DTI launches Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina for MSMEs and startups

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina City to support startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on Wednesday.

Located inside the Marikina Enterprise Center, the hub offers integrated services such as technical assistance, startup incubation, streamlined regulations, digital onboarding, investor matching, an organizational development workshop, a one-stop shop, and shared service facilities.

Its goal is to help Filipino businesses formalize, innovate, and compete globally without leaving Marikina City, aiming to support 50 MSMEs and up to 75 startups in its first year.

Marikina Representative Stella Quimbo highlighted the potential for local talent to lead globally through this initiative, referring to it as 'Marikina Startup Valley'.

The DTI collaborated with Marikina officials and received support from agencies like ARTA, DICT, SSS, and private sector partners in launching the facility.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized that the hub serves not only as a physical space but also as a launchpad for creativity to help address common challenges faced by small businesses during their early stages.