The Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator (AIM-DBI) represents a pioneering initiative to support startup entrepreneurs in the Philippines. Launched in 2017, AIM-DBI addresses the gap in structured programs for innovation-driven businesses, fostering inclusive growth, job creation, and technology-based solutions for societal challenges. Over the years, the incubator has helped launch more than 70 startups, generating significant employment and earning multiple awards and international recognitions. AIM-DBI focuses on startups with the potential to impact multiple sectors across Asia, providing founders with mentorship, resources, and tools for sustainable growth.
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Programs Offered by AIM-DBI
- THINC AIM: Acceleration, incubation, and mentorship program for ideation to pre-early-stage startups.
- THINC SEED: Seeding entrepreneurial education and development, emphasizing technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- THINC X: Incubator-for-incubator program designed for higher education institutions (HEIs) and community-based incubators.
AIM-DBI THINCOHORT 2025-2026 Program
The THINCOHORT program is a 12-month progressive development track designed for pre- to early-stage startups. Participants gain guidance from industry leaders and mentors, covering key aspects of business scalability, profitability, and sustainability.
Core Learning Modules
- Startup founder identity and personal branding
- Finance and business management
- Legal and corporate compliance
- Technology application and innovation
- Business model innovation
- Data and artificial intelligence integration
- People, culture, and team development
- Intellectual property management
- Investment readiness and fundraising
- Sustainability and impact strategies
Development Tracks
| Track | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Branding and Marketing | Positioning, brand identity, and digital marketing strategies |
| Fundraising and Partnership | Venture capital readiness, strategic partnerships, investment planning |
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (primarily onsite)
Application Procedure
- Download the AIM-DBI THINCOHORT 2025-2026 Application Form.
- Save the file as “Startup Name – AIM-DBI THINCOHORT 2025-2026 Program Application.pdf”.
- Submit via email to aimdbi@aim.edu, dandal@aim.edu, and rbenedicto@aim.edu with the subject line “AIM-DBI Startup Application”.
- Wait for confirmation and next steps from the AIM-DBI team.
Program Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 1 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 May 2026, 2:00 PM |
| Selection Process | May – June 2026 |
| Announcement & Onboarding | June 2026 |
Incubator Location: AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator, 2/F AIM Conference Center, corner Benavidez and Trasierra, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
Program Achievements and Impact
Since its inception, AIM-DBI has supported 70 startups across the Philippines and created more than 600 direct jobs for professionals, non-degree holders, mothers, persons with disabilities, community artisans, and freelancers. The incubator has positively impacted millions of Filipinos, including fishermen, farmers, underprivileged youth, creatives, MSMEs, home-based mothers, corporations, and local government units.
Startup Founder Demographics
| Category | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Men Founders | 128 | 61% |
| Women Founders | 87 | 39% |
Recognition and Awards
| Award / Recognition | Recipient / Startup | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition – Grand Finalists | Klimatech Innovative Solutions | July 2025 |
| Presidential Awards for Outstanding Development Partners | BEECALL TBI, Naga City | July 2025 |
| Alibaba 2025 Netpreneur Masterclass, China | Joseph Valdez (Klimatech Innovative Solutions) | July 2025 |
| Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List | Kiel Flores (CocoPallet) | July 2025 |
| Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List | Lei Motilla (AI4GOV / CitiSense) | July 2025 |
| Filipinnovation Awards 2025 – Luzon Sub-National Top 11 | Agrabah / Farmvocacy | June 2025 |
| GrowthCon Startup Awards Winner | InvestEd | June 2025 |
| ASEAN Sparks Top 40 Startups | Agrabah Ventures | June 2025 |
| ASEAN Sparks Catalyse Program Top 10 | Klimatech Innovative Solutions | June 2025 |
| BAJ Accelerator Program Selection | InvestEd | June 2025 |
| Top 50 Employers in the Philippines by Kalibrr | Eskwelabs | June 2025 |
| KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Competition – Silver Award | Klimatech Innovative Solutions | June 2025 |
| DICT Startup Grant Fund Cohort 2 Grantee | Klimatech Innovative Solutions | June 2025 |
| Nexus for Equity Accelerator Grant Winner | Klimatech Innovative Solutions | May 2025 |
Additional Recognitions
AIM-DBI startups have earned recognition in global competitions, national awards, and innovation-focused summits. Achievements span sectors including fintech, agritech, healthtech, edutech, legaltech, foodtech, and climate-tech, highlighting the incubator’s ability to nurture diverse business solutions and create scalable impact.
Key AIM-DBI Startup Alumni
| Startup | Sector | Key Recognition / Award |
|---|---|---|
| Klimatech Innovative Solutions | Climate-Tech | Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, KPMG Tech Innovator |
| InvestEd | Fintech | GrowthCon Startup Awards, Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference |
| CocoPallet | Agri-Tech | Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List |
| AI4GOV / CitiSense | Govtech | Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List |
| Agrabah Ventures | Agritech | Filipinnovation Awards, ASEAN Sparks |
| SeeYouDoc | Healthtech | International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Startup QC Program |
| Mayani | Agri-fisheries Tech | LowCarbon.Earth Cohort, Acumen Fellowship |
Leadership Team
- Prim Paypon – Executive Director: Led AIM-DBI reorganization, developed zero-cost incubation partnerships, and designed the 12-month startup development track. Background in biology (summa cum laude) with extensive multinational and NGO experience.
- Rose Fabito – Program Manager: Oversees program development, relationship management, and monitoring of incubator and accelerator initiatives. Holds a degree in international relations (cum laude).
- David Gideon Andal – Program Associate: Manages incubator activities and regional outreach programs, with a background in mathematics and teaching licensure.
Final Analysis
The Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator serves as a transformative platform for Philippine startups, promoting technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through comprehensive programs, expert mentorship, and robust networks, AIM-DBI empowers founders to scale their startups, create jobs, and generate meaningful societal impact. The incubator’s success demonstrates the potential of structured support systems to cultivate innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Asia.
