The Quezon City Incubation Program—otherwise known as StartUp QC—is one of the most helpful support programs you can join. It gives mentorship, business development training, and equity-free financial assistance for early-stage startups. Depending on your category, you may qualify for up to ₱1,000,000 in funding, plus guidance from experts, business workshops, and access to Quezon City’s growing startup network.
Applying is simple: everything is done online through QC E-Services, where you submit your requirements, business proposal, and a short video pitch. Once accepted, your team will go through the program phases—application and evaluation, business development, and product development—designed to help you strengthen your idea and prepare for execution. If you want to grow your idea, build a real product, and get support without giving up equity, then this program is for you.
What Is the Quezon City Incubation Program (StartUp QC)?
StartUp QC is the first and largest local government–led startup incubation program in the Philippines, created under Ordinance SP-3109, S-2022. The program aims to grow the startup ecosystem in QC by helping founders build real solutions, create jobs, and push innovation.
StartUp QC has two categories:
- StartUp QC Professional Category: For early-stage founders and startup teams with MVPs.
- StartUp QC Student Category: For student innovators currently enrolled in any Philippine school.
Both categories offer:
- Industry mentorship
- Networking with investors and fellow founders
- A structured incubation program
- Financial assistance depending on category
The city identifies and supports promising teams through curated phases: sourcing, evaluation, mentorship, product development, pitch day, and post-program support.
Benefits
It also offers the following benefits per category:
Professional Category
- Mentorship from experts
- Equity-free financial assistance up to ₱1,000,000
- Networking with startups, mentors, and potential investors
- Access to support from the QC Government
Student Category
- Mentorship and hands-on guidance
- Cash prizes of up to ₱100,000
- Networking and exposure
- Campus and city recognition
- Support and resources from QC
Awards (Students)
Students can also get the following awards:
Major Awards
Only one team per tier:
- Grand Champion: ₱100,000
- 1st Runner Up: ₱75,000
- 2nd Runner Up: ₱50,000
Minor Awards
Multiple teams may be awarded:
- Gold Category: ₱35,000
- Silver Category: ₱25,000
- Bronze Category: ₱15,000
Who Can Apply?
Two sets of criteria apply depending on the category.
Professional Category
- Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- At least one (1) team member must be a resident of Quezon City
- Must have no prior convictions
- Must not have any relatives in the screening committee
- Must not duplicate any ongoing programs of the QC Government
Student Category
- Must be enrolled in any university or college in the Philippines
- Individuals or teams may apply
- At least one member must be a resident of Quezon City
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Must have no relatives in the program committee
- Teams must submit a viable business plan
- Projects must not duplicate active QC Government initiatives
Required Documents
Below are the official requirement list that you will need to prepare:
Professional Category
- E-Application Form (Original or Electronic Copy)
- Maximum of five (5) minute Video Pitch
- Maximum of ten (10) pages/slides of Business Proposal (Original or Electronic Copy)
- Valid Government-issued ID with residential address
- QCID
Student Category
- E-Application Form (Original or Electronic Copy)
- Maximum of five (5) minute Video Pitch
- Latest School ID or enrollment form from college/university (for team leader only)
- Any of the following Government-Issued ID (for team leader only):
- QC ID
- Driver’s License
- National ID
- Postal ID
- Barangay Certificate
- Maximum of ten (10) pages/slides of Business Proposal (Original or Electronic Copy)
Business Proposal Content Guide
For the business proposal requirement, here’s the exact structure that you will need to follow:
- Company Name
- Executive Summary
- Why Join Startup QC?
- Problem
- Goals & Objectives
- Solution
- Feasibility
- Market Analysis
- Business Model
- Team Profile
How to Apply
Below is a clear, simple, and action-oriented guide for both Professional and Student applicants.
Professional Category
Step 1. Log in to QC E-Services
Access the portal using your registered email: https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph
Step 2. Select “StartUp QC Program”
Choose Professionals under the category.
Step 3. Fill out the e-Application Form
Upload your business plan and 5-minute pitch video.
Step 4. Submit and wait for email confirmation
You will receive updates on your screening and evaluation.
Student Category
Step 1. Log in to QC E-Services
Go to the portal using your registered email.
Step 2. Choose “StartUp QC Program” → Students
Select the Student category.
Step 3. Complete the application form
Submit all required documents including your video pitch and business plan.
Step 4. Submit missing requirements if needed
QC may give you extra time to upload incomplete documents.
Step 5. Wait for email confirmation
This will inform you if you move to the next stage.
What Happens After You Apply?
StartUp QC follows a structured incubation approach with multiple phases designed to guide you from idea to execution.
Program Phases
1. Application & Evaluation
- Sourcing of applicants
- Screening based on requirements
- Shortlisting of finalists
- Panel evaluation
- Consolidation of results
2. Business and Product Development
This is where the actual incubation happens. Activities include:
- Mentorship management
- Hands-on coaching (minimum of 5 mentors provided)
- Learning materials
- Asynchronous videos
- Workshops
- Business model refinement
- Product roadmap development
Topics covered include:
- Startup fundamentals
- Lean canvas
- Product development
- Value proposition
- Market analysis
- Competitive landscape
- Startup metrics
- Fundraising
- Startup valuation
- People management
- Legal and IP
- Tech stack consultations
- Go-to-market strategies
- Customer segmentation
3. Pitch Day & Grant Awarding
- Final presentations
- Selection of awardees
- Cash prizes and grants given
- Connections to TBI partners and investors
4. Post-Program Support
- Monitoring
- Startup valuation updates
- Recommendations for scaling
- Partnerships with private organizations
- Venture acceleration tracking
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
To help target users—founders, students, small teams—here are practical tips:
- Build a clear MVP: You don’t need a perfect product. A functional demo is enough.
- Follow the video pitch time limit: Five minutes is short—focus on the problem, your solution, and what makes it better.
- Make your business plan easy to understand: Avoid jargon. Judges prefer clarity.
- Highlight QC residency early: They check this strictly.
- Submit clean, complete documents: Missing files slow down your application.
- Apply early: Slots fill fast, especially for students.
Where to Get Updates
Announcements for new cohorts—such as openings like Cohort 4—are posted on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartUpQuezonCity
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupqc
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@startup.qc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startup.qc
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StartUpQC
For direct questions, you may reach out to them via the following:
- Email: startupqc@quezoncity.gov.ph
- LEDIPO: LEDIPO@quezoncity.gov.ph
- Phone: 8988-4242 Local 1505 / 1506 / 1507