Philippine Startup Week 2025 opened its main program on Nov. 12 and ends today, highlighting updates from the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee, which reported that it has mobilized ₱2.1 billion in government funding for local startups.
The committee also presented its “ISA 2030 Vision,” a national plan to build a stronger startup environment that can support the growth of four Philippine unicorns and attract USD 10 billion in investments.
The Department of Science and Technology formally turned over the ISA Steering Committee chairmanship to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, which will lead the group from 2025 to 2027. The Department of Trade and Industry last held the position from 2020 to 2022. The chairmanship rotates among the ISA lead agencies.
“The funding we’ve mobilized and the 2,233 startups incubated prove our national strategy is working,” said Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST undersecretary for research and development and chair of ISA. “We have full confidence that the unique expertise, resources, and capabilities of the DICT will be instrumental in guiding our collective agenda forward and achieving the next level of success for our mission and vision, which is ‘A PH startup ecosystem that sustains Filipino entrepreneurship.’”
Buendia also said the funding mobilized under DOST’s term has supported 212 startups and helped incubate thousands more through a network of 158 technology business incubators and innovation hubs.
She noted the Philippines’ ranking drop in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index from 60 in 2024 to 64 in 2025 but said the ISA’s “Start Local” approach shows progress. Iloilo, Cauayan, and Solana joined Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga in the global index.
ISA agencies continue to run programs such as Startup Grant Funds, Startup Venture Funds, and incubator initiatives to support early-stage companies.
The Philippine Startup Week 2025 main event took place at the Philippine Innovation Hub in the Marikina Enterprise Center, featuring exhibitions, networking activities, and community-led events nationwide.