The accompanying photo features (seated from left to right) Dir Lilian Salonga, DTI-CIG; Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI-CIG; Congresswoman Stella Quimbo, Marikina City,2nd District Representative; OIC Regional Director Ma. Sofia Narag, DTI-NCRO; Vishal Aditya Potluri, Social Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank. (Standing from left to right) ED Maria Rita Matute, DCP; DED Lucky Lopez, DCP; OIC Asst. RD Revelyn Cortez, DTI Region IV-A; Aurelien Chu, Co-founder, Eskwelabs; Bing Icamina, Team Leader, Certeza + Techno Earth JV; Asst. Sec. Domingo Tolentino, Jr., DTI-ROG; Jojo Flores, Co-Founder Plug and Play Tech Center; Jay Fajardo, CEO Launchgarage; Jundio Salvador-President of PCCI-New Marikina; Roger Py, Jr., PFFI; Sam Ang, Consultant, ADB; Engr. Liza Lopez-DPWH MM1stDEO.
In order to encourage and strengthen the creative industries in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), is seeking innovative startup companies to join their two programs.
In order to help creative startups in the Philippines become market- and investment-ready, the DTI-CIG, under the direction of Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, has launched the creatives edition of the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) programs in collaboration with startup accelerator Launchgarage.
The deadline for applications is February 11, 2024. Interested parties can visit the DTI-CIG Facebook page, the official websites of the ADVanCE program and the IDEA program-creatives edition, to learn more about the programs and submit applications.
“The programs are a testament to the Philippine government’s belief in the immense potential of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship. By providing the much-needed support and platform, we are setting the stage for creative startups to not only thrive locally but also make a significant impact on the global stage. The creative sector is a vital component of our economy and cultural identity, and through initiatives like these, we aim to foster an environment where ideas can flourish, talents are honed, and success stories are born,” Usec. Aldaba said.
The Philippine creative industries play a significant role in the national economy. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed the creative economy amounted to P1.60 trillion in 2022, contributing 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the sector was responsible for employing almost 7 million Filipinos that year.
The IDEA for Creatives edition will onboard 10 early-stage creative startups and enterprises to support and enhance their entrepreneurial capacity and readiness. Under the program, selected startups will participate in various educational workshops aimed at transforming their inventive business concepts into successful enterprises. Each will be paired with experienced mentors and coaches to guide them in their startup journey. The program culminates with a showcase event, where startups can present their ventures to program stakeholders, angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate representatives, and key figures in the ecosystem.
Early-stage startups that are operating in the Philippines with a minimum viable product, registered or in the process of registration to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the IDEA program, are eligible to apply.
Meanwhile, an initial pool of 10-15 startups will be chosen to participate in the ADVanCE for Creatives. After the preliminary screening, they will be assessed based on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. From there, five participating startups will be selected to proceed to the acceleration phase and undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified from the needs assessment.
To be eligible, startups should be in their growth and expansion stage and are based in the country with at least two years of operations with revenue, SEC or DTI-registered, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the ADVanCE program.
DTI welcomes all creative startups within the domains of audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites to apply to the programs.
“We call on all eligible creative startups to seize this unparalleled opportunity. Join us in this endeavor to transform your innovative ideas into successful enterprises and become part of a movement that celebrates and elevates Filipino talent and ingenuity,” Aldaba shares.
The Innovative Startup Act, or RA 11337, is in line with the IDEA and ADVanCE programs, which are designed to support and advance the Philippine startup ecosystem through various perks and initiatives. According to Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), which requires the development of a thriving and internationally competitive Philippine creative sector by defending and enhancing their rights and boosting economic capacities, their most recent cohorts will concentrate on the creative industries.
No Comments