NO: PRU-053-2017NR

Department of Trade and Industry

Release Date: April 4, 2017
Reference: DTI-Industry Promotion Group
890.4898 (tel) 0927.257.7396 (mobile)
ouipg@dti.gov.ph / www.dti.gov.ph (email)
@DTI.Philippines @DTIPhilippines @DTI.Philippines

QBO launches hub for startup programs

QBO Innovation Hub, an established partnership between the public and private sector
including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), IdeaSpace Foundation, and J.P. Morgan, opened its startup
enablement programs to help speed up growth and learning for Philippine startups and
entrepreneurs.

We are excited to create success stories that will inspire Filipinos to start their own
companies instead of pursuing opportunities overseas, said QBO and IdeaSpace
President Butch Meily.

QBO will start offering programs and services to startups including access to QBOs
networking events such as classes, workshops, mentorship, feedback sessions, and
use of its co-working space.

Available services also include professional consultations on legal, accounting,

marketing and design, corporate and government partner resources referrals,
incorporation assistance, business registration, intellectual property filing, and investors
and potential partners pitching.

DTI hopes that with our partners from industry, academe, and other government
agencies such as DOST and DICT, our initiatives will help advance the development of
our local startup ecosystem and increase the number of high-growth oriented
enterprises that will bring the Philippine brand in a global scale, emphasized DTI Trade
and Investments Promotions Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.

Through QBO, startups will also have an opportunity to join J.P. Morgans Incubation
Program, a stage agnostic module that will be available to select and high-potential
startups all year round. It initially plans to enroll 15 startups by the end of 2017.

As one of the worlds leading financial institutions, J.P. Morgan celebrates new ideas
and we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the country, especially those with
underserved backgrounds. Engaging with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) at their early stages is critical and we are excited about the tremendous
opportunities they will bring to developing sectors and generating jobs, which are both
vital in promoting prosperous and thriving communities, said Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior
Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.

To avail the said services, startups need to have an initial interview with the QBO team
and undergo initial assessment. Through this, a customized plan will be designed to
match with the resources needed by the startup.

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QBO was launched in 2016 with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and PLDT Group Chair
Manny V. Pangilinan. It aims to link innovators, explorers, investors, academic
institutions, start-up mentors, funders and enablers as well as a broad spectrum of
partners and stakeholders from both public and private sectors to convene in
constructive interaction.

The Philippine startup ecosystem is growing incredibly quickly, fueled by a young

population engaged in the internet and digital, and more importantly, by entrepreneurs
that demonstrate incredible determination and commitment. By continuing to develop
ideas into innovative products and technologies, startups can evolve to become great
companies that positively impact the future of the Philippines" said DOST
Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.

QBO is the first innovation hub in the country, pioneering the first public-private effort to
establish an innovation ecosystem in the Philippines following success stories of Silicon
Valley in the United States, BLK 71 in Singapore, and MaGIC in Malaysia. (END)

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