SICAD-SOX: Accelerating Innovation in SOCCSKSARGEN

The Startup Innovation Consortium to Accelerate Development in SOCCSKSARGEN (SICAD-SOX) was a region-wide initiative designed to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth in Region XII. Implemented through a strategic collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology – Region XII (DOST-XII) as convenor and Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI) as implementing partner, supported by PCIEERD’s ReSEED Program. The project resulted in the development of the Region XII Startup Ecosystem Development Plan, also referred to as the Region XII Startup Ecosystem Roadmap.

The project developed the Region XII Startup Ecosystem Development Plan (Roadmap), guided by insights from startups, investors, academic institutions, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. Through consultations, baseline ecosystem mapping, and focused group discussions, the consortium defined the region’s vision, goals, and phased roadmap to lay the foundation, cultivate growth, scale, and sustain the startup ecosystem.

The Roadmap/Plan includes measurable indicators across economic growth, innovation, financial sustainability, ecosystem support, and human capital development, providing a clear framework for tracking progress. SICAD-SOX advances SOCCSKSARGEN’s vision of catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth and global relevance.