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DTI, Converge open 'AI and Scale-Up Center' to help small entrepreneurs adopt artificial intelligence tools that could help the business.  The AI center at the DTI office in Makati is free to use by MSMEs, AI developers, innovators. Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News

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DTI, Converge open AI center for MSMEs

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786440680698Ai scale up center.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="DTI, Converge open &#x27;AI and Scale-Up Center&#x27; to help small entrepreneurs adopt artificial intelligence tools that could help the business. The AI center at the DTI office in Makati is free to use by MSMEs, AI developers, innovators. Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News"/>DTI, Converge open &#x27;AI and Scale-Up Center&#x27; to help small entrepreneurs adopt artificial intelligence tools that could help the business.  The AI center at the DTI office in Makati is free to use by MSMEs, AI developers, innovators. Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. have opened the AI and Scale-Up Center at the DTI headquarters in Makati.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2026/8/7/more-filipinos-well-versed-in-using-ai-vs-global-average-microsoft-1610" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More Filipinos well-versed in using AI vs global average—Microsoft</a></div>The center will cater to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) who want to learn more about artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it to improve their business. The AI center is a 380 sqm facility that has co-working stations, meeting rooms, training rooms, and fast connectivity. This is free to use for all entrepreneurs, AI developers, and other innovators.Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the center will help MSMEs navigate the evolving business landscape, which now includes AI adoption. DTI said AI can help reduce costs, improve productivity, understand customers, and make faster decisions for MSMEs.“They can come here to check paano gagamitin ang AI para lumago ang negosyo ko, paano gagamitin ang AI para maka-level up ako, ayoko matakot sa AI, gusto ko AI will assist me now for me to be able to grow our business,” Roque said.Converge co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy also highlighted the importance of AI and why the country should be prepared for it. He said more AI facilities will be built, and this will require not just manpower but also new skills and innovative ideas.“Through this center, we are establishing infrastructure for AI readiness. That means providing the MSMES access to the data ecosystem and specialized software tools,” Uy said.Converge SME Solutions said it will also help small businesses foster digital resilience and provide affordable business-grade connectivity and essential digital tools specifically for MSMEs. This is through its Digital Transformation Program.Uy added, “Do not be afraid of AI… continuous learning and innovation, the AI and Scale-Up Center to be a hub of our entrepreneurs.”Entrepreneurs who wish to know more about adopting AI can walk in at the DTI office in Makati, or they can also inquire via the social media channels of the department. They can also email the DTI.