Startup QC Offers Up to ₱1M in Grants – Now Accepting New Cohort Applications!
Get ₱1M in equity-free funding, expert mentorship, and real investor access. Startup QC is now open for early-stage founders!
PRESS RELEASE
Quezon City opens applications for Startup QC Cohort 4 – Professional Category
Up to ₱1 Million in equity-free grants for promising early-stage startups
Quezon City, Philippines — The Quezon City Government, through its Startup QC Program, is now accepting applications for its Cohort 4 – Professional Category as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem and supporting high-potential Filipino startups.
The Startup QC Program offers selected early-stage startups the opportunity to receive up to PHP 1 million in equity-free grants, hands-on mentorship, capacity-building sessions, and access to a growing network of investors, incubators, and innovation partners. The program is designed to help founders sharpen their business strategies, scale their solutions, and prepare for long-term sustainability.
Through the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, Quezon City is building a future-ready economy by empowering Filipino founders to solve real-world problems through innovation. The Startup QC Program plays a key role in this vision by providing entrepreneurs with the platform, tools, and support they need to grow and thrive.
Since its launch in 2022, the StartUp QC Program has partnered with Launchgarage Innovation Hub to successfully run three cohorts under the professional category. Through this collaboration, the program has supported 16 professional startups from diverse industries, ranging from technology, sustainability, education, and the creative economy. Launchgarage has played a key role in designing and delivering the program’s content, mentoring startups, and guiding them through their growth journeys. The program’s alumni exemplify the strength of Filipino innovation, with several gaining national and international recognition, attracting investments, and entering global markets.
Notable alumni include:
- EdukSine – an award-winning streaming platform for Filipino indie films, featured in ASEAN and UN events for the youth and entrepreneurs.
- Wika Media – creators of accessible AR/VR learning tools, recently showcased in Japan and Singapore.
- Lithos Manufacturing – a climate-tech startup providing clean water solutions to disaster-affected areas, with pilots launched across the Philippines.
- Kwentoon – a digital storytelling platform for youth, promoting literacy and Filipino culture through comics and manga, with growing partnerships in the education and publishing sectors.
- Hibla Ph – a culture-based fashion startup bringing Philippine weaves to the global stage, with showcases in Japan, China, and the UK.
- NYHA Robotics – a social impact venture making STEM education more inclusive through localized robotics kits and teacher training programs.
These startups represent the future of inclusive, impact-driven entrepreneurship—and the growing influence of Quezon City as a hub for innovation in the Philippines.
Interested applicants must be early-stage startups registered in the Philippines, with innovative solutions that demonstrate strong market potential and measurable impact.
Applications are now open through the Quezon City eServices portal. For more information on the application guidelines and other details, you may visit qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.
###
About StartUp QC
The Quezon City Government recognizes the important role of startups as a reflection of a diverse, vibrant economy and its empowered citizens. The StartUp QC Program was created by the city government with the aim to create jobs, cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit, and promote innovation. For more information, visit the StartUp QC Program Facebook page at fb.com/StartUpQuezonCity .
Powerful Insights
- Startup QC provides up to ₱1M in equity-free grants—a rare opportunity for early-stage Filipino founders.
- The program offers comprehensive support, including mentoring, investor access, and capacity building.
- Startup QC promotes inclusive innovation, welcoming startups from a variety of sectors such as education, climate tech, creative industries, and more.
- Backed by Mayor Joy Belmonte, the initiative is part of Quezon City’s broader vision for a future-ready economy.
- Since 2022, Startup QC has successfully completed three professional cohorts, impacting 16 promising startups.
- Partnering with Launchgarage Innovation Hub ensures quality content, expert guidance, and strategic scaling support.
- Alumni success stories like EdukSine, Lithos, and Hibla Ph highlight the program’s real-world impact and credibility.
- Startups benefit from international exposure, with some showcased in Japan, Singapore, and the UK.
- The program helps founders refine business models, connect with peers, and gain visibility in local and global markets.
- Applications are processed via QC eServices, streamlining the journey for aspiring innovators across the Philippines.
Conclusion
Startup QC is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a launching pad for Filipino ingenuity. By providing equity-free grants, expert mentoring, and investor access, Quezon City is investing in the ideas that will shape tomorrow. Whether you’re building the next big edtech platform, tackling water security, or reviving Filipino culture through fashion or film, Startup QC Cohort 4 is your chance to scale with purpose. With a growing network of alumni already making waves on global stages, the program proves that homegrown innovation can thrive—and lead—when given the right support.
Don’t just start up. Start up strong—with Startup QC.
Link Resources
- Startup QC eServices Portal
https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph - Startup QC Official Facebook Page
https://fb.com/StartUpQuezonCity - Launchgarage Innovation Hub
https://launchgarage.com - Quezon City Government Website
https://quezoncity.gov.ph - EdukSine – Alumni Startup Spotlight
https://www.eduksine.com
Key Phrases
- Startup QC Cohort 4
- Quezon City startup program
- equity-free grants for startups
- Filipino innovation support
- Launchgarage partnership
- early-stage startup funding Philippines
- apply for startup grant QC
- Filipino entrepreneurs
- Quezon City business innovation
- startup mentoring program Philippines
Best Hashtags
#StartupQC
#QCInnovation
#PinoyStartups
#EquityFreeGrant
#InnovatePH
#EntrepreneurPH
#TechForGood
#FilipinoFounders
#BuildInQC
#LaunchWithPurpose
Oliver Bugarin – A blog writer with over a decade of experience in WordPress website creation and management, and creating articles on lifestyle, travel, technology, business, finance, and wellness. He is known for producing clear, engaging articles that resonate with readers and add value to any blog or website.
Contact him for collaborations or content writing opportunities. Facebook – LinkedIn
.
Save/Share this story with QR CODE
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.
Contact Lead Media News
📩 Feel free to Contact Lead Media News for suggestions, collaborations, reviews, or anything else.
