The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City.
Selected from an initial pool of eight growth-stage startups, the top five finalists underwent assessments focused on organizational capacity, business maturity and readiness levels.
The DTI and Launchgarage evaluated each startup based on its product status, team dynamics, future objectives and challenges, concentrating on how the program could support its growth.
The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing 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; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands.
The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.
The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on Dec. 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.
DTI Undersecretary for competitiveness and innovation Rafaelita Aldaba commended the startups, emphasizing 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 Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”