The Government of the Philippines is sending the country’s first ever delegation of Philippine start-ups to Hong Kong so that they will be able to attend and participate in an Asian technology conference.
According to a recent press release, one of the key projects that fall under the Startup Assistance Program 2019-2023 is the Philippines’ participation in the RISE Conference 2019.
This was agreed upon by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Boosting the start-up ecosystem
The three government agencies are working together to promote and assist Philippine start-ups through the several joint initiatives. These initiatives are:
- The digitalstartupsPH Program
This initiative of the DICT – ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) aims to boost the ICT ecosystem as well as promote and develop local ICT start-up businesses.
It promotes and develops the country’s start-up ecosystem by bringing together industry stakeholders and enabling them to create innovative business products and solutions for economic development.
- The Technology Transfer Support for Nurturing Tech Start-Ups
This initiative of the DOST–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) contributes to the economic and industrial development of the country.
- Startup Pilipinas
This initiative of the DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) provides government support to scale up local start-ups by participating in Outbound Business Matching Missions (OBMMs) and international pitching competitions.
It is a five-point program developed as the industry cluster program to foster inter-enterprise linkages among MSMEs and strengthen collaborative networks.
The Philippine delegation
The exhibitor-participants that were chosen to participate were selected by the government based on different criteria: Innovation, Scalability, Motivation and Delegation Profile.
With this action plan, the Philippine Government aims to create high-growth and high-impact start-ups that will nurture innovation, sustain economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities.
The three government agencies shouldered the expenses with DOST paying for the tickets and conference passes, while DICT and DTI for the booth expenses and country pavilion.
The Philippine delegation is made up of 28 selected start-ups. Additionally, partner incubators and accelerators are also joining the group.
The participation of these start-up companies will feature the Philippine start-up community’s potential in the international market.
Moreover, this will provide them with global exposure and opportunities on partnerships, mentorship, and investments.
The Government Agencies
The Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for realising the country’s goal of globally competitive and innovative industry and services sector that contribute to inclusive growth and employment generation.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the premiere science and technology body in the country charged with the twin mandates. These are:
- Providing central direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities
- Formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda.
