DTI opens AI Scale-Up Center for Filipino businesses

MAKATI CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. opened the DTI AI and Scale-Up Center on Aug. 11, 2026, to help businesses integrate artificial intelligence and other digital tools into their operations.

Located at the DTI Filinvest Building in Makati City, the center will serve companies, startups and local enterprises seeking practical guidance on technology adoption and business growth.

The initiative could make AI tools and technical expertise more accessible to smaller enterprises that often lack the money, infrastructure and specialized workforce available to large corporations.

The center is intended to help businesses use AI to improve routine workflows, raise productivity and remain competitive as digital technologies reshape markets and workplaces.

Its launch formally implements a memorandum of understanding signed by DTI and Converge in November 2025 to support local enterprises through the Converge SME Solutions arm.

The facility is backed by the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, the Philippine Innovation Act and the Innovative Startup Act.

Republic Act 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy Act, mandates a comprehensive, multiyear strategy for improving the diversity, sophistication and competitiveness of Philippine products and services. ⁠

Republic Act 11293, or the Philippine Innovation Act, established the country’s policy framework for promoting innovation across government, industry and other sectors.

Republic Act 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, provides programs and benefits intended to strengthen the Philippine startup ecosystem and generate employment and business opportunities. ⁠

Visitors and participating businesses will have access to live AI demonstration spaces, dedicated Accelerator Pods, pitching opportunities and specialized training facilities.

Expert-led workshops and guidance from private technology partners will teach enterprises how to apply AI to daily operations.

The center also provides collaborative areas, including a dedicated Converge booth and specialized meeting rooms.

Industry leaders and technology providers will use the facilities to help businesses develop customized AI solutions and train their workers.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the center would connect private-sector technical expertise with the operational needs of local companies.

“This AI and Scale-Up Center provides a realistic, accessible entry point for Filipino businesses to explore and adopt modern technology like AI. Scaling a business requires usable tools and expert guidance so that innovative ideas can turn into functional solutions. By bringing private tech leaders like Converge together with our local enterprises, we are giving businesses of all sizes the practical knowledge and connectivity they need to improve efficiency and stay competitive,” Roque said.

As the center’s inaugural technology partner, Converge will provide the digital infrastructure, connectivity and technical support needed by participating enterprises.

Converge founder and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Anthony Uy said the partnership would help businesses take manageable steps toward digital transformation.

“We are proud to partner with DTI in helping local businesses take realistic steps toward digital transformation. Through reliable connectivity and hands-on technology solutions, our goal is to help companies understand AI, streamline their operations, and expand their reach in today’s evolving market,” Uy said.

DTI and its private-sector partners will offer workshops, technical consultations and scaling programs as the center begins operations.

The programs are intended to help Philippine enterprises build the skills and confidence needed to adopt emerging technologies without treating AI as a substitute for sound business planning or a trained workforce.