ChatGenie has been selected as one of 15 finalists for the Department of Trade Industry’s Global AQELERATION Program.

GAP, which the DTI launched in partnership with QBO Innovation Hub, is a four-month soft landing program aimed at the internationalization of local tech startups. Through GAP, the DTI hopes to help startups pursue business development, fundraising, and other strategic opportunities in their bid to expand in other countries in Southeast Asia.

ChatGenie was shortlisted for the program along with Senti AI, Plentina, Frontlearners, Race Ya, MedCheck, Automart.ph, Dealogikal Corp., Ask Lex PH Academy, and FHMoms, Inc., among others.

Together, these startups represent a wide range of fields including wellness, eCommerce, healthcare, edtech, fintech, and artificial intelligence.

“The DTI aims not only to accelerate these startups to the global market but also to introduce and promote the Philippines as a startup nation,” said DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba during the program’s virtual launch.

GAP is divided into two phases. The first stage, the Acceleration phase, is set for two weeks. It involves C-level executives participating in sessions on the fundamentals of market expansion. Topics covered include go-to-market strategy, due diligence for international law, best practices for expanding, international tax implementation, international accounting due diligence, organizational development, and fundraising with venture capitalists.

After attending the knowledge sharing sessions, the finalists have to draft a complete and feasible market expansion plan. Only 10 finalists will advance to the three-month Post-Acceleration phase, where they will be guided on the successful execution of their drafted plans and soft landing initiatives.

Startups chosen for the second and final stage will receive support in the form of business matching and mentorship. They will also be connected to international companies and startup enablers and be granted opportunities to pitch internationally.

ChatGenie’s inclusion in the DTI program reflects its commitment to allowing merchants of all sizes to sell inside the world’s biggest apps like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Viber, and GCash. The startup continues to grow after securing additional funding as part of Accelerating Asia’s US$20 Million Fund ll Investment. Currently, ChatGenie developers are working on enabling local merchants to sell in TikTok.

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