The Philippine government has successfully mobilized over P2.1 billion in funding to bolster local startups, as new long-term targets were unveiled during the Philippine Startup Week 2025. The event saw the introduction of the “ISA 2030 Vision” roadmap, which aims to cultivate an ecosystem capable of producing four unicorns and attracting $10 billion in investments by 2030. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) handed over the ISA Steering Committee chairmanship to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which will lead from 2025 to 2027.
Under DOST’s leadership, significant progress was made, with P2.1 billion in support reaching 212 startups and 2,233 others being incubated through a network of 158 technology business incubators. Despite a slight decline in global startup rankings, the “Start Local” strategy is gaining momentum, with new cities joining the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking. The government remains optimistic about the ecosystem’s growth, fueled by ongoing collaborations among agencies, investors, and private partners.
Key programs like Startup Grant Funds, Venture Funds, and incubation initiatives continue to support founders in securing financing and scaling operations. Philippine Startup Week 2025, the largest annual startup event in the country, will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities from November 12 to 14 at the Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina.
