Finalists for DTI creatives startups tilt named
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program.
Selected from an initial pool of eight growth-stage startups, the top five finalists underwent assessments focused on organizational capacity, business maturity and readiness levels. In these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage evaluated each startup based on its product status, team dynamics, future objectives and challenges, concentrating on how the program could support its growth.
The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.
The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched last December, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.
The finalists will benefit from comprehensive training through a series of learning workshops, mentorship from industry experts and customized business matching and acceleration programs. The program will culminate in a demo day in April, providing an opportunity for the startups to showcase their progress and attract potential partners and investors.
In addition to ADVanCE, DTI previously unveiled 10 select creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development and Entrepreneurial Assistance (Idea) program, further bolstering the Philippine Creative Industries.
