As Upgrade Innolab celebrates its second anniversary this November 17, it reflects on an impressive journey filled with innovation, growth, and community impact. Founded as a business incubator and accelerator, Upgrade Innolab has quickly positioned itself at the forefront of entrepreneurial support in the Philippines, benefiting from over 50 years of combined experience among its founders in development work.
Headquartered in Mindanao, Upgrade Innolab’s mission resonates deeply within the community: to build, launch, and accelerate impact-driven, profitable, and scalable businesses. This commitment is underscored by the organization’s strong governance structure, supported by a Board of Advisers composed of leaders in various fields, including business, law, education, and human resources. This diverse leadership ensures a robust framework that guides its operations and strategic direction.
In just two years, Upgrade Innolab has made remarkable strides. The organization has successfully nurtured 60 startup companies and social enterprises, raised over 50 million pesos in funding, and created 300 job opportunities in the region. Notable successes from the Founders Lab program include innovative companies such as AIMHI, OBX IT Solutions, Virtualahan, Waste4Good, Clinix Plus, and Next2Fly, which serve as testaments to the entrepreneurial spirit fostered within the incubator.
Upgrade Innolab’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. It has been recognized as a two-time Outstanding Incubator in Region XI for 2022 and 2023 and has received a nomination for the 2024 DevCon Mindanao Summit Impactful Technology Community Award.
The organization’s influence extends beyond individual startups. As the national training provider for the Department of Science and Technology, Upgrade Innolab has helped establish 27 university-based business incubators and enhance the capacities of 41 higher education institutions across the Philippines. Its commitment to inclusivity is highlighted by the Women-Helping-Women Program, which supports 15 women-led social enterprises, empowering female entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Moreover, Upgrade Innolab has tailored its acceleration programs to meet the needs of various sectors by partnering with organizations like the Asian Development Bank and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). One initiative is the Kapehan sa Davao Network, a consortium of startup enablers that brings together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to create a robust ecosystem for innovation.
To inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, Upgrade has introduced youth programs such asInnoversity and the Startup Kabataan Program. These initiatives encourage youth to harness their creativity and entrepreneurial potential, ensuring that the spirit of innovation continues to thrive in the region.
As Upgrade Innolab celebrates its second year, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in the entrepreneurial landscape of the Philippines. With a clear vision for the future and a strong foundation of support, the organization is poised to drive even more significant impact in the years to come.
