Declaration of Policy
- Foster inclusive growth via an innovative economy.
- Streamline government and non-government initiatives domestically and internationally.
- Create jobs, enhance production and innovation.
- Encourage establishment and operation of innovative businesses.
- Strengthen ecosystem including government and non-government institutions.
Definitions
- Host agency: Government or academic institutions providing benefits to startups/startup enablers.
- Innovation: Creation and dissemination of new or improved products, processes, or services.
- Innovative product: New or significantly improved goods or services.
- Innovative process: New or significantly improved production or delivery methods.
- Innovative business model: New organizational methods in business practices or relations.
- Research and development: Systematic study towards new knowledge or application.
- Startup: Person or entity developing innovative products, processes, or business models.
- Startup enabler: Entity registered providing critical support to startups.
Philippine Startup Development Program
- Established to implement programs, benefits, and incentives for startups and enablers.
- Led by DOST, DICT, and DTI.
- Includes partnership with NGOs.
- Agencies set key metrics, promulgate registration and assessment rules.
Program Objectives
- Support R&D for startups and enablers.
- Promote access to development programs and international exchange.
- Enhance participation in local/international startup events.
- Facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.
- Develop policies to remove restrictions and promote ease of doing business.
General Roles and Responsibilities of Host Agencies
- Formulate policies and guidelines.
- Assess benefits and incentives.
- Promote access to benefits and incentives.
- Ensure prompt provision of benefits.
Program Benefits and Incentives - General
- Subsidies for registration, permits, business operation costs.
- Endorsement for expedited government processing.
- Subsidies for use of facilities, office space, and equipment.
- Grants-in-aid for R&D, training, and expansion.
- DTI to coordinate with agencies to facilitate processes.
Benefits for Participation in Startup Events
- Endorsement for expedited travel documents.
- Subsidies for travel fees, baggage, airfare, and per diem.
Philippine Startup Ecozones
- Creation and promotion of Startup Ecozones by PEZA with other agencies.
- Benefits in line with the Special Economic Zones Act.
- IPAs authorized to extend benefits subject to their guidelines.
- Assistance for registration and compliance provided.
Startup Investment Development Plan
- DTI coordinates with DICT, DOST, BOI for strategies to promote startup investment.
- Facilitation of benefits to investors.
- Training for personnel assisting startups and enablers for benefits access.
Startup Grant Fund
- Established under DOST, DICT, and DTI.
- Provides grants-in-aid for selected startups and enablers.
- Annual budget appropriations required.
Startup Venture Fund
- Created under DTI and administered with the National Development Company.
- Matches investments for startups.
- Rules and budget appropriations required.
Startup Visas
- DFA to create visas for foreign startup owners, employees, and investors.
- Requires host agency endorsement.
- Initial 5-year validity, renewable for 3 years.
- Interim multiple-entry visas valid 6 months to 1 year issued for free.
- Exemption from Alien Employment Permit.
- Implementation rules by DFA, BI, DOLE.
- Visa applications processed at Philippine Embassies/Consulates.
APEC Business Travel Card
- Eligible Filipino executives from qualified startups may apply.
- Rules to be promulgated by DFA.
Startup Philippines Website
- DICT to develop and maintain as primary information source.
- Features: startup database, online application and registration, statistical data.
- Integration of existing government startup program websites.
- Facilitation of online applications for government-issued documents.
Education Programs
- DepEd, CHED, TESDA to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation in curricula.
- Incentives to academic institutions funding research.
Creation of Positions
- DBM to assess and create necessary positions in host agencies for program implementation.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from DOST, DICT, DTI budgets.
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- To be promulgated by DOST, DICT, and DTI with other agencies within 60 days from effectivity.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect other parts of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Laws and regulations contrary to this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after complete publication in the Official Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation.