Insider Spotlight
This development, spotlighted at the launch of Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) 2025 on Nov. 11 at the Marikina Enterprise Center, underscores the country’s intensified efforts to fuel homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship.
Driving the vision
The committee also unveiled its bold new direction, the “ISA 2030 Vision,” which seeks to produce four Philippine unicorns and attract $10 billion in investments within the next five years.
A “unicorn” is a privately held company valued at over $1 billion—a benchmark of innovation strength and global competitiveness.
Leadership transition
As noted in the ISA Steering Committee’s press release, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formally handed over the ISA chairmanship to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), marking a new phase of leadership from 2025 to 2027.The DOST led the committee from 2022 to 2024, following the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which held the post from 2020 to 2022.
By the numbers
Under the DOST’s tenure, the P2.1 billion in funding directly supported 212 startups and incubated 2,233 more through a growing national network of 158 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and innovation hubs.
“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 & development and ISA chair.
Why it matters
In today’s challenging global economy, where access to international capital is tightening and investors are more cautious, mobilizing local funding has become essential.
The ISA’s programs help ensure Filipino founders have sustained access to capital, mentoring, and resources—allowing them to innovate and scale even in uncertain times.
The big picture
Despite the Philippines slipping slightly in the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking (from 60th in 2024 to 64th in 2025), Buendia highlighted that the “Start Local” strategy is paying off. Iloilo, Cauayan, and Solana have joined Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga as emerging startup cities gaining global traction.
The bottom line
With stronger collaboration, more capital, and a clear long-term strategy, the Philippines is positioning its startup ecosystem as a catalyst for innovation-driven, inclusive economic growth. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
