Bringing the first innovation hub in the Philippines, QBO Innovation Hub, finally opened its gates to start-up entrepreneurs. QBO has partnered with renowned government agencies as well as private organizations including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Ideaspace, and J.P Morgan.
Striving to develop a globally competitive start-up ecosystem, QBO considers three things to be able to grow the potentials of different start-up companies, namely: Qllaboration, Qmmunity and InQbation. Qllaboration is bringing together people that will help the company to reach their goals. Qmmunity ensures that the people under these programs are well-assisted and have a sense of belonging within the start-up community. InQbation ultimately becomes a platform where partners such as J.P Morgan is able to provide the critical resources and have these made available for the different start-up companies.
QBO is a big help to all aspiring entrepreneurs, giving every individual an opportunity to become successful. The different programs offered by QBO include QLITAN, where start-ups and explorers get the chance to mingle while learning from a resource speaker; BASIQS, where those who are not familiar with starting a venture will be guided on the things and basic information about business; WORQSHOPS, in which workshops are offered to starters in order to further enhance their business knowledge; FEEDBAQ is where mentors and industry leaders give comments regarding the products or business models of the starters; SHOWQASE gives start-ups the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors and leading corporations in the country; QONSULTATION is where start-ups are given assistance on legal matters and accounting consultations for free; and QBO HQ is where members can share a working space and conference room for team meetings or events.
QBO has also partnered with JP Morgan to come up with the JP Morgan Incubation Program, where start-ups receive mentorship and advance training. Currently, there are 90 start-ups in the Philippines. Around 10-15 start-ups are to become a part of the JP Morgan Incubation Program.
QBO Executive Director Katrina Chan underscored the importance of collaboration as one of QBO’s core competencies. “It [QBO] really does care for teamwork or bayanihan, and that’s really what we’re all about. QBO focuses on collaboration and building a Filipino start-up community, with our vision of having game-changing, category-defining Filipino start-ups,” Chan said. Raven Bamba, Student-Trainee, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. — Raven Bamba
