DTI trains 37 startups in WV through ASPIRE bootcamp

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 has launched the Moonshot TNK ASPIRE Startup Bootcamp on Entrepreneurship, training 71 participants from 37 early-stage startups across Western Visayas.

Held via Zoom from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, the bootcamp marks the launch of Moonshot TNK 2.0, an upgraded DTI Region 6 initiative to strengthen the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem.

During the Aug. 28 onboarding session, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Mutya Eusores welcomed the participants on behalf of OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo and reaffirmed DTI’s support for the grassroots startup movement.

Eusores emphasized that the ASPIRE Startup Bootcamp is the initial phase of Moonshot TNK 2.0, designed to offer hands-on mentorship, skills training, and network-building to help entrepreneurs grow their innovative ventures.

She added that ASPIRE completers may also apply for the upcoming Moonshot TNK MentorMatch Pitching Competition, which is being revamped this year with a fresh and dynamic format.

ASPIRE, short for Activating Startups in Provinces through Innovation, Resources, and Enterprise Development, aligns with DTI’s mission to ignite innovation-driven enterprises across Region 6’s six provinces.

The program is open to Filipino entrepreneurs aged 18 and above who are in the prototype, minimum viable product (MVP), pilot testing, or early startup phase.

It provides structured mentorship, enterprise development, and access to DTI programs in line with the Innovative Startup Act, which defines startups as scalable and innovative businesses.

The bootcamp includes five modules: building business identity and team; applying design thinking and the business model canvas; developing customer-focused marketing and streamlined operations with digital tools; understanding startup finance; and delivering a winning pitch.

Participants who complete the program will receive certificates, while special awards will be given for best startup presentation, most innovative solution, and best market potential.

ASPIRE builds on previous Moonshot TNK initiatives, starting with the Trabaho, Negosyo at Konsyumer (TNK) Pitching Competition in 2021 and evolving into the region’s first Business Incubation Bootcamp in 2024.

Now under Moonshot TNK 2.0, the program also integrates the Bootcamp for Youth Entrepreneurs (BYE) as part of a broader region-wide capacity-building effort.

This year’s cohort includes 37 startup teams from across Western Visayas—eight from Aklan, five from Antique, 10 from Capiz, 14 each from Guimaras and Iloilo, and 20 from Negros Occidental.

With this diverse pool of early-stage innovators, DTI Region 6 aims to expand the pipeline of investment-ready startups, boost the region’s innovation ecosystem, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.