The Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) has expanded global commercialization opportunities for Filipino startups by facilitating strategic marketing and business engagements, research collaborations, and market linkages with international innovation stakeholders.
Through these initiatives, DOST-TAPI, in coordination with the London Tech Week (LTW) Connect team, facilitated more than 10 strategically matched business-to-business (B2B) meetings. These sessions connected Filipino startups directly with local tech founders, prospective investors, and industry leaders. Beyond the event, the delegation also went on official site visits to academic institutions, including Imperial College London and Oxford University, to explore potential research and technology collaborations.
DOST-TAPI continues working closely with its local and international partners to translate these initial engagements into concrete collaboration projects, market expansion initiatives, investment opportunities, and technology commercialization activities.
These accomplishments were made possible through DOST-TAPI’s Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibit (SPICE) Program, implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (OASECTTCC).
Additionally, the British Embassy Manila (BEM), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in London, and the Philippine Embassy facilitated institutional linkages, business networking opportunities, and access to the innovation ecosystem of the United Kingdom (UK).
Building on a Growing Innovation Cross-country Partnership
The DOST first strengthened its engagement with the UK through a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Mission in 2025, establishing relationships with organizations that support the development and commercialization of Philippine technologies.
Building on these developments, DOST participated in LTW 2026 to increase the visibility of Filipino innovations and open new opportunities for local startups.
Held from June 8 to 10, 2026, at Olympia London, LTW 2026 brought together thousands of innovators, investors, startups, and technology leaders from around the world. For the Philippines, participation in one of the world’s largest technology events marked a significant step toward expanding the global footprint of Filipino innovation.
As DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization, ASec. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr. emphasized that the Philippines’ debut at LTW 2026 represents a “purposeful entry into one of the world’s most dynamic convenings of technology, investment, and innovation leadership.”
The presence of Filipino startups alongside some of the world’s biggest technology companies left a strong impression on event participants. Several attendees expressed surprise at seeing the Philippines represented at the event and acknowledged the country’s growing potential as a source of innovative technologies.
Opening Doors for Filipino Startups
Beyond showcasing technologies, LTW 2026 provided startups with valuable opportunities to pitch their innovations, engage potential collaborators, and establish strategic connections with global stakeholders.
Delegates actively promoted their ventures to prospective partners, investors, and industry leaders throughout the event.
The Philippine delegation comprised a strategically curated group of innovators and startup founders whose technologies address pressing challenges across various sectors.
Building Global Partnerships
Key partners from both the Philippines and the UK likewise played critical roles in the delegation’s successful participation. The BEM provided guidance on visa-related processes and facilitated linkages with relevant UK institutions. Through the support of BEM, several startups also gained rare access to leading UK institutions, including Imperial College London and Oxford University, opening discussions on possible research, business, and technology collaborations.
During the Oxford visit, Dr. Raul Destura, CEO of Manila HealthTek Inc., revealed that the engagement paved the way for exploring a potential digital health consultancy partnership, highlighting the concrete opportunities emerging from the Philippine delegation’s participation. Meanwhile, PTIC London, together with the Philippine Embassy, helped the delegation navigate the UK market, identify potential industry connections, and coordinate activities for the Philippine Pavilion.
The Philippine Pavilion was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials from the Philippine and UK governments, underscoring the growing commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in innovation and technology. UK officials also visited the Pavilion and encouraged participants to explore opportunities within the Philippine innovation ecosystem.
Beyond institutional support, DOST-TAPI established meaningful connections with key players in the UK’s innovation ecosystem, including Tech West England Advocates, a not-for-profit organization that helps businesses scale for success. Through LTW Fringe events and networking engagements, the Philippine delegation connected with global founders, investors, and industry experts, creating opportunities for future collaboration and market expansion.
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