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.