Start Up Community in the PHILIPPINES
What is the extent of support for startups in the Philippines, and how does the Philippines perceive the startup ecosystem?




What is the extent of support for startups in the Philippines, and how does the Philippines perceive the startup ecosystem?
In the fast-paced world of startups, staying ahead of the curve is essential for any country looking to make its mark on the global stage. Unfortunately, in the latest Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, the Philippines has slipped two spots to 59th place among 100 countries in 2023. This ranking takes into account various factors such as the quantity and quality of startups and the overall business environment. The Philippines’ total score of 2.469 still places it among the lower-performing nations in the Asia-Pacific region.
While this news may seem discouraging, it’s important to view it as an opportunity for young and aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs. The Philippines, with its vibrant culture and dynamic population, is ripe for innovation and growth. There’s a clear need for forward-thinking individuals to contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem in the country.
The City Lights: Manila Shines at 95th Place
At the city level, the Philippines maintains a presence with five locations in the rankings. Manila, the bustling capital city, secures its position at 95th out of 1,000 cities worldwide. This recognition highlights Manila’s potential as a hub for startups and innovation within the country.
Recognizing the pivotal role startups play in driving economic growth and fostering innovation, the Philippine government is taking significant steps to support and nurture this thriving ecosystem. Three key government agencies, namely the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), are working collaboratively to make this happen.
Enter the Innovative Startup Act (R.A. 11337)
At the heart of the government’s efforts stands the Innovative Startup Act, or Republic Act 11337. This legislation is a game-changer for startups in the Philippines, offering a comprehensive range of benefits, incentives, and support mechanisms designed to provide a fertile ground for innovation to flourish:
The Act simplifies visa applications for foreign startup founders and key personnel, making it easier for international talent to contribute to the local ecosystem.
Startups thrive on speed and agility. The Act streamlines bureaucratic procedures to ensure startups can move from ideation to execution swiftly.
To fuel innovation, the Act establishes a Startup Venture Fund, injecting essential capital into promising startups with innovative ideas.
Financial support through grants-in-aid encourages experimentation and risk-taking, fundamental elements of startup success.
This visionary program outlines a strategic roadmap for nurturing startups, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment conducive to growth.
Designated areas, known as Startup Ecozones, are carved out to serve as dedicated innovation hubs, offering startups access to resources and infrastructure tailored to their unique needs.
Embracing the spirit of ‘Bayanihan,’ Filipinos have come together to foster a burgeoning startup ecosystem. While the landscape may be smaller compared to some nations, the synergy of local startup groups, innovation hubs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and government initiatives is propelling the Philippines towards its own unique startup renaissance. The consistent progress made by the Philippine startup community showcases our collective determination to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, and it’s only a matter of time before we witness the full bloom of a thriving startup ecosystem.
At XINYX, one of our primary core values is innovation. We believe that by empowering our future engineers, we can lead to an amazing future, especially in the microelectronics industry of the Philippines. Our strong commitment is to make sure the Philippines becomes a leader in this rapidly changing industry.
With this vision in mind, XINYX UNLOCKED serves as the gateway for brilliant young minds to exhibit their extraordinary talents, providing them with an exceptional platform to shine.
Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a new breed of world-class engineers who have the ability to UNLOCK their true power and drive transformative advancements in their respective fields.