The four-day event gathered different business personalities and connect Filipino startups with regional investors and global opportunities.
From November 9 to 12, the Philippine Startup Week 2026 (PHSW26) took place at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center under the theme “Beyond Borders: Filipino Startups Navigating Our Future,” which showcased Filipino startup capabilities.
The event, which also encouraged knowledge exchange, and expand opportunities for investments, partnerships, and access to regional and global markets, was organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Quezon City Local Government via StartupQC.
During the national conference, which is an official side event of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the Philippines, founders, investors, corporate executives, and policymakers were brought together.
It featured community-led and sector-focused activities organized by startup ecosystem partners and stakeholders, including specialized discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and other programs.
Beyond the main venue, PHSW26 also extended its reach through independently organized events led by startup ecosystem partners across the country, bringing the conference’s discussions and initiatives closer to founders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs outside Metro Manila amd allowed them to participate in the broader national startup movement.
As Chair of the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee for 2026–2028, the DICT led the government efforts to strengthen the Philippine startup ecosystem through policy coordination, interagency collaboration, and partnerships with the private sector.
Through the PHSW26, the DICT also aimed to connect startups with key ecosystem players and help them access the resources, expertise, and networks needed to develop and scale their ventures.
As an official ASEAN side event, Filipino startups were placed within the broader Southeast Asian innovation landscape—with the overall goal of creating opportunities for local founders to connect with regional and international investors, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablersm
The partnership with the Quezon City Local Government, led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, through Startup QC, reinforces local government units’ role in building a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem—emphasizing the city’s role as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub, while also connecting local founders with wider industry and investment networks.
Moreover, it also highlights how national and local government initiatives can work together to make entrepreneurship support more accessible across communities.
The participation of government agencies, industry partners, investors, academic institutions, and startup enablers also reflected the shared commitment needed to build a competitive and inclusive startup ecosystem.
Through their involvement in PHSW26, the DICT, DTI, and DOST aimed to help Filipino innovators turn ideas into viable ventures, develop solutions to emerging challenges, and gain access to the networks and support needed to bring their innovations to market.
