NextGen Day

P&G teams up with QBO Innovation to launch vGrow SHOWQASE, a platform dedicated to showcasing and supporting innovative solutions from Filipino startups.

PRESS RELEASE

P&G partners with QBO Innovation to champion Filipino startups’ innovative solutions with vGrow SHOWQASE

Manila, Philippines – Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines has forged a strategic partnership with QBO Innovation to launch the first-ever vGrow SHOWQASE in the Philippines aimed at harnessing the untapped potential of the Philippine startup ecosystem and finding innovative partners who share P&G’s vision for sustainable growth and serving Filipino consumers.

P&G, maker of trusted household brands like Safeguard, Ariel, Downy, and Pampers, launched the vGrow program to drive innovative solutions across multiple stages of its operations. The program aligns with the company’s commitment to deliver superior products to its consumers through innovative initiatives and solutions. 

The vGrow program was first launched in 2017 and has been implemented in countries including India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering innovation and collaboration with startups, small businesses, and other partners in key markets worldwide.

The program is in partnership with QBO Innovation, a division of Ideaspace that consults for and engages with government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises in driving digital transformation strategies, developing innovation ecosystems, and accelerating technology startup growth. QBO curated a selection of 18 high-potential startups to present their innovative solutions to P&G’s top executives, including Agraj Sharma, P&G Philippines General Manager, Shivangi Jain, Purchasing Senior Director of P&G APAC, as well as and Marlon De Vera, Purchasing Director of P&G Philippines. The vGrow program opened doors for business collaboration and networking opportunities to further explore partnerships within P&G’s extensive network.

Opening the event, P&G General Manager Agraj Sharma shared, “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.”

During the vGrow SHOWQASE launch event, Ideaspace | QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo highlighted that the country’s startup ecosystem is poised to thrive in the growing digital economy, which was valued at $6.45 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $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, presenting a significant opportunity for Filipino startups and businesses to maximize and explore,” said Fajardo.

The vGrow SHOWQASE is an open innovation program designed to connect external partners and startups with innovative solutions to P&G Philippines’ business challenges and opportunities, fostering a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem.

The companies participating in the first vGrow SHOWQASE program are in the post-MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage in the Human Resources and Employee Health and Wellness, Sales Development and Retail Operations, Transport and Logistics, Market Strategy and Promotions, Customization and Value Added Services, and Brand and Creative industries. The list includes Amplify, Betterteem, Chamni’s Eye, CognitiveAI, DHL, Happy Benefits, LOCAD, Maya, MASA Inc., Margarett Enterprises Inc., MobileOptima-Tarkie, Ninja Van, Pickaroo, POLKA.PH, Shuttlerock, Storewise, and Xeleqt AI.

After the pitching sessions, three startups received special awards: CognitiveAI was awarded the Most Innovative Solution, Betterteem received the Best Pitcher award, and DHL was recognized with the Industry Leadership award.

Ideaspace | QBO Innovation President Rene “Butch” Meily expressed his gratitude to P&G Philippines 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. Together, we have the power to shape a new world, one where creativity and collaboration pave the way for unprecedented advancements.”

###

About QBO Innovation

QBO Innovation, a premier startup enabler in the Philippines, is a division of Ideaspace that consults for, and engages with government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises in driving digital transformation strategies, developing innovation ecosystems, and accelerating technology startup growth.

Created in 2016 through a partnership with Ideaspace, J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), QBO has been an active player in creating a globally competitive tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

For more information on QBO, visit their website at qbo.com.ph or follow its social media accounts at @QBOInnovation.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands. Fostering equality and inclusion, supporting our communities and protecting the planet are embedded in how we do business. We believe we have a responsibility to make the world better — through the products we create and the positive impact our brands and Company can have. P&G’s portfolio includes Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.

Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

Conclusion

P&G’s partnership with QBO Innovation through the launch of vGrow SHOWQASE represents a significant milestone in supporting and championing Filipino startups. This collaboration is designed to provide a platform for innovative solutions, empowering startups in the Philippines to showcase their ideas and connect with broader opportunities. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, P&G and QBO Innovation are not only strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Philippines but also positioning Filipino startups for success on a global scale. This initiative highlights the importance of corporate and innovation hub partnerships in driving growth and innovation within emerging markets.

Key Phrases

1. P&G partnership with QBO Innovation
2. vGrow SHOWQASE initiative
3. Supporting Filipino startups
4. Innovative solutions by Filipino startups
5. P&G championing innovation
6. Filipino startup ecosystem
7. QBO Innovation collaboration
8. Startup growth in the Philippines
9. P&G startup support
10. vGrow SHOWQASE platform

Best Hashtags

1. #vGrowSHOWQASE
2. #PGPhilippines
3. #QBOInnovation
4. #FilipinoStartups
5. #InnovationPH
6. #StartupEcosystem
7. #TechInnovation
8. #StartupSupport
9. #PhilippineStartups
10. #InnovationChampions

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

📩 Need to get in touch?

📩 Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. 😊Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) ❤️GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal😊❤️
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) 🛒 BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) 👍 Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---