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.
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.