P&G and QBO Innovation Launch vGrow SHOWQASE to Empower Filipino Startups

• New Partnership: P&G and QBO Innovation join forces.
• Innovation Focus: vGrow SHOWQASE showcases Filipino startup solutions.
• Award Winners: CognitiveAI, Betterteem, and DHL excel.

In a thrilling development for the Philippine startup scene, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines has teamed up with QBO Innovation to launch the vGrow SHOWQASE. This exciting partnership aims to tap into the boundless potential of Filipino startups and align with P&G’s mission to drive sustainable growth and better serve consumers.

P&G, renowned for its household staples such as Safeguard, Ariel, Downy, and Pampers, is on a mission to accelerate innovation across its operations. The vGrow program, an initiative that began in 2017, has already made waves in markets like India, Singapore, and Australia. Now, it’s the Philippines’ turn to shine as P&G looks to partner with innovative startups to enhance its product offerings and operational strategies.

Members of P&G Philippines, QBO Innovation, participating startups, and key stakeholders gather for a group photo at the vGrow SHOWQASE launch event.

A Platform for Innovation

The collaboration with QBO Innovation, a leading startup enabler in the Philippines, brings a fresh wave of opportunity to local entrepreneurs. QBO Innovation, a division of Ideaspace, is dedicated to advancing digital transformation and fostering innovation ecosystems. They curated a dynamic roster of 18 promising startups to present their solutions at the vGrow SHOWQASE event.

Agraj Sharma, General Manager of P&G Philippines, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Throughout almost 90 years of operations in the country, P&G’s mission has always been to understand and serve consumers with the best solutions for their daily needs. We are excited to partner with QBO and all these companies to uncover innovative solutions to P&G’s biggest opportunities and toughest problems. This will enable us to serve more consumers with superior, value-creating brand experiences.”

The Future is Digital

The vGrow SHOWQASE event highlighted the remarkable growth potential of the Philippine startup ecosystem. Ideaspace | QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo noted the booming digital economy in the country, which was valued at $6.45 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $35 billion by 2025. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in tech-savvy consumers. With about 73% of the country’s population, or approximately 118 million Filipinos, whose average age is 25, the market is now more technologically inclined,” Fajardo explained. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for Filipino startups to leverage technology and meet evolving consumer needs.

Various activities captured during the vGrow SHOWQASE launch event. Present in the event were (from uppermost left): Agraj Sharma, President and General Manager, P&G Philippines; Shivangi Jain, Head of Purchases for P&G APAC; and the Purchasing Director of P&G Philippines.

Spotlight on Innovation

The inaugural vGrow SHOWQASE showcased startups at the post-MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage across various industries, including Human Resources, Health and Wellness, Sales Development, Logistics, and more. Notable participants included Amplify, Betterteem, CognitiveAI, DHL, and many others. Each startup presented unique solutions tailored to P&G’s business challenges and opportunities.

The event concluded with awards recognizing standout performances. CognitiveAI took home the Most Innovative Solution award, Betterteem was celebrated as the Best Pitcher, and DHL earned the Industry Leadership award. These accolades highlight the transformative potential of startups in driving innovation and shaping industry trends.

Embracing the Future

Rene “Butch” Meily, President of Ideaspace | QBO Innovation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We extend our gratitude to P&G for supporting the vGrow program. Innovation is disrupting the world and giving birth to new industries. While we need corporate support for startups, companies also stand to benefit greatly from this collaboration. I urge all of you to embrace this dynamic exchange. Do not let the future pass you by, but seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation,” Meily said.

This collaboration between P&G and QBO Innovation marks a significant step forward in nurturing the Philippine startup ecosystem. By creating a platform for startups to showcase their solutions, P&G not only enhances its own operations but also fuels the growth of innovative businesses across the country. The vGrow SHOWQASE is set to be a catalyst for future partnerships and breakthroughs, proving that the spirit of innovation thrives in the Philippines.