Implementing Guidelines

Program

1.1 Program Description

Wildcat Innovation Labs leads the Region 7 consortium’s initiative to provide strategic development and acceleration support to startups.

The LaunchLab program aims to give startups access to a wide range of resources, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and a roadmap to help them navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses. With needs-based services and dedicated support, the LaunchLab program enables startups to make informed decisions that could boost their chances of success. By promoting the development of these innovative companies, Wildcat Innovation Labs hopes to make a positive impact on the economy and create new job opportunities in Region 7.

Wildcat Innovation Labs together with UP Cebu inIT, and SInergy TBI of Siliman University founded the startup consortium of Region 7 called DASIG (Development and Acceleration Support for Innovation Growth). DASIG is primarily funded and supported by the Regional Startup Enablers for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program of the DOST-PCIEERD.

Generally, all regional consortia under the ReSEED Program are created to address the following major innovation growth roadblocks:

• limited access to capital and market for startups
  
• lack of resources, talents, and support infrastructure
  
• unharmonized initiatives of different stakeholders
  
• low number of fundable startups
  

DASIG consortium aims to tackle this challenges by collaborating with accelerators, incubators, investors, government and nongovernment support organizations, and other startup enablers in the region to provide training, mentoring, tools, market exposure, and other befitting services to startup founders and technopreneurs in Region 7.

According to the ecosystem mapping conducted by DTI, QBO, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry last May 2022, the latest Cebu Startup Ecosystem has been classified as a Foundational Ecosystem which is the 2nd out of 7 stages based on the Startup Community Maturity Model's five variables: Density, Culture, Capital, Talent, and Regulatory Environment.

To continue this progress, and as recommended in the Cebu Startup Ecosystem Mapping 2022 report, the ecosystem stakeholders should focus on the following action points:

• increase awareness of existing support resources for founders.
  
• open opportunities for potential, new, and experienced founders to interact and support each other.
  
• connect founders to potential local angel investors and existing investment organizations.
  

DASIG’s founding Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) are spearheading the SULONG initiatives to address the major roadblocks to innovation growth and pave the way for a more vibrant startup ecosystem in Region 7.

DASIG Integrated Strategy

• Startup - any person or entity registered in the Philippines that aims to develop an innovative product, process, or business model. A person refers to a natural person who is a Filipino citizen or a foreign national. An entity refers to a juridical person registered in the Philippines, including but not limited to, sole proprietorship, company, partnership, joint venture, cooperative, or association.
  
• Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) - facilities that provide space, mentorship, training, and other services to startups enrolled in their incubation program.
  
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) - any non-profit, voluntary organization committed to the task of socio-economic development and established primarily for services assisting citizens in various ways by educating, training, or giving funds to them. These shall include foundations created for the same purpose.
  
• DASIG mentors- Mentors who are part of the DASIG consortium and provide support to startups in the form of mentoring, coaching, and consultancy services.
  
• LaunchLab program - A program that provides benefits to qualified startups, including access to insights from a pool of mentors, readiness level exams, follow-up financial assistance, testing laboratories, and research facilities, and the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and Accelerator Network.
  
• Basic services - Services offered by the consortium TBIs and pool of experts to support the execution of a startup’s approved growth plan.
  
• Advanced or specialized services - Services beyond the consortium’s basic offerings and may be included in a startup’s growth plan. In such cases, the role of the mentors is to refer the startup to an external service provider who can deliver the specific service.
  

LaunchLab Program aims to advance the commercial viability of the technology-based start-ups in Region 7 through structured mentoring, coaching, and consultancy services in any or a combination of the following needs, subject to DASIG mentors’ assessment of the start-ups:

1. To design a scale-up strategy.
   
2. To refine the business model.
   
3. To identify and overcome product development challenges.
   
4. To provide market analysis to better understand target customers and competitors.
   
5. To identify funding opportunities.
   
6. To refer legal and financial services in starting and running a technology-based start-up.
   
7. To recommend licensing and intellectual property (IP) protection.
   

Startups that qualify for the LaunchLab program will enjoy a suite of benefits tailored to drive their acceleration and growth. LaunchLab represents a collaborative effort among member TBIs, pooling expertise and resources to foster a unified approach to startup development.

1. Comprehensive Mentorship and Strategic Guidance:

• Access to a broader and diverse pool of mentors, industry experts, and investors across the region.
  
• Structured and systematic acceleration program, including a detailed assessment of startups across 6 readiness levels: Technological, Investment, Market, Regulatory, Acceptance, and Organizational.
  
• Personalized mentoring to set and achieve SMART targets across all readiness levels, facilitating true acceleration and growth.
  

2. Enhanced Access to Financial Resources:

• Follow-up financial assistance for scale-up and expansion from various government agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities.
  
• Unique opportunities to access a range of funding mechanisms upon endorsement by concerned TBIs.
  
• A streamlined process for startups to connect with micro-financing options and small-scale cooperatives within the consortium network.
  

3. Advanced Testing and Research Facilities:

• Access to state-of-the-art testing laboratories and research centers, fostering innovation and product development.
  

4. Expansive TBI and Accelerator Network:

• Inclusion in a national network of TBIs and accelerators offering a multitude of services, including training, legal, and accounting consultancy.
  
• Opportunities for pitching, networking, and investor meet-ups.
  

5. Legal Consultation Services:

• Comprehensive legal consultation to assist startups in navigating legal complexities, ensuring compliance, and protecting intellectual property.
  

6. Access to Consortium-Level Services and Opportunities:

• A variety of services and opportunities offered at the consortium level, providing startups with a rich environment for growth and development.
  
• A unified platform for startups to collaborate, share experiences, and leverage collective resources for accelerated growth.
  

7. Community and Collaboration:

• Fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among startups, TBIs, and other ecosystem players in Region 7.
  
• Opportunities for startups to engage with a wider network, sharing knowledge and resources for mutual growth.
  

Through these enhanced benefits, LaunchLab aims to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem in Region 7, driving innovation and economic growth. The program is not just an accelerator; it's a comprehensive ecosystem enabler, transforming how startups in Region 7 develop, scale, and thrive.

Section 6.

Scope of Benefits

The LaunchLab Program, with a keen focus on elevating startup readiness for investment, encompasses the development of tailored recommendations in the form of a strategic report or growth plan on the priority start-up needs defined under Section 4 as identified by DASIG mentors and experts through a rapid needs assessment.

The strategy report or growth plan should outline the mentor’s or expert’s analysis of the startup’s current situation, as well as their recommendations for how the startup can achieve its growth objectives.

During the execution of the approved growth plan, start-ups can avail of basic services offered by the consortium pool of experts. Advanced or specialized services beyond the consortium’s basic offerings may still be included in a startup’s growth plan. However, in such cases, the role of the mentors is to refer the startup to an external service provider who can deliver the specific service. The cost of these specialized services will be the responsibility of the startup unless free assistance is available.

While direct financial assistance for the execution of growth plans is not provided by LaunchLab, the program's real value lies in its strategic positioning and networking opportunities. Mentors within the program actively guide startups towards valuable networking, funding, and investment opportunities. This is achieved by leveraging LaunchLab’s extensive network of startup enablers, including accelerators, investors, and both government and non-government organizations.

This strategic alignment and focus on investment readiness are not just about fulfilling immediate growth objectives. They are also about positioning startups for long-term success through enhanced access to vital capital and investment resources.

6.1 General Program Flow

The program is based on a three-phase methodology designed to support startups in Region 7. The first phase involves conducting assessments to identify the challenges and constraints faced by startups. This includes an innovation and startup impact survey to understand the overall impact of startups in the region, as well as a rapid needs assessment to gain insight into the current state of startups.

Based on the findings of the assessments, the second phase of the program focuses on developing strategies to address the identified challenges and constraints faced by startups. In this phase, the program suggests the next steps and develops an action plan to provide a clear path toward achieving the startup’s goals. Mentors and subject matter experts (SMEs) play a crucial role in this phase by asking questions and helping startups think through their priorities and decisions. Their insights and guidance are documented in a strategy report or growth plan. However, it is ultimately up to the startup to create its own growth plan, with the support and guidance of its mentors and SMEs.

In the third and final phase, the program facilitates partnerships and networking activities to connect startups with potential collaborators and partners. The program also monitors progress to ensure that the roadmap is being followed and makes necessary adjustments if needed. Through this methodology, the program aims to provide startups with the support they require to succeed and contribute to the local economy.

1. Technical Viability

• The technology should be technically sound and based on established scientific and technological principles.
  
• The technology should be mature and ready for implementation.
  
• The technology should offer advanced features over existing products or processes with similar functions, contributing to the advancement of science and technology.
  

2. Social and Environmental Impact

• The technology should have the potential to generate employment.
  
• The technology should not pose any immediate or long-term hazards or consequences to the environment, health, or safety.
  

3. Commercial Viability

• The technology should be competitive over existing products or processes in the market.
  
• The technology should have a strong market potential.
  

4. Scalability

• The technology should have the potential to be scaled up efficiently and effectively to meet growing demand.
  

5. Management Capability

• The project leader should demonstrate technical and managerial competence, backed by a track record of successful leadership.
  
• There should be a competent and reliable workforce and facilities available.
  
• The project timeline should be manageable and realistic.
  

10.1.1 Provide basic services needed by qualified startups as specified in their growth plan;

10.1.2 Coordinate with other startup enablers to provide specialized incubation or acceleration support beyond the member TBIs’ basic services; and

10.1.3 Conduct periodic field evaluations of the program to identify problems, solutions, and remedial actions to avoid delays in implementation.

10.2.1 Plan for the campaign and proposal calls for the LaunchLab program;

10.2.2 Consolidate a pool of mentors, partners, and subject matter experts from other TBIs;

10.2.3 Examine the budget requirements of the basic services to be provided;

10.2.4 Evaluate all activities conducted and review submitted reports;

10.2.5 Monitor and evaluate program expenses based on DOST prescribed rules and other existing applicable relevant guidelines;

10.2.6 Provide support and guidance to LaunchLab team members; and

10.2.7 Notify DASIG core TBI members of significant concerns or problems related to project implementation.

10.3.1 Conduct preliminary assessments of startup applicants in terms of documentary requirements;

10.3.2 Facilitate the matching of startups with mentors and subject matter experts;

10.3.3 Schedule major activities and accomplishment reports;

10.3.4 Generate insights from the reports of the LaunchLab coordinator for agile project implementation;

10.3.5 Ensure efficient, timely, and smooth implementation of approved growth plans and attainment of set objectives and targets; and

10.3.6 Provide technical leadership and directly implement the program/project while adhering to its goals and objectives.

10.4.1 Coordinate with startups, mentors, and experts to ensure growth plan goals are attained;

10.4.2 Consolidate startup outputs into a program output package;

10.4.3 Ensure all implementing guidelines have been read and understood by relevant parties;

10.4.4 Attend and facilitate major startup team meetings and progress reports; and

10.4.4 Deliver committed outputs and submit required reports/documents on time.

10.5.1 Plan and organize program events;

10.5.2 Improve Wildcat Innovation Labs’ online presence;

10.5.3 Develop and implement a marketing strategy to attract startups to the program; and

10.5.4 Lead the development of multimedia designs and assets aligned with the marketing strategy.

10.6.1 Undertake day-to-day implementation of the LaunchLab program.

1. Wildcat Innovation Labs reserves the right to terminate the support services provided under the LaunchLab program and/or avail of any remedies in case the beneficiary fails to comply with any of the requirements; and

2. In the event of a project termination on account of the failure of the beneficiary to comply based on the grounds as mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the beneficiary shall be disqualified from applying for any other assistance from the DASIG consortium.

3. Policies/procedures concerning startups as proponents availing the consortium programs and support shall be further supplemented by specific guidelines to be formulated and implemented by the TBI or team offering the program.

The program will implement a monitoring and evaluation system to measure its progress and impact. This system will collect data on key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the program in achieving its goals.

The monitoring and evaluation system will provide valuable information to help guide the program’s ongoing development and ensure that it is achieving its intended impact.

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