DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) has noted a surge of startups in Davao City, following a significant leap in ranking among the most innovative cities in the country in the recent world startup ranking.
Based on the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024, Davao City increased by 208 points—the highest points among the cities in the Philippines.
Although Davao City ranks within the 700s globally and 4th in the country, DOST-PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit highlighted that this significant jump reflects a vibrant and growing startup ecosystem in the city.
“Davao’s rank actually increased by 208 points. Parang mababa pa rin (it is still lower) relatively as a city, but it jumps like 208 places, so that’s phenomenal in just a year,” Paringit said during the 3rd Mindanao Technology Business Incubator Summit held in Davao City on September 27.
Joining Davao City in the ranking are Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. The country places 6th in Southeast Asia and 60th globally.
Paringit attributed this positive development to the collaboration and support of various government agencies and private partners, which has been instrumental in building robust startup and investment communities, not only in Davao City but also across the entire country.
Since the enactment of Republic Act No. 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act, Paringit noted that they have been actively supporting startups at every stage—from the initial concept phase to becoming market-ready ventures, through “providing resources, services, and facilities to pump prime the development of business.”
Paringit said that the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), or “the place where startups start their journey,” has been instrumental in ensuring the success of startup ventures.
“Our business incubators provide mentorship to our startups, so that means part of it will be, of course, starting the business, the regulatory requirements, as well as improving, enhancing, and further developing the product or solutions that our startups have,” he explained.
Since most TBIs are established in higher education institutions (HEIs), Paringit said that this gives startups proper mentoring and training in developing and refining their business model, given the availability and access of experts and facilities in HEIs.
In Davao City, the current established TBIs include the University of the Philippines Mindanao Technology Business Incubator, Ateneo de Davao University ADDventures, University of Mindanao UMasenso Hub, University of the Immaculate Conception Marian TBI, University of Southeastern Philippines Agilab, and Philippine Women’s College of Davao CHI+.
Outside Davao City is the Davao del Norte State College BUGSAI TBI in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
These TBIs contributed significantly to the success of the startups in Davao City, which are ICT-based ventures.
Alongside TBIs, Paringit said they also provide cash grants to innovative startups through Startup Grant Funds, especially those undergoing incubation in TBIs.
Other startup development programs of DOST include the Women Helping Women Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWISE) Program for women-led social enterprises; Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Program for HEIs who want to establish a TBI in their institution; and Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program for the establishment of consortium among stakeholders and startups.
Paringit added that these programs help ensure the survival of every startup, saying, “Survivorship is one indicator of the success of the startup.”
When asked about the success rate of the startup in the country, Paringit said, “From the presence of these startups and investment community and our partner in government it looks like there is an indication that they’re successful so far.”
At present, Paringit said that they have recorded 1,644 startups in the country, which generated 8,077 jobs and a total of P1.3B worth of revenues. (clc/ASO/PIA XI)
