The 2024 Taiwan-Philippines Startup Exchange Program: Strengthening Connections and Fostering Innovation
The “2024 Taiwan-Philippines Startup Exchange Program,” organized by CrossBond in collaboration with Startup Terrace Kaohsiung, QBO Innovation Hub, and Ateneo de Manila University, marked a significant milestone in nurturing bilateral ties between Taiwan and the Philippines. Designed as a dynamic platform for startup collaboration, this program aimed to create opportunities for cross-border expansion, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth, contributing to a stronger, interconnected startup ecosystem in both countries.
The program provided a platform for 5 Taiwanese startups such as ChiaTang Information, ChoozMo, Zignet, Turing Space, and Crypto-Arsenal to engage with a diverse array of stakeholders in the Philippines, including venture capitalists, companies, founders, government representatives, and more. The program spanned five days filled with diverse activities, creating a dynamic environment where startups, government officials, academic experts, and industry leaders could come together to share ideas and form meaningful relationships.
Startup Networking Event
During our five-day trip, we also held a Startup Exchange and Networking Event with White Cloak Technologies. White Cloak Technologies is a well-known software start-up company in the Philippines. They assists many giants in establishing bank APPs and related ERP systems and the founder is also the alumnus of Ateneo University. This event attracted a total of 42 participants, including investors, start-ups, academic representatives, training institutions, and business representatives.
Through Networking exchanges, new start-ups showcased their innovative technologies and products, facilitate the negotiation of potential investment opportunities, and promote a closer entrepreneurial ecosystem between Taiwan and the Philippines through sharing and communication with new start-ups.
Among them, Senior executive from Philippines' largest water company, Hiraya Technology Solutions, Inc., also came to have direct business exchanges with ChiaTang Info. Co, Ltd.. ChoozMo also network with well-known influencers companies in the Philippines to share big social influence through AI, and arranged a next meeting the to discuss the details of cooperation.
Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator: Unveiling Philippine Innovation
In addition to the Exchange Program, we were privileged to participate in the Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator, a pioneering initiative funded by the European Union in collaboration with QBO Innovation Hub and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This enriching experience provided us with a firsthand glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of Philippine startups poised to drive future economic growth. During the accelerator, we had the honor of meeting exceptional Philippine startups, including Mylo Speech Buddy, the standout winner of the pitch competition, Nama Microgreens, Reelist, Capilli Trading Inc., and many others. These encounters not only showcased the diversity and creativity within the Philippine startup scene but also underscored the potential for fruitful collaborations and partnerships.
A Day at Ateneo de Manila University: Insight and Inspiration
One of the highlights of the exchange was a transformative visit to one of our Filipino partner, Ateneo de Manila University. This renowned academic institution opened its doors to participants for a full day of immersive experiences. The visit began with a tour of the university’s innovative spaces, including the Blue Nest and cutting-edge research centers that underscore Ateneo’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking. The university’s human-made forest, bird-friendly windows, and pollinator pockets were powerful reminders of Ateneo's dedication to environmental responsibility.
Keynote sessions included thought leaders such as
- Engr. Maria Concepcion S. Zabala, L.L.M., an IP Rights Specialist, who shared essential insights on intellectual property rights and their importance for startups navigating regulatory environments.
- Joel Emmanuel C. Sumpaico, Head of the Investments Promotions Division at the Local Economic Investment Promotion Office, presented investment promotion strategies to guide Taiwanese startups aiming to enter the Philippine market.
A moderated panel discussion featured notable leaders, such as
- Roland Benzon, Founder and CEO of WIKA, who shared real-world insights from a startup founder’s perspective
- Dr. Roberto N. Galang, Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management, who contributed perspectives from academia
- Jerahmeel Chen, Chief Innovation Officer of the Philippine Innovation Hub of National Development Company, who spoke on government-backed funding and innovation support.
Connecting with Government Bodies and Industry Leaders
A key aspect of the program was building connections with Philippine government organizations pivotal to the growth of startups. Our engagements included meetings with:
- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT): Recognized for its comprehensive startup initiatives such as the Startup Community and Locale Enhancement (SCALE) and the Startup-Tailored Enhancement and People-Focused Upskilling Project (STEP UP), which focus on nurturing the startup community and upskilling entrepreneurs.
- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Their ARISE PLUS YE! program and the Startup Venture Fund are designed to support startups with funding and growth acceleration strategies.
- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Known for its Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), which leverages technology to transform communities, providing a framework for sustainable innovation.
These interactions provided our participants with firsthand knowledge of the policies and programs in place that support entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philippines. This insight is invaluable for Taiwanese startups looking to enter or expand within the Philippine market.
Exploring Key Innovation Hubs
As part of the program, Taiwanese startups visited leading Philippine innovation hubs, such as:
- AHG Lab: One of the Philippines’ largest venture studios, known for nurturing startups through co-management and venture building. This hub has been a breeding ground for successful startups like Shoppable Business and GoGym, which demonstrate AHG Lab’s dedication to impactful and disruptive solutions.
- Brainsparks: A prominent incubator offering mentoring and incubation services, Brainsparks is known for its community-centric events like the Shell LiveWIRE Community Meetup, which enhances startups’ competitiveness through specialized programs in digital marketing and AI.
- Benilde HIFI: Accredited by DOST, Benilde HIFI supports socially driven, sustainable, and innovative projects, emphasizing the importance of cultivating leaders who are committed to driving positive social change.
- AIM-DBI (Asian Institute of Management - Dado Banatao Incubator): Focused on empowering tech-sector startups, AIM-DBI provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups refine their strategies and accelerate growth.
- Accenture Liquid Studio Taguig: This innovation hub helps clients rapidly prototype new ideas and leverage the latest technology, such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, to accelerate digital transformation.
Partnerships with Industry Leaders
The program also facilitated interactions with major Philippine companies such as PLDT Enterprise and Innolab, PLDT’s innovation lab. These visits provided Taiwanese startups with insights into cutting-edge telecommunications and digital solutions and demonstrated the importance of collaboration between startups and established industry leaders. During these visits, participants engaged in discussions with PLDT's experts and learned about the latest developments in technology, strategic partnerships, and research.
Celebrating Future Opportunities
