As part of its ongoing efforts, SCALE NCR has introduced the NCR Local Government Unit (LGU) Mapping initiative. Led by De La Salle Animo Labs, this aims to map out 17 cities across the NCR to identify opportunities for collaboration and support for startups, guiding the creation of a five-year Startup Development Roadmap for the region.

The project aligns with the DOST's Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program, designed to strengthen the regions' startup ecosystems.

"The startup ecosystem development is a testament to our commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit and driving innovation across Metro Manila and the Philippines. By empowering more startups to take root and flourish, we aim to create a ripple effect that will inspire a new wave of innovation and strengthen our economy. We are grateful for the invaluable partnerships with our key stakeholders, whose collaboration and support are crucial to making this initiative a success," Russell Pili, Chief Science Research Specialist, DOST-PCIEERD, said.

The mapping plan will focus on identifying key elements such as community culture, programs, and enablers within educational institutions, as well as the number of startups in each LGU. It will also examine non-educational enablers like incubators and accelerators, along with LGU-promoted programs and their outcomes.

"The Philippine startup ecosystem is poised to take off, with the digital economy valued at $6.45 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $35 billion within the next two years. This rapid expansion underscores the immense potential of our region's innovation landscape. We are committed to supporting initiatives by SCALE NCR to further accelerate this momentum by creating a more interconnected and supportive environment for startups,” QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo said.

Through the initiative, SCALE NCR also aims to improve Metro Manila's standing in the global startup ecosystem ranking. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 (GSER 2024), an annual report on technology startups, ranks Manila 81st-90th in the Emerging Startup Ecosystem group ranking.

SCALE NCR is a member of the TBI Consortium facilitated by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). It is founded by prominent NCR-based TBIs, including QBO Innovation, Animo Labs, Miriam College Technology Business Incubator, Adamson University-AduNest, Mapua University-Think & Thinker Laboratory, University of Sto. Tomas-TomasInno Center, University of the Philippines Diliman-UPSCALE Innovation Hub, and Technological Institute of the Philippines-NITRO.

Aligned with its commitment to nurturing startups in Metro Manila and beyond, SCALE NCR has also announced the development of the Startup Institute. This platform is designed to enhance the innovation ecosystem for industry and enterprise development, grow the pool of early-stage investible startups in the Philippines, and empower TBIs and entrepreneur-support organizations in their ability to accelerate the growth of startups and R&D project teams. The pilot training sessions will be held on September 20 and 23, 2024, with Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Additionally, SCALE NCR will launch its NCR Investors Network, a platform to enable startups, businesses, or projects seeking funding to connect with investors who can provide capital and valuable mentorship. Aside from networking opportunities, the network aims to promote startup investment education and awareness by hosting workshops and seminars on trends, best practices, and opportunities in the investment landscape.

To further strengthen the startup ecosystem in Metro Manila, SCALE NCR will also host the two-day NCR TBI Summit on October 10 and 11, 2024. With the theme “Urban Prosperity Unleashed: Catalyzing Dynamism of Startups and MSMEs in the Cities,” the event will serve as a venue for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the prosperity of urban areas.

To learn more about SCALE NCR and join their programs and initiatives, visit http://bit.ly/joinScaleNCR.

QBO Innovation is a division of Ideaspace that consults for, and engages with government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises in driving digital transformation strategies, developing innovation ecosystems, and accelerating technology startup growth.

Created in 2016 through a partnership with Ideaspace, J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), QBO has been an active player in creating a globally competitive tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

For more information on QBO, visit their website at qbo.com.ph or follow its social media accounts at @QBOInnovation.

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