MVRK Simulations, ROC PH Named as Winners of DTI’s IDEA and ADVanCE for Creatives Programs

22 April 2024, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), in collaboration with startup accelerator Launchgarage, celebrated the innovation and drive of local creative startups as they awarded the winners of its Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Programs during their Demo Day on April 15, 2024, at Whitespace Manila, Makati City.

Launched in 2023, the IDEA and ADVanCE for Creatives programs are among DTI-CIG's flagship initiatives, aimed at fostering innovative startups in accordance with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA).

The Demo Day, attended by a diverse audience of industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders, marked the culmination of an intensive eight-week series of learning sessions and mentorship for 15 creative startups. The esteemed judging panel includes DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut, Launchgarage Innovation Hub Co-founder Jojo Flores, and Philippine Art Events, Inc. Co-founder Geraldine “Dindin” Araneta, who evaluated the startups' pitches and shared valuable insights.

MVRK Simulations, a startup revolutionizing workforce development through gamified training simulations, emerged as the winner of the IDEA program, securing a pitch prize of Php 75,000. 

“Being part of the IDEA program has been incredibly valuable. It's provided me with essential insights into starting a company, from necessary research to overcoming early-stage challenges. Access to this program feels like having a cheat code or a manual that helps me to transform our inventive business concept into a successful enterprise,” said MVRK Simulations Co-founder and CEO James Lo.

Aside from MVRK Simulations, the participating startups for the IDEA program included multi-vendor marketplace for Filipino entrepreneurs Produkto PH, media production agency Transcend Studios Inc., marketing firm Carisle Media Corporation, kid-friendly creative content platform Kwentoon, sports and fitness-focused Palaro app creators 7X7 Development Corp, and Wika Media, a tech startup that helps people with hearing/visual disabilities access educational videos and entertainment. Sustainable fashion startups Brave Story, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, and Denim & Denim were also part of the program.

On the other hand, ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services won the top prize in the ADVanCE program, earning Php 100,000 for its Marketing-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform designed for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“From the mentorships to engaging with my fellow startups, the program has been invaluable, providing insights that I hadn't encountered before, which can be applied to our future planning. It is very informative and helpful, especially for startup businesses like mine,” shared Ron Oliver Clarin, CEO and Founder of ROC PH.

The ADVanCE program also featured Zamboanga-based creative solutions provider KikoMonster Creative Studio, digital learning video production company Bihasa, print ad-to-video animation conversion service AniMattify, and Filipino brand-focused marketplace Bentamo.

DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut commended the participating startups and recognized the impact of the Philippine creative landscape.

"I would like to congratulate all the startups that have been part of the latest cohorts of the IDEA and ADVanCE for Creatives programs. Moving forward, DTI remains steadfast in its commitment to championing these programs, serving as a catalyst for the advancement of the Philippine creative industry. Through our unwavering dedication, we aim to showcase the ingenuity and innovation of Filipinos, to not only drive our nation's economic growth but also elevate our global competitiveness to unprecedented levels."

In addition to awarding cash prizes to two program winners, DTI is committed to supporting all graduates by integrating them into our network of mentors and investors, facilitating connections with potential opportunities, providing ongoing mentorship, engaging with local ecosystem stakeholders, and offering immersion trips to enhance their application of learned skills.

ADVANCE, OWTO SIGN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP TO GIVE DRIVERS THEIR EARNINGS ON-DEMAND

OWTO drivers no longer have to wait to receive their earnings, thanks to a partnership between the TNVS platform and Advance.

The deal comes after a successful four-month pilot with Advance, who issued on-demand earnings services to OWTO's shuttle drivers while servicing a BPO giant,

OWTO drivers typically have to wait up to 45 days for their compensation to be released by the partner BPO, but many of them need to get paid on the day of service. This is what makes the partnership with Advance so ideal.

Each time a driver completes a trip for OWTO's partners, their earnings will be registered in OWTO's app and made available to withdraw anytime. This flexible payment scheme aims to help cover the drivers' needs between paychecks, which typically come every 30th of the month.

"OWTO's partnership with Advance is a formidable alliance that positions both companies to dominate their respective markets. We are very excited to work with Advance in creating opportunities, surpassing key targets & achieving common goals in service of a wider consumer base," said OWTO CEO Joel Gayod. "With OWTO's proven market resilience and Advance's core capabilities, there is no way but up."

On-demand earnings services will be extended to even more drivers under OWTO's shuttle service operations as they expand their footprint to other companies. This is a huge win for the thousands of drivers who now have the flexibility to access their earnings as needed.

"These drivers are part of our front liners in today's reality," said Addi Guevara, Advance Co-founder. "They make it possible for others to continue making a living during these uncertain times. Through Advance's salary on-demand service, we hope to make life a little easier for them as well."

About OWTO

OWTO is owned and operated by iPARA Technologies and Solutions, Inc., a Philippine-based company specializing in transport innovations. It promises a fairer and safer experience for both drivers and riders.

About Advance

Advance believes that life shouldn't revolve around payday. As the first and only on-demand wage access provider in the Philippines, they provide flexible financial services to Filipino workers through their employers and partners.

Advance aims to simplify finance to elevate lives, empowering Filipino workers to take control of their finances and establishing partner companies as advocates of worker wellbeing.