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.
Candice is an educator, community builder, and Fulbright scholar based in Davao City, Philippines. She lives a double life as a university instructor during the day and a startup ecosystem lead at night. Focusing on building a thriving ecosystem in the Davao Region, Philippines, her interests lie in the intersections of language teaching, policy-making, tech, and business.