ISA Committee, Now Chaired by DICT, Outlines ASEAN-Aligned Plans for Philippine Startup Week 2026

 Following the successful conclusion of Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) 2025, the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Committee—now chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)—has unveiled its vision for a more strategic, ASEAN-aligned PHSW 2026.

This year’s PHSW saw the formal turnover of the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee chairmanship from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to the DICT. Together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Development Company (NDC), the Committee led a milestone edition themed around innovation, alliance, and national impact.

PHSW 2025 featured keynotes designed to inspire local innovators, with high-potential startups pitching technology- and business-driven solutions. Filipino ingenuity was recognized through awards and showcases, while opportunities flourished across the startup expo, networking sessions with local and international enablers, and community events nationwide.

The success of the country’s largest startup conference was driven by its 8 Main Conferences,  39 Community-driven Events, and the showcase of nearly 150 startups throughout the week. Designed to strengthen the Philippines’ innovation landscape, PHSW 2025 attracted almost 2,000 participants nationwide, with the main activities held at the Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina from November 11 to 14.

With the Philippines set to assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, the ISA Committee, under DICT’s leadership, aims to elevate next year’s PHSW by aligning the country’s startup initiatives with broader ASEAN priorities in digital transformation, innovation, and regional collaboration.

As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairship, the ISA’s goal is to ensure Philippine startups are not only thriving locally but are also equipped to scale regionally and globally. PHSW 2026 aims to continue highlighting cutting-edge innovations, but at the same time foster cross-border collaboration, and create new opportunities for startups to connect with investors, corporates, and policymakers across ASEAN and beyond.

Guided by ASEAN’s regional theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” PHSW 2026 aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration across Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystems by positioning the Philippines as a regional center for startup development. 

Building on its legacy of bringing together government agencies, industry leaders, investors, academe members, development partners, and high-growth startups, PHSW 2026 will go beyond celebration to position Philippine startups as regional and global players. The event will highlight emerging technologies, showcase world-class Filipino ventures, and provide platforms for cross-border collaboration, investor engagement, and knowledge exchange across ASEAN. It will also focus on startups driving social impact, sustainability, and digital innovation, ensuring that the Philippine startup ecosystem remains competitive, connected, and globally relevant.