Incubators and Accelerators in the Philippines

2025年7月22日 Startup

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Incubators and Accelerators in the Philippines

Incubators and Accelerators in the Philippines

How Early-Stage Startups Scale in Southeast Asia’s Most Underrated Innovation Hub

The Philippines is often known for its BPO industry, vast overseas workforce, and archipelagic charm—but in the last 10 years, it has also quietly built one of Southeast Asia’s most promising startup ecosystems. At the heart of this transformation are incubators and accelerators that offer vital support to emerging startups through mentorship, funding, and access to networks.

From government-backed programs to university-led labs and private accelerators, this guide covers the full spectrum of innovation infrastructure helping entrepreneurs build the next generation of tech companies in the Philippines.

Incubator vs Accelerator: A Refresher

Type	Incubator	Accelerator
Stage	Idea/Early	MVP/Scaling
Duration	Ongoing or long-term	3–6 months (cohort-based)
Focus	Refining ideas, forming teams	Market entry, customer growth
Support	Workspace, mentorship	Investor access, pitch practice
Equity	Often non-equity	Some take 2–10% equity

Why the Philippines is a Fertile Ground for Startups

Strategic location: Close to major ASEAN and East Asian markets
English fluency: Business-friendly language environment
‍ Talent pool: Developers, designers, and digital marketers abound
Supportive policies: The Philippine Startup Development Program (RA 11337) provides tax breaks, grants, and visa incentives
Strong diaspora ties: Filipino founders often return from abroad with capital and experience

Major Players: Top Incubators and Accelerators

1. QBO Innovation Hub

Backed by: DTI, DOST, IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan
Track record: 500+ startups supported

Special programs:

Startup Pinay (women founders)
Global Acceleration Program (linking to Singapore, Silicon Valley)
QMMUNITY: A virtual platform for mentorship and networking

Application Tips:

No equity taken
Open to regional and foreign-led startups
Best for early-stage and mission-driven founders

2. IdeaSpace Foundation

Sector focus: Broad tech but strong in SaaS, healthtech, agri, edtech
Funding: ₱500,000 grant + non-cash support

Alumni include:

InvestEd (fintech)
Grayscale (B2B SaaS)
CatchFood (foodtech)

Why join:

High-profile mentors from telcos, banks, and VC firms
National-level recognition = investor trust
Frequent regional roadshows and outreach

3. Launchgarage

Founded by: Jay Fajardo and Jojo Flores (co-founders of Proudcloud & Plug and Play Manila)
Strengths: Venture building, tech scaling, global exits

Programs:

Corporate Innovation Lab
Startup Growth Sprint
International roadshows to Singapore and Tokyo

Funding connections:

Opens door to seed investors across SEA
Helps with term sheets and cap table review

4. Impact Hub Manila

Global network: Based in 60+ countries
Unique angle: Focus on social innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth

Key initiatives:

Women Founders Fellowship
ClimateTech Labs
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Benefits:

Global demo day in Vienna or Singapore
Access to UN-aligned funding and fellowships
Great for NGOs spinning off digital tools

5. AIM Dado Banatao Incubator

Located at: Asian Institute of Management, Makati
Specialization: Data, AI, machine learning, enterprise tech

Why it stands out:

Access to MBAs and PhDs in business and tech
High-level legal, IP, and operational support
Mentors from Silicon Valley, Singapore, and Israel

Tip: Best for high-tech founders looking to build a startup with academic rigor and venture-readiness.

6. UP Diliman UPSCALE Innovation Hub

Support for: Deep tech, biotech, hardware, R&D startups

Programs:

UPSCALE Ignite (pre-incubation)
UPSCALE Core (full incubation)
UPSCALE Forge (corporate collab programs)

Resources:

Fab lab access
Research-to-product workshops
Technology licensing assistance

7. DTI’s Startup Island Philippines Program

Scope: Nationwide reach via roadshows, regional bootcamps, and online hubs

Activities:

Monthly pitch nights across the country
Free virtual incubation programs
Startup visa pilot program (coming soon)

Target founders:

Filipino entrepreneurs in provinces
OFWs returning to start local businesses
Foreigners partnering with local cofounders

Regional Innovation Hubs

Program	City	Strength
USC-TC IDEA Space	Cebu	Academic/tech incubation with local VC ties
DOST Davao TBI	Davao	Regional agri-tech and biotech development
Batangas CTI	Batangas City	Clean energy, manufacturing startups
UP Mindanao TBI	Davao	Food, biotech, and health startups
Negros Occidental Innovation Hub	Bacolod	Agritech, logistics, and e-commerce

These incubators offer:

Localized mentorship
Access to government grants (e.g. YEP, iFITT)
Pitching competitions with LGU support
Co-working spaces and IP help

For Foreign Founders: How to Join a Philippine Accelerator

Legal status:

Ideally, register a local entity (with SEC) or partner with a Filipino cofounder
Several programs accept foreign citizens with long-term visas (e.g. SRRV, 9G)

English advantage:

Most programs are conducted in English
Local tech teams are also English-fluent

What you’ll need:

Clear business model and problem-solution fit
Commitment to operate in the Philippines for at least 6–12 months
Strong team or willingness to build a local team

Recommended entry points:

QBO Innovation Hub (virtual + inclusive)
Impact Hub Manila (for impact-driven startups)
USC IDEA Lab (for Cebu-based founders)

Application Tips: How to Stand Out

✅ Make your deck local-friendly: include relevance to the Philippine market
✅ Highlight any traction: paying customers, user base, partnerships
✅ Show your team’s execution ability
✅ Demonstrate cultural fluency or local partnerships
✅ Be ready for virtual interviews and deep-dive Q&A sessions

Common Benefits Provided by Accelerators

Benefit	Description
Seed Funding	Cash grants from ₱200k to ₱1M or equity-based deals
Mentorship	Weekly check-ins, business strategy, product development
Investor Access	Demo days with local and regional VC firms
Co-working Space	Free or subsidized offices for 3–12 months
Corporate Pilots	Real-life business use cases with partner companies
Technical Credits	AWS, GCP, Stripe, Notion, Hubspot perks
Legal + IP Support	Incorporation help, NDA templates, patent guidance

Notable Filipino Startups That Came from These Programs

Kalibrr – Hiring platform that scaled from AIM incubator to ASEAN
Taxumo – Fintech tool that joined IdeaSpace and raised follow-on rounds
Edukasyon.ph – Edtech star that pitched at global events post-QBO
Agrabah – Agritech platform accelerated by QBO + StartUp Island
Bliimo – Sustainability-focused mobility platform nurtured by Impact Hub

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local founder from Davao or a digital nomad in Cebu with a bold idea, the Philippines offers fertile ground for startup growth. Incubators and accelerators here aren’t just echo chambers for tech jargon—they’re launchpads for entrepreneurs with real problems to solve.

If you’re ready to turn your idea into impact, don’t wait for “the right time.” The right time is when you show up, apply, and build.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an incubator and an accelerator?

An incubator typically supports early-stage startups that are still refining their idea, building a team, or validating a business model. These programs often offer long-term support, co-working space, and mentorship without taking equity. An accelerator, on the other hand, is a short-term, cohort-based program (usually 3–6 months) that helps startups grow rapidly through intensive training, mentorship, and pitch opportunities. Accelerators may take a small equity stake and often culminate in a “demo day” to attract investors.

Who can apply to incubators and accelerators in the Philippines?

Most programs are open to Filipino citizens, legal residents, OFWs returning to start a business, and even foreign founders with appropriate visas or legal business entities registered in the Philippines. Students, researchers, and corporate professionals with scalable startup ideas are also encouraged to apply.

Are there incubators and accelerators outside of Metro Manila?

Yes. Several regional innovation hubs exist across the Philippines. Examples include USC IDEA Space in Cebu, DOST Davao TBI, and UP Mindanao TBI. These programs offer localized mentorship, workspace, and access to regional grants. The DTI’s Startup Island Philippines program also brings pitch nights, bootcamps, and networking events to regional cities like Iloilo, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro.

Is English used in these programs?

Yes. Most incubators and accelerators in the Philippines conduct their sessions, workshops, and communications in English. This is due to the international nature of the startup ecosystem and the country’s high level of English proficiency. This makes the programs especially accessible for foreign founders and teams.

Do these programs provide funding?

Many accelerators offer seed funding or grants. For instance, IdeaSpace provides up to ₱500,000 in non-equity grants, while other programs like QBO and Impact Hub offer access to pitch nights where startups can raise funding from investors. Some university incubators offer small grants or prototyping funds through government programs like DOST PCIEERD or YEP.

Do accelerators and incubators take equity?

It depends on the program. Public and university-based incubators (such as QBO, UP Diliman, or DTI-backed hubs) usually do not take equity. In contrast, private accelerators (like Launchgarage or global accelerators) may take a small equity stake—often around 3–10%—in exchange for funding, mentorship, and investor access.

How do I apply to an incubator or accelerator in the Philippines?

Most programs have open calls for applications once or twice a year. You’ll need to submit a pitch deck, a short written application describing your startup, and sometimes a video. Selection criteria typically include innovation, team strength, problem-solution fit, and market potential. Follow programs like IdeaSpace, QBO, Impact Hub Manila and Startup Island PH on social media for updates.

What benefits do these programs offer besides funding?

In addition to funding, incubators and accelerators in the Philippines provide:

Mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts
Training on business models, growth, and operations
Office space or co-working memberships
Pitch exposure to VCs and angel investors
Corporate pilots and collaboration opportunities
Access to tools like AWS, Notion, Stripe, and legal support

What are some well-known accelerators in the Philippines?

Some of the most established accelerators include:

IdeaSpace Foundation – known for its competitive grant program
QBO Innovation Hub – a joint effort between DTI, DOST, and J.P. Morgan
Launchgarage – focuses on scaling startups and international exposure
Impact Hub Manila – known for social enterprise and sustainability focus
AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator – linked with academic research and AI/tech

Can foreign entrepreneurs join Philippine accelerator programs?

Yes, many programs welcome foreign entrepreneurs, especially those with long-term visas or who have registered a local business entity in the Philippines. You may also apply as a team with a local co-founder. Programs like QBO and Impact Hub Manila are especially open to international founders who commit to building operations in the country.

How long do incubator and accelerator programs last?

Incubator programs can last from 6 months to over a year and are often flexible. Accelerator programs typically run from 3 to 6 months and follow a structured curriculum with a fixed start and end date, usually culminating in a demo day or investor pitch event.

What are the chances of raising investment through these programs?

While not guaranteed, many startups successfully raise seed or pre-seed investment through these programs. Participating in an accelerator increases your visibility to local investors, VCs, and grant-giving organizations. Some programs also connect you with global networks such as Plug and Play, 500 Startups, or SEA Angel Networks.

Are there sector-specific incubators in the Philippines?

Yes. Several incubators focus on particular industries:

UP Diliman UPSCALE – deep tech, biotech, and R&D startups
Impact Hub Manila – sustainability and social enterprises
AIM-DBI – AI and enterprise SaaS
DOST NICER Programs – regional innovation focused on agri, energy, and environment

What is a “demo day” and why is it important?

A demo day is the culminating event of most accelerator programs, where participating startups pitch their refined business model to a room full of investors, media, partners, and community members. It’s a chance to attract investment, partnerships, and publicity. Good demo days lead to increased visibility and potential follow-on funding.

How can I prepare a strong application?

To strengthen your application:

Have a clear and concise pitch deck
Demonstrate traction, even if small (users, signups, pilots)
Show a committed team with complementary skills
Know your problem-solution-market fit
Include why now and why your team is uniquely suited to build this

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Incubators and Accelerators in the Philippines

Incubators and Accelerators in the Philippines

Incubator vs Accelerator: A Refresher

Why the Philippines is a Fertile Ground for Startups

Major Players: Top Incubators and Accelerators

1. QBO Innovation Hub

2. IdeaSpace Foundation

3. Launchgarage

4. Impact Hub Manila

5. AIM Dado Banatao Incubator

6. UP Diliman UPSCALE Innovation Hub

7. DTI’s Startup Island Philippines Program

Regional Innovation Hubs

For Foreign Founders: How to Join a Philippine Accelerator

Application Tips: How to Stand Out

Common Benefits Provided by Accelerators

Notable Filipino Startups That Came from These Programs

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Startup Events, Meetups, and Pitch Nights in Cebu

Top Coworking Spaces in Cebu

Language & Communication Tips for Non-Tagalog Speakers

Working with Filipino Teams: Culture Tips for Foreign Founders