MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Arise Plus Philippines Young Entrepreneurs (YE)! Boost Accelerator Program, funded by the European Union and led by the International Trade Centre, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Competitiveness Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and QBO Innovation Hub, has just launched its third cohort. 12 Filipino youth-led startups were unveiled during the kickoff event, marking the beginning of a transformative journey as they go on a 14-week training program designed to bring their business toward international success.
Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program gathers young entrepreneurs under 35, preparing them to learn the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market. With a focus on going from local to global, this program seeks to empower startups to scale their ventures beyond borders and make a remarkable impact on the international stage.
Through strategic partnerships facilitated by QBO, ITC, and DTI-CIG, the 12 participating startups will gain access to comprehensive training, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities. These initiatives aim to prepare them to meet the challenges of the global market, positioning them for sustainable business growth and investor readiness in the global market.
The 12 handpicked startups participating in the Arise Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 represents a diverse range of industries – from technology, sustainability, to healthcare, and beyond:
- BCRemit: A London-based fintech company founded by Pinoys empowering OFWs with efficient money transfers.
- PAMMÉ: A fashion brand crafting sustainable accessories from recycled plastic, made by women deprived of liberty.
- Mylo Speech Buddy: Developer of a speech development app for children with autism and speech delay.
- Hibla Philippines: A social enterprise preserving Philippine weaving traditions.
- Nama Urban Farms: An urban agriculture startup cultivating nutritious produce.
- Capilli: A social enterprise creating eco-friendly products from upcycled human hair waste.
- REPAMANA: A circular fashion brand repurposing hotel textiles into new garments.
- Nutricoach Inc.: A platform aiding dietitians in building and scaling nutrition clinics.
- Reelist8: A PropTech x Shoppertainment marketplace for real estate transactions.
- Prezenter: A company that simplifies presentations in under 10 seconds, helping teachers put their lessons on Smart TVs.
- TERPCAP INC: An accessibility solutions provider for inclusive workplaces.
- IndieCo: An SEO company blending human creativity with AI for business content.
QBO Innovation Hub boasts a great pool of over 50 experts spanning various industries, offering support and guidance to startups throughout the program. These mentors are well-equipped to train the entrepreneurs to address a wide range of challenges and opportunities they may encounter.
“For the next 14 weeks, our startups will be immersed in a transformative journey of mentorship and workshops, equipping them to create wealth and enhance the lives of their employees. At QBO and IdeaSpace, we’re committed to building a community where innovation thrives and drives societal impact,” said Butch Meily, President of QBO and IdeaSpace.
“I know that your energy, passion, and ideas can really shape the future of trade in the Philippines,” shared Mayara Louzada, Head of Youth & Trade Programme of ITC. “We encourage you to take advantage of the top-notch mentorship, training, and linkages that you will be getting through this accelerator program.”
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the exceptional entrepreneurs selected for Arise Cohort 3,” said Miguel Lopez, National Youth Entrepreneurship Lead for the ITC. “We believe in the power of profound support and a great foundation. Through initiatives like Arise, we are committed to harnessing the strengths of our Filipino startups to help them reach the European market and champion their journey towards global success.”
To learn more about QBO Innovation Hub and ARISE Cohort 3, please visit www.qbo.com.ph. Follow @QBOPhilippines to stay tuned for updates on upcoming learning sessions on Intellectual Property (IP), Investment Readiness, and more.
