DOST Launches Ambitious Regional Accelerator Network to Decentralize Philippine Innovation

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to establish regional innovation accelerators across the Philippines, marking a significant shift toward decentralized startup support and regional economic development. The program, anchored by the agency's Innovation Hubs (iHubs) network and backed by substantial government funding, aims to nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond Metro Manila.

Innovation Hubs Expand Nationwide

The centerpiece of DOST's regional strategy is the nationwide rollout of Innovation Hubs, physical spaces designed to support entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and startups from ideation to commercialization. According to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., these hubs serve as the "missing link" between science and business, providing technology-driven facilities that encourage innovation and collaboration across all sectors of society.

The expansion has been rapid and systematic. As of August 2025, 48 iHubs have been launched nationwide, with DOST targeting one hub for every province by 2028. Recent launches include facilities in strategic locations such as Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro, Caraga region, and Siquijor.

Substantial Funding Commitment

The government has allocated significant resources to support these regional initiatives. The DOST has proposed a ₱49.25 billion budget for 2025, with ₱28.77 billion approved—representing a substantial increase from previous years. This funding supports various startup-focused programs, including the Startup Grant Fund (SGF), which has already provided ₱230 million to over 60 startups for research and development purposes.

Additionally, the administration has allocated ₱8.8 billion specifically for DOST's Grants-in-Aid program, while the Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program has invested ₱120 million to support DOST-funded Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in establishing startup ecosystem consortiums in each region.

Strategic Regional Targeting

The initiative specifically targets underserved regions to address the concentration of startup activity in Metro Manila. Key regional developments include:

Central Visayas: DOST Region VII has partnered with StellarPH to launch a six-month acceleration program tailored for early-stage founders, helping entrepreneurs progress from raw ideas to investor-ready startups.

Western Visayas: The region has unveiled a 2025-2030 Regional Action Plan for Startup Development, with Bacolod City receiving a ₱3 million grant to establish the "Accelerate Leadership for Philippine Startup Advancement (ALPHA) Bacolod Accelerator".

National Capital Region: The Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups (SCALE NCR) has been established to drive innovation and accelerate startup growth through comprehensive mapping of 17 cities across Metro Manila.

Caraga Region: DOST launched two innovation hubs—the Caraga Innovation Hub and the Caraga Food Testing and Innovation Hub—to support local startups and improve MSME competitiveness.

Expected Impact on Regional Development

The program aims to create a "ripple effect" that will inspire innovation and strengthen the economy beyond traditional urban centers. Russell Pili, chief science research specialist at DOST-PCIEERD, emphasized that "by empowering more startups to take root and flourish, we aim to create a ripple effect that will inspire a new wave of innovation and strengthen our economy".

The initiative aligns with broader goals to establish 1,000 startups over five years by replicating startup communities in the regions. This decentralized approach recognizes that "true development is not defined by what grows at the center, but by what reaches the farthest corner," as stated by DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Engr. Maria Teresa De Guzman.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Funding

The regional accelerator network provides holistic support extending beyond financial assistance. Programs include mentorship from industry experts, access to prototyping facilities, intellectual property protection services, and connections to investment networks. The TECHGROW initiative, launched in 2024 as a three-year program implemented across 16 regional offices, focuses on strengthening the entire innovation value chain from ideation to commercialization.

Positive Reception from Startup Founders

Startup founders have responded positively to these government initiatives, recognizing their value in addressing long-standing ecosystem challenges. Genecio M. Woo of The B Academy shared how various government programs helped his startup scale, citing support from the TBI of Iloilo Science and Technology University and grants that facilitated growth.

"The strength of our network, which connects founders, mentors and the broader MVP group, will undoubtedly drive us to greater heights," noted Rene "Butch" S. Meily, president of Ideaspace Foundation, highlighting the importance of ecosystem connectivity that these regional programs aim to establish.

Ralph P. Laviste, Manager at Wildcat Innovation Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the regional acceleration program, stating: "The loop is finally complete. We've long needed an acceleration program that truly supports startups in our region".

Addressing Funding Challenges

The initiative comes at a crucial time for the Philippine startup ecosystem, which has faced significant funding challenges. According to recent reports, about 57% of founders have said Philippine startups "greatly lack" funding opportunities, with investments declining by 40% in 2023. However, the ecosystem has shown resilience, with startup deals surging by over 53% as founders learned to extend their runway amid capital scarcity.

DOST's regional accelerator network represents a strategic response to these challenges by providing alternative funding sources and building sustainable regional ecosystems. The program's emphasis on research and development funding through the SGF program helps startups overcome critical early-stage hurdles while strengthening their intellectual property positions.

Long-term Vision for Philippine Innovation

DOST Secretary Solidum emphasized that the department's commitment extends beyond discovery to deployment, ensuring that supported technologies transition quickly from lab to application. The regional accelerator initiative embodies this philosophy by creating pathways for innovations to reach communities across the archipelago.

"Innovation is the cornerstone of what we do at DOST," says Dr. Tristan L. Abando, OIC Director of DOST Region VII, reflecting the department's commitment to building stronger startup ecosystems throughout the Philippines.

The comprehensive regional accelerator network positions the Philippines to leverage its unique advantages—including English proficiency, strong diaspora ties, and supportive policies like the Innovative Startup Act—while addressing the critical need for decentralized innovation infrastructure. As the program continues to expand, it promises to transform the Philippine startup landscape from a Manila-centric ecosystem into a truly national innovation network.