Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines has partnered with QBO Innovation to launch the first vGrow SHOWQASE in the Philippines to tap into the Philippine startup ecosystem’s untapped potential and find innovative partners who share P&G’s vision for sustainable growth and serving Filipino consumers.
The duo announced that P&G, maker of Safeguard, Ariel, Downy, and Pampers, established the vGrow program to foster new solutions across its business.
The program supports the company’s goal of providing superior products through innovative solutions.
In 2017, the vGrow program was established in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand to promote innovation and collaboration with startups, small enterprises, and other partners in critical regions.
The program partners with Ideaspace’s QBO Innovation division, which advises government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises on digital transformation strategies, innovation ecosystems, and technology startup growth.
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QBO selected 18 high-potential startups to showcase their unique ideas to P&G’s senior executives, including Agraj Sharma, P&G Philippines General Manager, Shivangi Jain, Purchasing Senior Director of P&G APAC, and Marlon De Vera, Purchasing Director.
“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, (This partnership) will enable us to serve more consumers with superior, value-creating brand experiences,” P&G General Manager Agraj Sharma said. Ideaspace | QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo also 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 percent 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,” he added.
The open innovation program vGrow SHOWQASE connects external partners and startups with innovative solutions to P&G Philippines’ business issues and opportunities, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment.
In the first vGrow SHOWQASE program, companies in 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 are post-MVP.
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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
CognitiveAI won Most Innovative Solution, Betterteem Best Pitcher, and DHL Industry Leadership after the pitching sessions.
“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,” Ideaspace | QBO Innovation President Rene “Butch” Meily said.
About QBO Innovation
QBO Innovation, a division of Ideaspace, advises government agencies, academic institutions, international development agencies, and private sector enterprises on digital transformation strategies, innovation ecosystems, and technology startup growth.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G began making soap and candles over 185 years ago. As one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, they own trusted brands like Always®, Charmin®, Braun®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Oral B®.
