Quezon City Awards P1M Grants to Seven Innovative Startups in Cohort 4 Demo Day

The Quezon City Government has presented P1-million equity-free grants to seven distinguished startups during the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day. Hosted in partnership with startup accelerator Launchgarage, the event brought together founders, investors, and policymakers to recognize the city’s emergence as the Philippines’ innovation and startup hub.

Out of nine finalists, seven were selected for their innovative, scalable, and socially impactful solutions spanning various sectors including clean energy, human resources, recreation, health innovation, and digital transformation.

The grant recipients include:

• Briyo, specializing in modular bamboo-based wind and hydro turbines tailored for off-grid communities;
• Hireable, an AI-driven platform matching freelancers with jobs and measuring KPIs;
• Kazam On-Demand Services, an online marketplace for part-time household labor;
• Laro, a sports and recreation booking and community app;
• Agap.ai, an AI tool for parents to monitor child developmental milestones;
• Soolok, a proptech solution streamlining foreclosure data and enabling home acquisition within 45 days;
• Xamun.AI, an AI platform that rapidly converts business requirements into customized applications.

These startups illustrate Quezon City’s proactive approach in addressing everyday challenges faced by Filipinos. Hireable and Kazam mirror the shift towards hybrid and gig economy work, providing flexible employment options and equitable access for freelancers and informal workers.

Agap.ai assists parents with early developmental screening, supporting early interventions beyond traditional healthcare systems, aligning with the city’s mission of inclusive child welfare.

Collectively, these startups demonstrate how innovation in Quezon City is practical, socially conscious, and designed to enhance lives while advancing sustainability and technological progress.

The Startup QC Program offers startups vital support including funding, mentorship, and connections to a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This initiative drives inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and digital advancement citywide.

In addition to financial grants, the program emphasizes capacity building and networking opportunities with investors and potential clients.

Looking ahead, the city is preparing to launch the Business Investment and Trade Incentives for Startups (BITIS) Ordinance, aimed at offering fiscal incentives and fostering a nurturing environment for startup growth. The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) will lead its rollout under the Invest with QC campaign.

This ongoing commitment reinforces Quezon City’s role as a key player in the Philippine startup ecosystem, nurturing entrepreneurial talent and innovation.