Bacolod City:The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded ALPHA Bacolod Accelerator Hub is currently supporting five startup founders with PHP3 million in grant assistance over a three-year period. The facility, managed by Bacolod City's Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (DLEDIP), officially opened on the fourth floor of Ayala Malls, providing a dedicated space for entrepreneurship development.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project aims to bolster local startups by offering opportunities to strengthen business models, refine products and services, and enhance market readiness. The startups benefiting from this support include IF Green Technologies, AYO Tech Corp., Plantsville Health, The Homestead, and Bioflyt Agriventures, each contributing innovative solutions in their respective fields.

Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the importance of local government support for micro, small, and medium enterprises and reaffirmed Bacolod City's commitment to collaborating with the DOST. The initiative is seen as a significant step in expanding the capacity to provide support and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

The ALPHA Bacolod Accelerator Hub, initially launched in February 2025, transitioned to its dedicated space to better serve early-stage startups. DOST-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Glady Reyes highlighted the need for local technology innovators to have necessary resources, ensuring that science, technology, and innovation are integral parts of community life.

The establishment of this hub provides startup founders with access to mentorship, business development support, and networking opportunities with potential partners and investors, aiming to build a more inclusive and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bacolod.