup enablers and other regional stakeholders.

    “This recognition would motivate the startup community in the Davao Region to continue their work for the startups and expand their impact, knowing that their activities paid off despite being a fairly new organization,” said Lleses.

    These startup activities have also earned the endorsement of the Regional Development Council in the Davao Region to the City Government of Davao for including the Davao Startup Week as a regular event alongside the annual Kadayawan Festival. The consortium has yet to receive a positive response from the City Government.

    Future activities 

    IDEAS Davao was recently approved by DOST PCIEERD for another P10 million ReSEED grant to conduct several startup programs and activities until 2025. 

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    Candice Lleses

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  • IDEAS Davao presents best practices at DOST ReSEED Program Assessment, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio

    The 2nd day of the DOST ReSEED Program presentations of consortium milestones, best practices, challenges, and ways forward is punctuated by IDEAS Davao represented by its Project Lead A/Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo.

    Among the accomplishments of the IDEAS Davao are the conduct of startup community dialogues in Davao Region, Davao City Startup Ecosystem Map and Roadmap, technology business incubator (TBI) management workshop, 1st Mindanao TBI Summit, Gender-Smart Business Incubator Training, Impact Investing Webinar with Villgro Philippines, hosting of three proposal writeshop with startups for the DOST Startup Grant Fund Program, 1st Davao-Israel Innovation Night networking event, and the launching of the 1st Davao Startup Week in 2022 with 25 different community partners, 20 Events, 1047+ participants, and reached 1300+ more through various exhibits and collaborative events.

    The consortium, through the leadership of the University of the Philippines Mindanao Growing and Developing Enterprises (UPGRADE), also facilitated about P4-million equity-free funding to a local startup in Davao Region.

    Albeit the accomplishments, Guillermo also emphasized the challenges hoping to solicit suggestions and learnings from other DOST-PCIEERD-funded consortiums in the Philippines. This exchange of advice and learnings would help IDEAS Davao to improve its implementation of the program and strengthen further the community of startup enablers and ecosystem in the Davao Region.

    The second day of the program assessment was also dedicated for a proposal writeshop for the consortiums that would help them access funding for the second installment of the ReSEED program.

    ReSEED is a program of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) that aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in the regions by establishing and formalizing a Regional Startup Ecosystem Consortium, developing a regional startup development plan, engaging with more mentors to upskill startups, and partnering with the regional development council.

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    Candice Lleses

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