Philippines Launches Innovation Hub to Boost Startups and MSMEs

On April 29, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inaugurated the Philippine Innovation Hub (iHub) in Marikina—a five-story facility built to assist startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It aims to provide end-to-end support, guiding businesses from concept development to international growth. This initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of building a strong entrepreneurial environment that uplifts MSMEs, which represent 99.5% of local businesses and employ 60% of the nation’s workforce.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted that the iHub is more than just a physical space. “It is a launchpad for creativity,” she said, emphasizing that the facility will provide crucial resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities to help businesses grow and succeed. The National Development Company (NDC), the government’s investment arm, will manage the programs at the hub, while DTI retains ownership of the building.

Managed by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) National Development Company (NDC), the five-story facility offers a wide range of services to support growth and innovation. These include organizational development workshops, a one-stop shop, shared service facilities, coworking spaces, and a physical venue for events hosted by various private and public partners.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that the iHub is more than just a physical space—it is a catalyst for creativity and innovation. “This hub is a launchpad for entrepreneurship,” she said, highlighting its role in providing resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities to help businesses thrive. 

The iHub aims to support 50 MSMEs and 50 to 75 startups during its first year of operation. It plans to scale up significantly over the next five years, and by 2028, it hopes to assist up to 500 MSMEs and 750 startups.

Congresswoman Stella Luz A. Quimbo of Marikina’s 2nd District, speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, noted that the city’s rich history as the footwear capital of the Philippines is now complemented by its new role as a hub for innovation. “This strategic move will equip our entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech talents with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in the modern economy,” Quimbo said, underscoring the importance of supporting diverse industries.

The iHub is part of the Philippines’ innovation strategy, established under the Innovative Startup Act, the Philippine Innovation Act, and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. The facility, developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways, will also host key initiatives such as the Startup Venture Fund, which aims to expand market access for local businesses. With its focus on sectors like footwear and creative industries, the iHub is designed to help startups achieve sustainable growth and compete globally.

The NDC, as the investment arm of the DTI, plays a key role in steering the iHub’s direction, ensuring its programs and operations reflect the government’s push for a more innovative and future-ready Philippines. As the country’s top state-owned investment firm, the NDC focuses on projects that stimulate inclusive growth, especially where private investment is hindered by risk or resource limitations.

Chaired by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, the NDC aligns its efforts with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader economic agenda. Through strong coordination with other agencies and the private sector, the iHub initiative underscores the government’s goal to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and support Filipino enterprises from early-stage development to global competitiveness.