MAKATI CITY — The Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator (AIM-DBI) recently concluded its application period for the 2026-2027 THINCOHORT Program. The window for submissions, which closed on May 31, 2026, invited early-stage technology-driven startups to join its prestigious incubation ecosystem. Located at the AIM Conference Center in Legazpi Village, the incubator offers a 12-month progressive development track designed to transform promising ideas into impactful, scalable ventures. Since its launch in 2017 through a partnership between AIM, the PhilDev Foundation, and the Department of Science and Technology, the program has supported over 70 startups and garnered multiple awards, including recognition as "Best Incubator Startup Program" at the DOST Startup Incubator Awards.
A Comprehensive 12-Month Development Program
The THINCOHORT Program provides selected startups with a structured, hybrid learning experience that covers 12 essential development tracks, including Branding and Marketing, Business Investment Readiness, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Intellectual Property, and Sustainability and Impact. Participants gain access to strategic mentorship from industry leaders, a strong network of founders and investors, dedicated workspace within the AIM campus, and exclusive demo nights and networking events. The program is delivered in a hybrid format with most activities conducted onsite, accommodating the schedules of working professionals and full-time founders alike.
A Legacy of Supporting Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurs
The incubator was established with initial funding of PHP14.8 million from the DOST Incubator Creation Program, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. AIM President Jikyeong Kang emphasized that startups are among the biggest drivers of the Philippine economy, and the incubator aims to give entrepreneurs access to mentorship from global visionaries like Dado Banatao, a Silicon Valley pioneer known for his work in chipset and graphics acceleration technology. The program targets innovation-driven founders building solutions in sectors such as AI, IoT, health, agriculture, and climate tech, with a focus on addressing neglected problems in an emerging world.
A Commitment to Startup Ecosystem Development
The AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator continues to strengthen the Philippine startup ecosystem by providing founders with rent-free workspace, world-class mentorship, and access to a global funding network. Selected startups benefit from exposure to industry experts, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs who share a common vision of creating meaningful change through innovation. With the selection process now finalized, the selected startups for the 2026-2027 cycle are expected to begin their journey within the incubator's specialized development tracks shortly. As the incubator moves forward with its new cohort, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Filipino innovators and positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global tech landscape.
