Up to ₱1 Million in equity-free grants for promising early-stage startups
The Quezon City Government, through its Startup QC Program, is now accepting applications for its Cohort 4 – Professional Category as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem and supporting high-potential Filipino startups.
The Startup QC Program offers selected early-stage startups the opportunity to receive up to PHP 1 million in equity-free grants, hands-on mentorship, capacity-building sessions, and access to a growing network of investors, incubators, and innovation partners. The program is designed to help founders sharpen their business strategies, scale their solutions, and prepare for long-term sustainability.
Through the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, Quezon City is building a future-ready economy by empowering Filipino founders to solve real-world problems through innovation. The Startup QC Program plays a key role in this vision by providing entrepreneurs with the platform, tools, and support they need to grow and thrive.
Since its launch in 2022, the StartUp QC Program has partnered with Launchgarage Innovation Hub to successfully run three cohorts under the professional category. Through this collaboration, the program has supported 16 professional startups from diverse industries, ranging from technology, sustainability, education, and the creative economy. Launchgarage has played a key role in designing and delivering the program’s content, mentoring startups, and guiding them through their growth journeys. The program’s alumni exemplify the strength of Filipino innovation, with several gaining national and international recognition, attracting investments, and entering global markets.
Notable alumni include:
- EdukSine – an award-winning streaming platform for Filipino indie films, featured in ASEAN and UN events for the youth and entrepreneurs.
- Wika Media – creators of accessible AR/VR learning tools, recently showcased in Japan and Singapore.
- Lithos Manufacturing – a climate-tech startup providing clean water solutions to disaster-affected areas, with pilots launched across the Philippines.
- Kwentoon – a digital storytelling platform for youth, promoting literacy and Filipino culture through comics and manga, with growing partnerships in the education and publishing sectors.
- Hibla Ph – a culture-based fashion startup bringing Philippine weaves to the global stage, with showcases in Japan, China, and the UK.
- NYHA Robotics – a social impact venture making STEM education more inclusive through localized robotics kits and teacher training programs.
These startups represent the future of inclusive, impact-driven entrepreneurship—and the growing influence of Quezon City as a hub for innovation in the Philippines.
Interested applicants must be early-stage startups registered in the Philippines, with innovative solutions that demonstrate strong market potential and measurable impact.
Applications are now open through the Quezon City eServices portal. For more information on the application guidelines and other details, you may visit qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.
