A Diary of a Tech Fan: UP Cebu-DOST TBI -- co-working space & support system for your ideas and start-ups

Last Thursday, I got a chance to visit the new Cebu Business Incubator for IT (CebuinIT), a UP Cebu-DOST TBI (Technology Business Incubator) project. I sat in the discussion of the incubator manager, a start-up enthusiast, and market entry guy -- they are all veterans. So I, somehow, was able to listen to 3 different point of views about ideas, innovation, team building, start-up, passion, culture and such. There are too many things I realized from that visit but let me keep this post to the facility first.

For spaces, UP Cebu-DOST TBI has cubicle spaces and room type. The cubicle type is already way spacious for a start-up (me thinkgs). They're located inside the campus of UP Cebu, Philippines.

Cubicle: 5 sq.m area per cubicle

The 'room type' is like a size of a classroom. My classrooms back in college is below the UP TBI so I'm quite familiar with the size.

Room type: Each unit range from 17.17 to 34.34 sqm

The UP Cebu-DOST TBI is a wifi zone, has a service center for your printing, faxing, copying needs, a pantry area, shower and all the amenities to spoil you. =)

Their facility which you can use for co-working is very affordable. The cubicle starts at P1,500 / month, the room type starts at P 10k / month but best to contact them because I believe they have different rates depending on your project. But before you can use their facility, please note that they are quite strict on who to accept. They mostly cater to start-ups or individuals who are still in the 'incubation stage' of their projects.

Question: What is the concept of your Pre-Incubation Program? How can we qualify?

Answer: Pre Incubation Program is offered to those qualified start-ups and will be allowed to occupy a cubicle and avail of the services/consultation free of charge for 3 to 6 months, upon approval of the business concept and other requirements.

Entrance criteria to the pre-incubation program is the submission of a feasibility study or description of the business concept/idea to be approved by the advisory committee, entitling the proponent to a maximum stay of 3 months.

Submission of a business plan and feasibility study (if not submitted already) for an additional extension of 3 months.

via cebuinit.org

I believe whoever has experienced being in a start-up, you already know what's the importance of having an access to this kind of facility. Aside from being able to save from the space rental fees, it can provide you a place to exchange ideas with other people. Plus, UP Cebu-DOST has a pool of supportive experienced advisers you can take advantage of.

Being able to work with your team in one place helps in building a good relationship with your mates which can be more important than your product. With a good team bond/spirit, it can mean you can easily jump from one failed product to another (yes, that is reality.).

And, being located in a University campus, it means you have an easy access to community of users (very very important from my POV) and possible additional members to your team.

The facility (think of apartment in Social Network movie), pool of advisors and possible investors are all laid out to you by UP Cebu-DOST TBI. According to Ms. Pauline Wade (Incubator Manager), they are well-supported both from government agencies and private sectors. Now, the only piece missing is you and your idea. With all things in place, you can now go crazy with your idea as you have a very good support system at your back.