Update from ICT Industry Development Bureau
The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), through the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), convened a variety of local startup stakeholders and aspiring startup founders for a public online consultation on the Draft Revised Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Department Circular via Google Meet and Facebook Live on September 2, 2026. The consultation provided a platform for beneficiaries and ecosystem stakeholders to gather valuable inputs toward a more responsive, accessible, and practical support program for the Philippine startup ecosystem.
Building on two years of SGF implementation, which has supported a total of 19 startups and disbursed ₱17.9 million — the proposed revised grant fund department circular seeks to address key challenges experienced by applicants and grantees, including lengthy processing requirements and the need for stronger incubation and post-funding support.
Proposed enhancements
The consultation discussed the following proposed changes to the Startup Grant Fund guidelines:
- More streamlined application and compliance requirements — Simplify the application process and compliance requirements.
- Expanded incubation programs for mentorship, technical assistance, and networking — Provide mentorship, technical assistance, and networking through incubation.
- Recognition of user growth and pilot deployments as revenue success indicators — Count user growth and pilot deployments as measures of success alongside revenue.
- More flexible and milestone-based funding mechanisms — Release grant funds based on milestones with more flexible mechanisms.
- Commercial pathways to investors and other government programs beyond the grant — Connect grantees to investors and other government programs after the grant ends.
Next steps
DICT remains committed to building a more inclusive and responsive local startup support system. Through the revised SGF, the Department aims to help early-stage Filipino innovators move from promising ideas to market-ready solutions with the potential to scale globally.
The revised SGF Department Circular is targeted for publication and effectivity in October 2026, with the next Call for Applications likewise targeted to open within the month.
Stay tuned to the IIDB page for updates on the application opening and upcoming regional information sessions.
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