DoST, DTI, DICT, QBO Innovation Hub power PH startups

WITH the theme, “Filipino Startups Powering Up the New Normal,” Philippine Startup Week 2020 (PHSW20) made history as it brought together more than 10,000 startup founders, startup enablers, techpreneurs, investors, government stakeholders, and thought leaders from across the country and beyond in one virtual stage on November 23 to 27.

The five-day conference was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and QBO Innovation Hub.

Supported by 917Ventures, AWS, Investing in Women, Microsoft, Youth Business International, Google.org, PHILEXPORT, TeamAsia, Paymongo, PLDT Global, Prosperna, and Credit Information Corporation and 61 community partners, the event had 56 community events within the event’s five specialized tracks — Discover, Develop, Collaborate, Invest, and Showcase.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, DoST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan 2nd and QBO Innovation Hub President Rene Meily headlined the opening ceremony.

“We believe startups can help in enabling the digital transformation of our micro, small, and medium enterprises, our traditional brick and mortar businesses, and especially the SMEs need to digitize their operations in order to thrive in the post-pandemic economy,” Lopez said.

Dela Peña said that the Philippine Startup Week 2020 is government’s way of showing startups that they are not alone as they power up the new normal.

Meanwhile, Honasan said the Innovative Startup Act mandates the creation of the Philippine startup development program or PSDP, which offers benefits and incentives for startups.

“(It’s) a program recognized by the Digital Riser Report as a lighthouse initiative,” the DICT chief said.

Meily said that startups are one of the keys to the revival of the economy with their technology, as they lead the new digital landscape.