Accelerator program inducts 12 startups led by Filipino youth

The ARISE Plus YE! Boost Accelerator Program, funded by the European Union and led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Competitiveness Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and QBO Innovation Hub, has proudly announced the launch of its 3rd Cohort.

This 14-week training program is designed to prepare young entrepreneurs under 35 for the global market, focusing on scaling their ventures beyond borders and making a significant impact on the international stage.

The ARISE Plus YE! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 has selected 12 Filipino youth-led startups from a diverse range of industries, including technology, sustainability, healthcare, and more. These startups will gain access to comprehensive training, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities, enabling them to meet the challenges of the global market and position themselves for sustainable business growth and investor readiness.

The 12 participating startups in the ARISE Plus YE! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 are:

1. BCRemit: A London-based fintech company founded by Pinoys, empowering OFWs with efficient money transfers.
2. PAMMÉ: A fashion brand crafting sustainable accessories from recycled plastic, made by women deprived of liberty.
3. Mylo Speech Buddy: Developer of a speech development app for children with autism and speech delay.
4. Hibla Philippines: A social enterprise preserving Philippine weaving traditions.
5. Nama Urban Farms: An urban agriculture startup cultivating nutritious produce.
6. Capilli: A social enterprise creating eco-friendly products from upcycled human hair waste.
7. REPAMANA: A circular fashion brand repurposing hotel textiles into new garments.
8. Nutricoach Inc.: A platform aiding dietitians in building and scaling nutrition clinics.
9. Reelist8: A PropTech x Shoppertainment marketplace for real estate transactions.
10. Prezenter: A company that simplifies presentations in under 10 seconds, helping teachers put their lessons on Smart TVs.
11. TERPCAP INC: An accessibility solutions provider for inclusive workplaces.
12. IndieCo: An SEO company blending human creativity with AI for business content.

QBO Innovation Hub offers support and guidance to the startups throughout the program, with a pool of over 50 experts spanning various industries. These mentors are equipped to train the entrepreneurs to address a wide range of challenges and opportunities they may encounter.

Butch Meily, President of QBO and IdeaSpace, expressed his excitement for the upcoming 14 weeks of mentorship and workshops, stating, “We’re committed to building a community where innovation thrives and drives societal impact.”

Mayara Louzada, Head of Youth & Trade Programme of ITC, encouraged the participants to take advantage of the top-notch mentorship, training, and linkages provided by the accelerator program.

Miguel Lopez, National Youth Entrepreneurship Lead for the ITC, emphasized the commitment to harnessing the strengths of Filipino startups to help them reach the European market and champion their journey towards global success.

The ARISE Plus YE! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 is set to create wealth and enhance the lives of employees, fostering a community where innovation thrives and drives societal impact. For more information about QBO Innovation Hub and ARISE Cohort 3, please visit www.qbo.com.ph. Follow @QBOPhilippines for updates on upcoming learning sessions on Intellectual Property (IP), Investment Readiness, and more!

In conclusion, the ARISE Plus YE! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3 is an exciting opportunity for Filipino youth-led startups to gain the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the global market. With a diverse range of industries represented, this program is poised to create a significant impact on the international stage and empower startups to scale their ventures beyond borders.