On March 1st 2018, the QBO App was launched by the Philippines first public-private sector platform for startup companies, QBO Innovation Hub, at the City Garden Grand Hotel. The launch was supported and attended by the DOST, DTI, J.P. Morgan, IdeaSpace Foundation Inc., PLDT & Metro Pacific group of companies
The QBO app is a new and convenient way for QBO’s community to connect with each other and access QBO’s programs and services. The app is a virtual hub that allows startups to connect with a broader range of entrepreneurs, investors, partners, and other potential resource persons. The best thing about the app is, it allows users to connect with industry players, potential partners, and founders outside the metro.
Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, Roberto Panlilio, Chito Bustamante, Justin Hall, and Katrina Chan who represented DOST, J.P. Morgan Philippines, Chikka, and QBO respectively, spoke at the event as they represent the pioneers in the local startup ecosystem. It was also attended by Butch Meily and Diane Eustaquio of IdeaSpace Foundation Inc and Chris Young of First Pacific.
Katrina Chan, director of QBO Innovation says “This is an exciting time for us, and indeed for the local startup community as a whole. With our app, never has it been easier for our entrepreneurs to access the essential services and resources that will help them take their companies to the next level,”
The QBO app lets startup enthusiasts get a boost, stay updated with the latest news while investors and mentors can find targeted potential investments and businesses. The app has the QLLABORATE feature enables users to have access to startup-related events nationwide, communicate with speakers, special guests, and groups to discuss trendy topics, seek advice. As a bonus, vital resources such as speaker presentations, government forms, and other documents can be downloaded. QNTRIBUTE, on the other hand is another feature where users share startup-related content similar to a social media timeline and provide feedback to QBO’s services and programs.
“Our goal is to help provide opportunities and mentorship for our budding startups, especially those driven by young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. The convenience of an app will be very appealing to them, and eminently helpful,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara of DOST.
Collaboration with J.P. Morgan has resulted to the development of elite INQBATION Program which aims to develop select, high-potential startups.
Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan Philippines says “With mobile technology continuing to disrupt the business landscape, connectivity helps level the playing field for many of our startups – in terms of access to resources and partners that they can tap as they develop and grow their business. Launching this app is certainly a step in the right direction.”
The QBO App is now available for iOS and Android devices. Visit www.qbo.com.ph for more information about QBO.
