The Quezon City Government proudly announces 37 teams as finalists for the second Startup QC Student Competition, aimed to develop the next innovative ideas to address community challenges and drive positive change.
Expanding its reach this year, the competition welcomes not only college and university students but also senior high school innovators, reinforcing Quezon City’s commitment to fostering a strong entrepreneurial mindset among the next generation.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural competition, which awarded 27 student teams, this year’s edition attracted over 100 applications from schools and universities across the country. After a rigorous selection process, 37 teams have advanced, representing diverse sectors such as health, sustainability, agriculture, information technology, education, and finance.
Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her excitement for this year’s competition: “Startup QC is a testament to Quezon City’s commitment to empowering our youth to be leaders in creating solutions that address real-world challenges. These finalists embody hope for a brighter future.”
The selected teams will now move forward to the cadetship phase, where they will receive mentorship from industry experts to refine their ideas and prepare for the final pitch event. Winning teams are eligible to receive cash prizes of up to Php 100,000.
Mr. Jay Gatmaitan, QC Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIPO) Head, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents: “Startup QC is more than just a competition; it is about equipping young minds with the skills, confidence, and network to turn their ideas into reality and create meaningful change in society.”
The Startup QC Student Competition is a flagship program of the Quezon City Government to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Beyond the competition, it serves as a launchpad for young innovators to gain the experience, mentorship, and resources needed to transition into the Startup QC Professional Category and scale their ventures.
With this year’s finalists poised to make an impact, Quezon City continues to champion the growth of Filipino startups, paving the way for a more innovative and entrepreneurial future.
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