Tech Innovators Tackle Enabling Mechanisms, Support for Startups during the NCR TBI Summit 2024
The NCR TBI Summit 2024 held last October 10-11, 2024 at Novotel Manila in Araneta, Quezon City, brought together industry leaders, innovators, local government units, and regional line agencies that empower startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for sustainable growth. Focused on fostering innovation, the event featured key learning points from multisectoral change agents.
Resource persons from government agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), participated in a dynamic fireside chat on Innovation Agenda. They used the platform to highlight the various programs of their respective agencies that are designed to support startups and MSMEs, banking on strategic multi-sector partnerships to create a robust ecosystem for innovation and long-term economic growth in the Philippines.
The two-day summit also served as a platform to explore cutting-edge initiatives, share resources, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, thus reaffirming the agencies’ commitment to innovation through startup development.
Providing comprehensive discussions on the Philippine startup ecosystem were key leaders and officials from the government and academe, including DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen Tresvalles, Ms. Mary Helene Alzona of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) representing the Regional Development Council-NCR, Dr. Trixie Marie Sison of Miriam College, and Mr. Federico Gonzalez, Chair of Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups National Capital Region (SCALE NCR). They underpinned the importance of regional support for startups and MSMEs, and the critical role of technology and innovation in fostering collaboration and growth.
In her message to the participants, RD Tresvalles quoted DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “We at the DOST recognize the crucial role we play in assessing, monitoring, developing, and expanding the Philippine Startup Development Program,” and further affirmed how startups are becoming global game changers.
Highlighted during the event was the initial report of the NCR Startup Ecosystem Mapping resulting from the information sessions and FGDs conducted by SCALE NCR and DOST-NCR.
The Summit also saw discussions on “Startups and Startup Enablers as a Career Path” “Honing University-Based Innovators” by Dr. Luis Sison, Project Lead of the UPSCALE Innovation Hub; “Bootstrap or Fundraise?” with Mr. Carlo Calimon, President of StartUp Village; “Pre-Seed Fundraising for Startups” with Mr. Thomas Abentung, Co-founder & General Partner of Founders Launchpad; and “How to Build a VC-Backable Business,” with Mr. Ray Alimurung, General Partner of Kaya Founders.
A panel discussion titled “After Your R&D Grant, What’s Next?” and a workshop led by Dr. Sison further explored growth opportunities for the guest startups.
The event concluded with a call to action to support startups and for startups to continuously seek solutions through their ventures.
By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU