Cover DTI selects 5 startup finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program (Photo: Getty Images)
DTI selects 5 startup finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program (Photo: Getty Images)
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Get to know the five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program
After a rigorous selection process from an initial group of eight growth-stage startups, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with startup accelerator and venture capital firm Launchgarage, proudly presents the five finalists who were chosen based on their exceptional product status, strong team dynamics, ambitious future objectives, and the challenges they are ready to conquer.
The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.
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Above (Photo: DTI)
(Photo: DTI)
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The top five finalists are:
- AniMattify: a startup transforming print ads into animations.
- KikoMonster Creative Studio: provides creative solutions from Zamboanga.
- Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos.
- ROC PH Digital Marketing Services: assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation.
- Bentamo: a tech startup that showcases creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.
The finalists will benefit from comprehensive training through a series of learning workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and customised business matching and acceleration programs. The program will culminate in a demo day in April, during which the startups will showcase their progress and attract potential partners and investors.
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Above DTI selects 5 startup finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program (Photo: Getty Images)
DTI selects 5 startup finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program (Photo: Getty Images)
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In addition to ADVanCE, DTI previously unveiled 10 select creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program, further bolstering the Philippine Creative Industries. The startups chosen for IDEA are Wika, 7x7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.
DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups and emphasised DTI's dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
