Quezon City University

What Quezon City University does

Quezon City University (QCU) is a public higher education institution in the Philippines, funded and governed by the Quezon City Government under a Board of Regents chaired by the sitting city mayor. Established in 1994 as Quezon City Polytechnic and renamed to its current form in 2019, QCU delivers tuition-free education to qualifying residents under Republic Act 10931. It serves as the only local government university in Quezon City and educates more than 10,000 students across three campuses (San Bartolome as the main campus, plus Batasan and San Francisco) through five colleges — Accountancy, Business, Education, Engineering, and Computer Studies — and a growing graduate portfolio that includes a Master in Entrepreneurship and a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. The 18th Commencement Exercises produced 2,498 graduates, indicating throughput at scale.

QCU's core technology footprint centers on academic delivery and applied research infrastructure rather than commercial software products. Specialized units include the IPOPHL-accredited Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) — the first at a Local University in the Philippines and a 2025 IPOPHL Silver Cluster Awardee — providing patent search, drafting, and prosecution support, and the Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (CUAI), which pursues urban farming, food systems, and the BERAE governance framework with DOST-PCAARRD's Balik Scientist Program. Research output is organized through three journals (The GAVEL, The LAMP, The STAR) and international conferences including I-RISE and A-GRASS, the latter co-hosted with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education. International MoUs span Tongmyong University (South Korea), Politeknik Piksi Ganesha and 24 Indonesian universities (Indonesia), and HUTECH (Vietnam), supporting faculty and student exchange.

Revenue is structurally constrained: tuition is zero-rated for eligible students under RA 10931, and the operating budget is sustained primarily by the QC LGU appropriation, CHED/UniFAST subsidies, and a smaller professional services stream from the Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Center for Continuing Education (executive courses for barangay leaders and skills training). Commercial revenue is intentionally de-emphasized; instead, value capture flows through workforce placement and community impact. QCU's flagship industry partnership — the Solaire Hospitality Academy with Solaire Resort North — anchors a hospitality vertical. The go-to-market is community-led (barangay extension, outreach, free public admissions) reinforced by event-driven international positioning (conferences, rankings, competitions such as AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 finalist and TECH PLANTER Philippines 2026).

Name

Quezon City University

Legal name

Quezon City University

Website

https://qcu.edu.ph

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Quezon City University is a public, city-government-funded higher education institution in Quezon City, Philippines, offering tuition-free undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges to more than 10,000 students, with research centers in innovation/IP and urban agriculture.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Major Extension & Outreach Missions (EDAHAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Applied Research & Innovation Universities (EDAHAEAE)

Keywords

• Public higher education
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Continuing professional education
• Academic research journals
• Community extension programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Quezon City

HQ country

Philippines

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Public university offering affordable education with tuition covered under Republic Act 10931 (free tuition law). Revenue generated through student fees for various programs and services.
2. Government Subsidies: Funded by Quezon City Government and receives support from CHED (Commission on Higher Education) for institutional operations and development.
3. Professional Services and Training: Offers continuing education programs through Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Center for Continuing Education, executive courses for barangay leaders, and skills development training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Quezon City University is a public higher education institution offering tuition-free undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five colleges (Accountancy, Business, Education, Engineering, and Computer Studies), continuing professional education, academic research journals, and community extension programs. The university operates specialized research centers including the Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (CUAI) and the IPOPHL-accredited Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), and delivers industry-partnered training such as the Solaire Hospitality Academy.

Product overview

Quezon City University is a city government-funded higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across five colleges (Accountancy, Business, Education, Engineering, and Computer Studies), graduate programs in entrepreneurship, and various research journals. The university operates specialized centers including the Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation and the Innovation and Technology Support Office. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Solaire Resort, the university provides industry-driven training programs and continuing education opportunities, positioning itself as a comprehensive educational ecosystem serving Quezon City residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• QCU: Official abbreviation for Quezon City University
• QCU Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (CUAI)
• Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Center for Continuing Education

Products and services

• College of Accountancy An academic college of Quezon City University offering accountancy degree programs covering accounting principles, auditing, taxation, and financial management for prospective accounting professionals.
• College of Business An academic college providing business education programs including entrepreneurship, management, and related business disciplines for students pursuing business careers.
• College of Education An academic college offering education programs preparing students for teaching careers and educational leadership roles in basic and higher education.
• College of Engineering An academic college offering engineering degree programs including Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and other engineering disciplines.
• College of Computer Studies An academic college offering information technology and computer science programs covering software development, systems analysis, and IT management.
• Master in Entrepreneurship A graduate program designed to equip aspiring professionals with advanced knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership capabilities in entrepreneurship.
• Master of Science in Entrepreneurship A science-focused graduate program providing advanced expertise in entrepreneurship theories, research methods, and business innovation strategies.
• Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Center for Continuing Education A center providing continuing education courses and professional development programs, including the Research Management Course for Executives, serving working professionals and community leaders.
• QCU The STAR: Journal of Science, Engineering, and Information Technology An academic journal focused on advancements in science, engineering, and information technology for sustainable development.
• QCU The LAMP: Journal of Education An academic journal empowering education for sustainable futures, covering educational innovations, inclusive education, and curriculum development.
• QCU The GAVEL: Journal of Business and Social Sciences An academic journal focused on business innovations and social impact, fostering sustainable development in communities.
• Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (CUAI) A center dedicated to urban agriculture research and innovation, supporting food security and sustainable urban farming initiatives through the BERAE Framework.
• Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) An office providing intellectual property support, patent search assistance, patent drafting, and innovation ecosystem development in partnership with IPOPHL.
• Solaire Hospitality Academy An industry-partnered academy established through partnership with Solaire Resort North and Quezon City Government, offering specialized training in culinary arts, beverage services, housekeeping, and resort services for hospitality students.

Quantifiable outcome

• WURI 2025 Rankings: #15 Visionary Leadership, #24 Infrastructure, #63 Industrial Application
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• Solaire Resort NorthflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Landmark partnership with Quezon City Government to establish Solaire Hospitality Academy at QCU for specialized training in culinary arts, beverage services, housekeeping, and resort services.
• QC InnoHubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Team CANOPHEX won Grand Winner in Search for Young Innovators competition.
• Tongmyong UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2025MoU signed at WURI Global Conference 2025 in Busan, South Korea for collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and innovation-driven programs aligned with SDGs.
• Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2025Co-host of A-GRASS 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for graduate studies summit.
• Politeknik Piksi Ganesha BandungcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Co-host of APCORE 2023 Hybrid International Conference and cultural exchange programs including Exchange Vibes 2025.
• IPOPHL (Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 April 2023Establishment of QCU Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) - first Local University in Philippines to join ITSO 2.0 network. Provides patent search, drafting, and prosecution support.
• 24 Indonesian UniversitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023MOU signed at sidelines of APCORE-PIKSI 2023 conference for academic collaboration.
• MEGAWORLDminorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment)minorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• USAIDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for BLeSDS program for out-of-school youth and various education initiatives.
• MAYNILAD Water Services Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater conservation support efforts and environmental sustainability programs.
• GrowQCXminorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• NICAminorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• EDC2 (Energy Development Corporation)minorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• JCI (Junior Chamber International)minorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• LIFESKILLSPHminorOthersListed as linkage/partner on QCU website.
• Krirk UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration and benchmarking visit for partnership discussions.
• Leave a Nest PhilippinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizers for HIC Philippines 2025 and TECH PLANTER Philippines 2026 competition. Partnership to advance agripreneurship education.
• DOST-PCAARRD (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBalik Scientist Program implementation for global expertise and research mentorship in agriculture and food systems.
• Ateneo Innovation CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban agriculture research collaboration discussions.
• CLSU (Central Luzon State University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban agriculture research collaboration discussions.
• PBEd (Philippine Business for Education)minorOthersMOU signed for education and workforce development initiatives.
• LP4Y (Life Project for Youth)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth empowerment and inclusion programs through L'Oréal Citizen Day events.
• SPARK PhilippinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth empowerment and personal development programs including personal grooming, mental health, and sustainability.
• L'Oréal PhilippinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerL'Oréal Citizen Day partnership for youth empowerment and sustainable living programs.
• Quezon City GovernmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent government entity providing funding, governance through Board of Regents chaired by Mayor Joy Belmonte, and various joint programs including Solaire Hospitality Academy.
• CHED (Commission on Higher Education)coreOthersGovernment regulatory body providing institutional recognition and accreditation oversight.
• SM Prime HoldingsminorOthersChairman Hans Sy shared legacy with QCU graduates; corporate partnership for education.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rizal Technological University: A government-funded university in Mandaluyong/NCR focused on engineering, architecture, and information technology. Comparable to QCU in scale, public funding model, and engineering/IT program mix.
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines: A large public university operating multiple campuses across Metro Manila offering affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, business, education, and technology. Most directly comparable to QCU as a state-funded, multi-campus commuter university serving economically diverse students in the National Capital Region.
• Technological University of the Philippines: A state university with shared polytechnic origins to QCU, focused on engineering, industrial technology, and applied sciences. Comparable as a tuition-light, government-funded technical university competing for similar engineering and IT students in Metro Manila.
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila: A city government-funded public university in Manila offering tuition-free higher education to city residents. Closely comparable to QCU in funding model (LGU-funded, free tuition), student base (local residents), and governance (city mayor–led Board of Regents).

Emerging players

• Bulacan State University: A provincial state university north of Metro Manila expanding engineering, IT, and teacher education programs. Comparable as a mid-sized, rapidly growing public university expanding research and international engagement, similar trajectory to QCU.

Broad incumbents

• University of the Philippines Diliman: The flagship campus of the national UP System and the top public research university in the Philippines, also located in Quezon City. Overlaps with QCU on programs in engineering, business, education, and computer studies but operates at a significantly larger research and funding scale.
• Ateneo de Manila University: A leading private Catholic university in Quezon City offering programs in business, engineering, and education. Comparable to QCU on Quezon City geography and overlapping academic programs, though contrasting as a premium private institution.

Regional players

• Cavite State University: A regional state university south of NCR offering engineering, IT, business, and education programs with strong community extension. Comparable as a comprehensive public university pursuing accreditations and innovation initiatives, though outside Metro Manila.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/qcuregistrar

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quezon City University