Quezon City awards seven startups with equity-free grants in Cohort 4 Demo Day
Quezon City expanded its support for early-stage entrepreneurs as seven startups were awarded equity-free grants during the latest Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day. The program continues to reinforce the city’s standing as a fast-growing hub for technology and innovation.
The activity was held in partnership with accelerator Launchgarage, bringing together founders, potential investors, and government partners. From nine finalists, seven teams were selected for solutions that combined market scalability with community impact.
Mayor Joy Belmonte’s Startup QC initiative provides funding, mentorship, and network access to help founders build and deploy real-world solutions. City officials noted that the program underscores a local government’s ability to drive innovation while staying anchored on inclusive development.
Mayor Belmonte emphasized that innovation must focus on service and equity, pointing to Startup QC as a model for how government and technology can advance together.
Quezon City is also preparing the Business Investment and Trade Incentives for Startups Ordinance, designed to create supportive growth conditions for emerging ventures. The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office will oversee its implementation through the Invest with QC platform.
Startups delivering practical, community-driven solutions
This year’s cohort reflects a spectrum of needs shaping Filipino communities. Briyo builds bamboo-based renewable energy systems for remote areas, while Hireable and Kazam On-Demand Services offer digital tools that support freelancers, gig workers, and households seeking flexible help.
Laro focuses on sports and recreation booking, Agap.ai offers a screening tool to help parents track developmental milestones, Soolok simplifies foreclosure data for faster home acquisition, and Xamun.AI enables businesses to turn written requirements into working applications within weeks.
The selected ventures demonstrate how founders in the city are responding to real challenges through practical and socially aware tools.
Strengthening a long-term innovation pipeline
Beyond grants, the Startup QC Program delivers mentorship, capacity-building sessions, and opportunities to connect with investors and industries. These efforts help founders refine their products while contributing to a stable innovation ecosystem within the city.
By continually investing in startups, Quezon City aims to cultivate ventures that can sustain growth, generate employment, and play meaningful roles in national development.
