16 startups in CV join as mentees for the 8th STARTUPISLAND.PH program

CEBU CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 in collaboration with The Company and Dual Story, launched the 8^th cohort of the STARTUPISLAND.PH (SIPH) program with 16 startups from Central Visayas selected to undergo mentoring from seasoned mentors of the program from March 25 to May 15, 2025 with 15 business incubation modules.

“We are excited to welcome our Cohort 8 mentees as they embark on this transformative journey. Through this fifteen-module incubation program, they will receive expert guidance, refine their business models, and gain market access—paving the way for their startups to scale successfully,” DTI 7 Regional Director and STARTUPISLAND.PH co-founder Maria Elena Arbon said in her opening message at the launching event via zoom.

Arbon said that the SIPH program started in 2018 with the commitment to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and beyond and to build a legacy of supporting tech-driven and impact-focused ventures.

(Some of the mentors)

Among the new mentees are startups from Central Visayas, including Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as founders from Iloilo and Davao, reflecting the program’s growing national reach. Arbon highlighted the program’s role in equipping startups with the tools, mentorship, and network to thrive in today’s competitive landscape

Joy Garingo Dela Serna of The Company Cebu, SIPH’s program partner and assistant coordinator, gave a comprehensive overview of the program, detailing its structure, invited mentors, accepted mentees, and fireside sessions.

SIPH’s comprehensive mentoring program is designed to provide hands-on support through seasoned mentors and industry experts.  Former SIPH mentee Christian Barral, CEO of SKLoud, also reflected on his experience as part of Cohort 7.

“From uncertainty to success—SKLoud’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable mentorship of the SIPH Program. Through the guidance, insights, and mentorship we received from SIPH, we went from not knowing where to begin to reaching a milestone of 50 SK signups—a testament to how the right support system can turn dreams into reality,” Barral said.

Since its inception in 2018, STARTUPISLAND.PH has produced 57 graduates who have made remarkable strides in their respective industries.  Notably, OMG! Oh My Grocery PH, a SIPH graduate, recently earned recognition at the 2024 ASEAN-India Startup Festival for its contributions to the digital retail sector, exemplifying the impact and success of the program’s alumni.

(Some of the mentors)

With DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s five-point priority agenda—focusing on digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), diversifying operations, funding, franchising, and mentoring, STARTUPISLAND.PH continues to serve as a vital platform for Filipino entrepreneurs to scale and succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business. (Photos: DTI7/Kyle)