Upgrade Innolab is opening nominations for its 2026 Board of Trustees, including the position of Board Chair.
We are looking for ecosystem builders, founders, investors, and leaders who want to help shape how startups grow from Mindanao to the rest of the Philippines. This Board cycle will guide Upgrade through its next stage of growth as we work with universities, LGUs, funders, and partners to back more early-stage founders and close the funding and capability gaps in the regions.
What the Board Will Do
The 2026 Board of Trustees will:
- Set direction: Help define Upgrade Innolab’s strategic priorities, including incubation, acceleration, circular economy, and investor-readiness programs.
- Strengthen governance: Oversee policies, risk management, and organizational performance to keep Upgrade mission-driven and compliant.
- Open doors: Connect Upgrade and its startups to funders, markets, mentors, and institutions in the Philippines and abroad.
- Champion founders: Ensure that programs stay founder-centric, inclusive, and responsive to real startup needs on the ground.
The Board Chair will additionally:
- Lead and facilitate Board meetings and ensure decisions are followed through.
- Work closely with the President and management team on strategy and stakeholder engagement.
- Represent the Board in key public, partner, and government-facing engagements.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome nominations and applications from individuals who:
- Have deep experience in at least one of the following:
- Startup founding or scaling
- Angel investing, venture capital, or impact investing
- Corporate innovation or digital transformation
- Higher education, research, and technology transfer
- Development work, social enterprise, or impact programs
- Are aligned with Upgrade’s mission of inclusive, region-focused innovation.
- Are willing to actively engage, not just lend their name.
- Uphold strong ethical standards, independence, and integrity.
- Value gender equity, social inclusion, and responsible innovation.
Experience in Mindanao or regional development is a strong plus, but not required.
Time Commitment (2026 Term)
- Board meetings: At least 4 regular meetings per year (hybrid/online), plus special meetings as needed.
- Committee or advisory work: Participation in at least one committee (e.g., Programs, Finance & Audit, Governance, Partnerships).
- Events and representation: Occasional attendance at key events (demo days, mixers, partner meetings) where Board presence is needed.
Eligibility
- Must be of legal age and in good standing under Philippine laws and regulations.
- Must not have any conflict of interest that cannot be managed under Upgrade’s policies.
- For Board Chair applicants: prior experience in board leadership or executive leadership is strongly preferred.
How to Apply or Nominate
Interested candidates or nominators are requested to submit:
- Updated CV or LinkedIn profile link
- Short motivation statement (max 500 words) answering:
- Why do you want to serve on the Upgrade Innolab Board (or as Board Chair)?
- How do you see yourself adding value to founders and to the Mindanao/Philippine startup ecosystem?
- For nominations: Endorser details (name, organization, relationship to nominee)
Please send these to [email protected] with the subject line:
- “Board of Trustees Application – [Your Name]” or
- “Board Chair Application – [Your Name]”.
Timeline
- Call opens: December 10, 2025
- Deadline for applications/nominations: December 31, 2025
- Screening and interviews: 2nd to 4th week of January
- Announcement of 2026 Board: 2nd week of February
Why Serve
Serving on the Upgrade Innolab Board is an opportunity to:
- Shape how regional startups access capital, mentorship, and markets.
- Influence national and local innovation conversations from a Mindanao-led vantage point.
- Help build a pipeline of founders who are not just investable, but socially responsible and future-ready.
If you want to be part of a Board that builds with founders, not just observes, we invite you to step forward or nominate someone who should be at the table.
