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The Innovative Startup Act (Republic Act No. 11337) is a Philippine law enacted to strengthen and promote the growth of innovative startups and startup enablers in the country. It establishes the Philippine Startup Development Program (PSDP), which provides qualified startups with access to government support, grants, incentives, training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and other programs designed to help them start, grow, and scale their businesses. The law also seeks to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among government, industry, academe, and investors to develop a more competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

Registering on the Startup Philippines website connects your startup to the national ecosystem and eases access to government and partner services. Depending on eligibility, registered users can get grants and technical assistance, training and mentorship, networking and investor introductions, market exposure, and targeted support for protecting ideas and brands. Through Startup Philippines' partner network (including referrals to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, IPOPHL), you can access practical IP help — guidance on trademarks for names and logos, basic steps for patents, copyright advice for software and creative works, and templates or clinics for NDAs and licensing — so you can secure your assets before scaling or fundraising.

Qualified startups may be eligible to access a range of support services and incentives under the Innovative Startup Act, subject to the availability of government funds, implementing guidelines, and the specific programs offered by participating agencies. These may include: assistance through a Startup One-Stop Shop for government transactions; subsidies for business registration, permits, and certifications; expedited processing and endorsements with government agencies; Intellectual Property (IP) registration and protection support through IPOPHL; access to facilities, office spaces, equipment, and government innovation hubs; Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for research, development, training, and business expansion projects; participation in startup education and capacity-building programs, including entrepreneurship training and mentoring initiatives; Startup Visa facilitation for qualified foreign entrepreneurs, employees, investors, and their dependents; and access to the startup curriculum and other education programs offered by partner agencies and institutions. Note: The availability, scope, and implementation of these benefits may vary depending on the programs, budget allocations, and guidelines of the implementing agencies. Some initiatives may also be subject to ongoing development or enhancement.

If you are verified as a startup, you may become eligible to access various government-supported programs and opportunities designed to help innovative businesses grow and scale. These may include benefits such as grants, funding opportunities, incentives, procurement programs, and other forms of government support. However, startup registration does not guarantee eligibility for financial assistance under government programs. Startup verification may also help establish your startup's recognition within the Philippine startup ecosystem, making it easier to connect with government agencies, investors, industry partners, and support organizations that can contribute to your business development. Eligibility for specific benefits and programs remains subject to the requirements and guidelines of the implementing agency or program concerned, similarly to startup registration.

Under the Innovative Startup Act, a startup is a person or entity registered in the Philippines that aims to develop an innovative product, process, or business model, and has strong potential for growth. However, some programs may require different kinds of requirements based on various laws, rules, and regulations here in the country.

Validation refers to the host agencies checking whether you, as the registrant, are actually a startup based on the ISA or the Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337). Verification opens opportunities to you as a startup and entitles you to all available government programs to help enhance your and your product or service's development.

You can access a wide range of programs offered by government agencies and ecosystem partners within the Philippine startup ecosystem. These programs are designed to support you whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an early-stage startup, or a growing innovator. You may participate in activities such as startup workshops, skills and capability-building sessions, mentorship programs, incubation and acceleration programs, innovation challenges, networking events, market linkage opportunities, and ecosystem exposure activities. Agencies like the DTI, DOST, and DICT also offer more specialized support. These may include innovation grants, startup competitions, technical assistance, digital skills training, investment facilitation, and access to industry and academic partnerships. Keep in mind that program availability, eligibility, and coverage may vary depending on the agency, your startup stage, your industry, and specific program guidelines.

To apply, you need to submit your business information through the Startup Philippines website. Make sure your details are complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing. You will typically be asked to provide: your startup or business name; your business address and contact details; the name of your founder(s) or authorized representative(s); your SEC or DTI registration documents, depending on your business type; your BIR registration information; and a short profile of your startup or business. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay or prevent the processing of your application.

Section 76 of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) provides for the registration of specific sectors in a registry maintained by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB). These sectors include farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, solo parents, microenterprises, social enterprises, cooperatives, and startups, spin-offs, and other entities engaged in science, technology, and innovation activities. For startups, registration under this provision helps formally recognize their participation in the government procurement ecosystem and supports broader efforts to promote inclusivity and innovation in public procurement. For startups, Section 76 is significant because it formally recognizes startups and innovation-driven enterprises within the government procurement framework. Registration in the relevant sector registry may support participation in procurement opportunities and programs designed to encourage inclusive procurement and greater participation of startups in government contracting.

A traditional business typically follows a proven way of operating. Its goal is to provide products or services consistently, earn steady profits, and sustain long-term operations within its market. A startup, on the other hand, is built around a new idea, product, service, technology, or business approach. It aims to grow quickly and reach a wider market. Startups often focus on solving problems in new ways or addressing customer needs through the use of a new or emerging technology. Because startups are developing and testing new solutions, they usually involve more uncertainty, experimentation, and risk — especially in the early stages.

Yes, you can be considered a startup and avail startup programs. You may join various startup programs, training activities, workshops, and community events even if you are still an aspiring entrepreneur, student, innovator, or have not yet registered a business. These programs, offered by government agencies and startup ecosystem partners, can help you develop your business ideas, build your skills, connect with mentors, grow your network, and learn how to start a business. However, some benefits — such as grants, funding opportunities, incentives, procurement programs, and other forms of government support — may require you to have a registered business, undergo startup verification, or meet certain legal requirements.

No. As per the Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337), any person or registered entity in the Philippines which aims to develop an innovative product, process, or business model is considered a startup. As long as you fall under these categories, you are still considered a startup.

You can access funding and support for your startup from government programs, private investors, and support organizations such as incubators and accelerators. These opportunities may include grants, training, mentorship, and other forms of assistance to help you grow your startup into a fully operating business. In the Philippines, agencies like the DICT, DOST, and DTI offer various programs that provide both financial and technical support, depending on your startup's needs. However, access to these opportunities is not automatic. It usually depends on factors such as your startup's stage of development, level of innovation, growth potential, and your ability to meet specific program requirements.

Whether your startup's innovation qualifies for intellectual property protection depends on the nature of the asset you have developed. In general, inventions, software, creative works, brand names, logos, product designs, and improvements to existing technologies may be eligible for different forms of intellectual property (IP) protection administered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. For example, a new invention or technical solution may qualify for a patent or utility model, a unique product appearance may be protected through industrial design registration, original software code and creative content may be covered by copyright, and brand names, logos, and slogans may be protected through trademark registration. To determine the most appropriate form of protection, startups should assess the originality, novelty, functionality, and commercial use of their innovation.

The Startup Philippines website can help you connect with programs, opportunities, and resources that support innovation and business growth. Through the platform, you can register your profile, access information on events and initiatives, explore learning and networking opportunities, stay updated on ecosystem developments, and discover programs that can help you grow your business and collaborate with government and industry partners.

Review and verification times depend on the completeness and accuracy of your submitted documents. Complete applications are processed faster, while those needing corrections or additional information will take longer. Users can track their application status and view updates directly on the Startup Philippines Website.

No. The information and documents you submit are secure and accessed only by authorized personnel for official verification. While select details may be displayed publicly on the platform, all personal data is strictly protected and handled in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and applicable security policies.

The program is implemented by the DOST, DTI, and DICT in partnership with various public and private sector organizations. These agencies form the Innovative Startup Act Steering Committee and lead the Philippine Startup Development Program.