Survey: PH startup ecosystem saw regional growth in 2024

The Philippine startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with regional hubs expanding across the country. This is according to the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports by QBO Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Unified Movement in Western Visayas to Accelerate Startup and Spinoff Development (UMWAD) and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Kwadra Technology Business Incubator (TBI), convened relevant stakeholders from Western Visayas (Region 6) to map out the Startup Ecosystem in Iloilo.

During this session in September 2024, stakeholders and their respective initiatives, as well as the gaps and challenges experienced by startups and startup enablers, were identified. The report focused on providing critical insights into five key locales, namely Region I (Ilocos Region), Lanao del Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and General Luna. 

Don't miss: Report: Western Visayas leads 62% growth in sari-sari store transactions 
 
According to the report, startup activity in Iloilo is predominantly concentrated in Iloilo city, with strong government support, local policies and initiatives designed to foster startup growth, making it a model that other emerging startups could learn from. The city houses the majority of programs, activities, and resources, although challenges remain in fully integrating public sector support for startups, particularly for ventures in experimental stages.

Miag-ao emerges as a notable secondary hub, primarily driven by the University of the Philippines Visayas’ (UPV) TBI, which fosters talent development and technopreneurship in the region. Outside these key areas, Passi City and Estancia display consistent involvement in startup initiatives, such as plans for digital transformation and the establishment of TBIs. However, these areas require further support to complement and support the dynamism of Iloilo City and Miagao.

IIoilo's robust innovation ecosystem activities are also fuelled by its talent pool. ISAT-U, UPV and CPU are the higher education institutions leading the charge for youth support and enablement, bridging academic activities with industry practice. 

The report also found that the province demonstrated key strengths in having diverse tech and entrepreneurship programmes, an active and collaborative community, as well as a strong presence of local startup champions. 

Separately, Negros Occidental has benefited from strong collaboration between the academe and industry— creating a steady pipeline of talent and fostering innovation in Metro Bacolod’s growing startup scene.  

QBO Innovation also found that the Negros Occidental’s startups were faced with several challenges, such as a lack of resources, segmented funding channels, as well as early-stage support limitations including the lack of tailored programs and limited graduate opportunities to retain talent.  

Next, the study on Lanao del Norte found that the locale has a thriving base of young tech talent, supported by academic institutions and active local enablers driving interest in entrepreneurship.  The area also boasts a pay-it-forward founder culture, where startup founders in the province are observed to be actively engaged with enablers in cultivating their young startup community.  

Meanwhile, General Luna is home to a vibrant community of digital nomads and tech workers, presenting opportunities to integrate this talent into startup activities. This led to the province having a high number of flexible workspaces such as cafes and co-working facilities.  

The area also benefits from the strong presence of regional and provincial organisations such as the department of science and technology (DOST), the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Surigao North.  
 
However, General Luna still lacks sufficient awareness campaigns, beginner-friendly activities, incubators, and mentorship initiatives for startups there. It also does not have any local success stories or prominent startup champions yet.  

Lastly, the Region 1 (Ilocos) startup community is witnessing increasing startup activity, particularly in key urban centres such as Laoag and Dagupan, where innovation is beginning to take root. However, the study notes that some of the startup programmes which took place, were irregular and redundant, as they covered repetitive content without addressing the deeper, evolving needs of entrepreneurs.  

It also highlighted that startup founders in the area have had to travel at least two hours to access programs and facilities in neighbouring provinces, due to the concentration of resources in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.  

QBO Innovation has noted in a release, that while there is budding growth in the areas surveyed, the report reveals that startups across all locations still face challenges in scaling, with limited access to funding, industry connections, and broader markets.  

Although local ecosystems are growing, many startups struggle to expand beyond their immediate communities. Strengthening investment opportunities and industry linkages will be key to helping regional startups scale nationally and globally. 

Alwyn Rosel, executive director of QBO Innovation said, "Regional development is essential to strengthening the country’s overall innovation landscape. These reports serve as a roadmap for empowering local startup ecosystems, bridging gaps, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation-driven growth.” 
 
“For startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs, this means greater access to support networks, funding opportunities, and industry collaborations that can help turn ideas into scalable ventures,” she added.  

Rosel also said that by working together, ecosystem builders, policymakers, and investors can fuel the next wave of Philippine startups, ensuring that innovation thrives in every corner of the country. 

Building on the success of the 2024 reports, QBO Innovation is already underway with its 2025 initiative, with visits to Cagayan and Isabela. It is working to encourage other locales to partner and contribute to this ongoing effort, facilitating a broader understanding and strengthening of the Philippine startup ecosystem. 

Join us this coming 3 April for #Content360, an extravaganza centred around three core thematic pillars: Conquering Media Fragmentation; From Ideas To Impact; and Balancing Authenticity And Technology. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

Related articles: 
The case of Manila's NAIA: How airport experience shapes a nation's brand
Philippines' SM turns trash into cash for shoppers, bringing recycling into malls 
Jollibee Group to switch off lights across 16 markets for Earth Hour 2025