START 2019 with QBO Innovation Hub!
This is the invitation sent out by QBO, the public-private sector-initiated haven and booster of the Philippines’ still struggling startup community.
In an email to SDN — Science and Digital News, QBO reminded everyone in the startup community and all those involved about its mission, and, most importantly, its programs and services do not cost a cent!
It can be recalled that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and IdeaSpace Foundation (IdeaSpace), the country’s leading early stage technology incubator and accelerator, struck a partnership on August 8, 2016 for the establishment of the QBO Innovation Hub.
Their goal is to help and boost startups and innovation entrepreneurs among Filipinos.
Later the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and J.P. Morgan, and then followed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) joined the collaboration.
The DTI said the “Hub aims to link innovators, explorers, investors, academic institutions, startup mentors, funders and enablers as well as a broad spectrum partners and stakeholders from both public and private sectors to convene in constructive interactions.”
QBO said:
“In light of the new year, we just want to remind you guys that it’s our mission to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true, that’s why we offer most of our programs and services for FREE! Be active in your pursuit and come network, consult, and learn more with us this 2019. You’re sure to meet some interesting and important people in the startup ecosystem that way.”
QBO has eight programs and services that is available throughout the year both to regular (non-startup) members and startup members in its QMMUNITY.
They are, for regular members (non-startups):
BASIQS, Introductory Class: An introductory class that runs through the fundamentals of initiating a startup for those who are new to the scene and are exploring putting up their own venture.
QLITAN, Networking Event: Regular networking events that also feature guest speakers for the startup community to discover, collaborate, and potentially meet mentors, investors, and future partners.
And for startup members:
QBO HQ, Co-working Space: Work space and other facilities provided to startups for co-working, meeting, or hosting meetings, workshops, and other startup-related events.
QONSULTATION, Consultation Service: One-on-one consultation services conducted by industry professionals in the fields of business law, business registration, branding and design, and even government-related matters to name a few. (NOTE: Our digital marketing consultations are on hold for now but will resume in March!)
WORQSHOP, Specialized Workshop: In-depth workshops on a certain topic such as branding, marketing, or fundraising to shed light on new trends, provide actionable learnings, and equip startups with the necessary skills to remain competitive.
FEEDBAQ, Focus Group Discussion: Group sessions for startups to receive valuable insight on different aspects of their business from their peers as well as mentors and industry leaders within QBO’s network.
SHOWQASE, Investors Pitch: Investors pitch sessions where startups get to pitch their ideas and businesses to top angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporations for a chance to get funded or secure relevant partnerships.
INQBATION, J.P. Morgan Incubation Program: An incubation program that provides customized mentorship, training, networking, and advanced professional services for select startups to accelerate their growth and address their most pressing needs.
Meanwhile, behind IdeaSpace is backstaffed by the following companies big business organizations, such as First Pacific, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, PLDT, Smart Communications, Meralco, Indofood, Philex Mining, Maynilad, MediaQuest, and TV5.
Late last year, DTI, DOST, and DICT formalized their partnership through a tripartite agreement they signed during the Second Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Summit organized and hosted by DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
The three departments want strengthen their support for startups through a roadmap. (EKU)