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Thursday, Apr 09, 2026
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Philippine Innovation Hub Launched to Support Startups and MSMEs
The initiative aims to provide comprehensive assistance to entrepreneurs as part of national economic growth strategies.
On April 29, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines officially launched the Philippine Innovation Hub (iHub) in Marikina City.
The initiative is structured to empower startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognized as significant contributors to the national economy, comprising 99.5% of businesses and employing 60% of the workforce.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the government's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The iHub is designed to be more than just a physical space; it seeks to serve as a launchpad for creativity, providing essential resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities for both startups and established MSMEs.
Positioned within the Marikina Enterprise Center and operated by the DTI’s National Development Company (NDC), the five-story facility will implement a range of incubation and acceleration programs that include organizational development workshops, a one-stop shop, shared service facilities, retail and coworking spaces, and event venues for private and public sector partners.
Congresswoman Stella Luz A. Quimbo, representing Marikina's 2nd District, highlighted the strategic importance of the iHub, stating that it aims to equip local entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech talents with modern tools and opportunities required for success in today's economy.
In its first year, the iHub plans to support 50 MSMEs and between 50 to 75 startups.
Over the next five years, it anticipates an increase to 500 to 750 startups and 500 MSMEs, demonstrating an ambitious growth projection.
The launch event included key leaders from the government and private sectors, signifying the collaborative approach to this initiative.
The iHub aligns with the Philippine Innovation Act and the Philippine Startup Act, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of the Filipino workforce.
The establishment of the iHub is part of a broader legislative framework including Republic Act No. 11337 (The Innovative Startup Act), Republic Act No. 11293 (The Philippine Innovation Act), and Republic Act No. 11904 (The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act).
It is led by the NDC in cooperation with the DTI, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National Innovation Council.
Among its key initiatives is the Startup Venture Fund, designed to facilitate market access and growth opportunities for local businesses across various sectors, including footwear and creative industries.
The iHub is situated at the NACIDA Compound in Marikina City, with the facility developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The NDC oversees the facility’s management and program implementation, ensuring its objectives align with a forward-thinking vision for the Philippine economy.
The NDC, the government’s investment arm under the DTI, plays a vital role in promoting inclusive growth by investing across various industries.
As the Philippines’ leading state-owned enterprise, its mission includes undertaking important projects, particularly in high-risk scenarios where private sector engagement may be limited.
Under Secretary Roque's leadership, the NDC remains dedicated to advancing the strategic priorities of the DTI in support of national economic development.
The initiative is structured to empower startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognized as significant contributors to the national economy, comprising 99.5% of businesses and employing 60% of the workforce.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the government's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The iHub is designed to be more than just a physical space; it seeks to serve as a launchpad for creativity, providing essential resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities for both startups and established MSMEs.
Positioned within the Marikina Enterprise Center and operated by the DTI’s National Development Company (NDC), the five-story facility will implement a range of incubation and acceleration programs that include organizational development workshops, a one-stop shop, shared service facilities, retail and coworking spaces, and event venues for private and public sector partners.
Congresswoman Stella Luz A. Quimbo, representing Marikina's 2nd District, highlighted the strategic importance of the iHub, stating that it aims to equip local entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech talents with modern tools and opportunities required for success in today's economy.
In its first year, the iHub plans to support 50 MSMEs and between 50 to 75 startups.
Over the next five years, it anticipates an increase to 500 to 750 startups and 500 MSMEs, demonstrating an ambitious growth projection.
The launch event included key leaders from the government and private sectors, signifying the collaborative approach to this initiative.
The iHub aligns with the Philippine Innovation Act and the Philippine Startup Act, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of the Filipino workforce.
The establishment of the iHub is part of a broader legislative framework including Republic Act No. 11337 (The Innovative Startup Act), Republic Act No. 11293 (The Philippine Innovation Act), and Republic Act No. 11904 (The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act).
It is led by the NDC in cooperation with the DTI, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National Innovation Council.
Among its key initiatives is the Startup Venture Fund, designed to facilitate market access and growth opportunities for local businesses across various sectors, including footwear and creative industries.
The iHub is situated at the NACIDA Compound in Marikina City, with the facility developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The NDC oversees the facility’s management and program implementation, ensuring its objectives align with a forward-thinking vision for the Philippine economy.
The NDC, the government’s investment arm under the DTI, plays a vital role in promoting inclusive growth by investing across various industries.
As the Philippines’ leading state-owned enterprise, its mission includes undertaking important projects, particularly in high-risk scenarios where private sector engagement may be limited.
Under Secretary Roque's leadership, the NDC remains dedicated to advancing the strategic priorities of the DTI in support of national economic development.
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