Naga City is steadily positioning itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Bicol Region. Through its Startup Development Program, the City Government of Naga through the Investment and Tourism Promotions Office (ITPO), continues to strengthen the local startup ecosystem. The program is anchored on eight strategic pillars:
- Talent Development
- Incubation/Startup Development
- Community Awareness
- Digital Presence
- Startup Organization
- Collaboration
- Funding
- Incentives
With strong support from local academic institutions, this framework is helping transform ideas into viable ventures that create economic opportunities and solutions for real-world challenges.
A Strong Partnership with the Academe
Ateneo de Naga University has been one of the city’s pioneering partners in advancing technopreneurship.
- Since 2021, ADNU has been one of the city’s partners for its Idea2Startup Program– funding student and faculty capstone projects to help them turn it into startup ventures.
- ADNU has also integrated Technopreneurship Development into its curriculum, equipping graduates with entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
- More recently, the university launched the ADNU MAGIS TBI with support from the DOST–PCIEERD. ADNU MAGIS TBI provides incubation support to help early-stage founders develop sustainable and impactful startups for the Bicol Region.
Five New Startups on the Rise
On August 16, 2025, ADNU MAGIS TBI held its IGNITE Cohort 1 Demo Day at the Arrupe Convention Hall. Five new startups showcased their solutions to community and market needs. Get to know them one by one:
1. OkieDoc+
Sector: Health Technology
OkieDoc+ is a digital health platform designed for Filipinos. It enables:
- Seamless appointment booking with specialists
- Secure access to medical records
- Virtual consultations
Backed by blockchain technology, OkieDoc+ ensures convenience, control, and confidentiality for patients.
2. Dormease
Sector: Housing and Student Services
Dormease is a web and mobile platform that simplifies dormitory searching and booking. Key features include:
- Secure listings with accredited badges
- A centralized booking and payment system
- Accreditation tools for dormitory owners
Contact: dormeaseph@gmail.com
Facebook: Dormease
3. VetKita
Sector: Pet Care Technology
VetKita connects pet owners with veterinary clinics and grooming shops. It offers:
- Easy online booking of services
- Centralized management of pet medical records
- Direct communication with service providers
Contact: vetkitaph@gmail.com
Facebook: VetKita
4. Merchkins
Sector: Business Solutions / E-commerce
Merchkins is a platform that helps businesses and organizations streamline operations. It provides tools to:
- Showcase and strengthen branding
- Automate and simplify business processes
Website: https://merchkins.com/
Facebook: Merchkins
Email: support@merchkins.com
5. RebGreenTech
Sector: AgriTech and Industrial Solutions
RebGreenTech has been a leader in agricultural technology in the Philippines. Its products and services include:
- Flatbed dryers
- Solar-powered systems
Building on this foundation, the startup is now expanding into industrial applications, offering smart and efficient technology solutions for wider markets.
Investing in Innovation
Three of these startups are also recipients of Naga City’s Digital Innovation Fund under the Idea2Startup Program Batch 4. They received seed grants for prototype development after a rigorous process that included bootcamps, ideation workshops, and a pitching challenge.
This ensures that city support is directed toward startups with high potential for growth and impact.
Why It Matters
Naga City’s startup ecosystem is designed not only to support business growth but also to shape the city’s future. By empowering innovators and leveraging on startups, the city expects to:
- Generate jobs for Nagueños
- Contribute to sustained economic growth
- Reduce brain drain by creating opportunities locally
- Build a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
This is the future that Naga is investing in: a city where homegrown startups can thrive and scale.
Get Involved
Are you a Nagueño startup founder or running a startup in Naga City? Register now at bit.ly/NagaCityStartup and be part of our growing network of programs and activities.
Written by: Krizia Francine Coronel (ITPO)
Photo credits: ADNU MAGIS TBI
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