9 November 2026, Manila, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Quezon City Local Government via StartupQC, officially opened Philippine Startup Week 2026 (PHSW26) today at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center.
Running until November 12, the four-day national conference brings together founders, investors, corporate executives, and policymakers under the theme “Beyond Borders: Filipino Startups Navigating Our Future” to showcase Filipino startup capabilities, encourage knowledge exchange, and expand opportunities for investments, partnerships, and access to regional and global markets.
As Chair of the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee for 2026–2028, DICT leads government efforts to strengthen the Philippine startup ecosystem through policy coordination, interagency collaboration, and partnerships with the private sector. Through PHSW 2026, DICT aims to connect startups with key ecosystem players and help them access the resources, expertise, and networks needed to develop and scale their ventures.
PHSW 2026 has also been accredited as an ASEAN side event in connection with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, placing Filipino startups within the broader Southeast Asian innovation landscape. This creates opportunities for local founders to connect with regional and international investors, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers, giving homegrown innovations greater visibility in the regional startup community.
The partnership with the Quezon City Local Government, led by Mayor Ma. Josefina Tanya “Joy” Belmonte, through Startup QC, reinforces local government units’ role in building a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem. Through this collaboration, DICT, DTI, DOST, and Quezon City aim to strengthen the city’s role as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub while connecting local founders with wider industry and investment networks. This also highlights how national and local government initiatives can work together to make entrepreneurship support more accessible across communities.
At the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, PHSW 2026 will feature community-led and sector-focused activities organized by startup ecosystem partners and stakeholders, including specialized discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and other programs that highlight the diversity and dynamism of the Philippine startup community.
Beyond the main venue, PHSW 2026 extends its reach through independently organized events led by startup ecosystem partners across the country. These satellite activities bring the conference’s discussions and initiatives closer to founders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs outside Metro Manila, allowing them to participate in the broader national startup movement.
The participation of government agencies, industry partners, investors, academic institutions, and startup enablers reflects the shared commitment needed to build a competitive and inclusive startup ecosystem. Through their involvement in PHSW 2026, DICT, DTI, and DOST aim 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.
As the Philippines continues to advance its digital economy, PHSW 2026 highlights the importance of sustained support for innovation and entrepreneurship. By bringing together key players across the startup landscape, the annual initiative helps create an environment where Filipino talent, homegrown technologies, and innovative solutions can gain wider recognition and find opportunities beyond the local market
About the Philippine Startup Week
Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) is the country’s large-scale collaborative initiative for the startup community, bringing together key stakeholders and highlighting the sectors, organizations, and high-potential Filipino startups contributing to the growth of the Philippine startup ecosystem.
This nationwide conference engages startup founders, investors, corporates, academia, media, and government agencies to foster collaboration, promote innovation, and raise awareness of the resources and support available to help startups grow and scale their ventures.
For registration details, full event schedules, and satellite venue directories, visit https://phsw.startup.gov.ph/
