The local government, through the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), has extended its StartUp Program to students from various schools and universities in the city, where they are encouraged to join and pitch their business proposals that will help the city’s different sectors.

Under the program, the city government facilitates training, mentorships, and networking activities. The students who submitted their business plans also have the chance to win potential prizes. This will help nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among the students, as well as inspire and encourage them to develop their ideas. 

The Start-up Student Competition also aims to foster economic growth through the empowerment of youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship, which will help address significant societal challenges and potentially create job opportunities in the future. 

Winners will receive the following cash prizes:

First Place –               P100,000.00

Second Place –          P75,000.00

Third Place –              P50,000.00

Gold Winners –          P35,000.00

Silver Winners –         P25,000.00

Bronze Winners –      P15,000.00

For the winners of Student Competition 1, twenty-seven (27) outstanding teams have been awarded cash prizes. 

First Place: Araw Kalinga Box, UP, PLM, ADMU

Second Place: Mobile App for Fisheries Supply Chain, ESEA, ADMU

Third Place: Robotics Learning Kit for children by NYHA Robotics, UP

Gold Winners: 2 winners

Silver Winners: 10 winners

Bronze Winners: 12 winners

In 2025, the city government commences the Start-up Student Competition Squad 2, where thirty (30) teams from 14 schools and universities have been recognized for their outstanding inventions.   

Grand Winner: Plastipave of Ateneo de Manila University 

First Runner Up: Banakeeps Innovator of STI College- Novaliches 

Second Runner-up: Swine Scan of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Technology 

Gold Winners: 4 winners

Silver Winners: 4 winners 

Bronze Winners: 19 winners

The program is part of Mayor Joy Belmonte’s 14-point agenda, which aims to establish an environment conducive to businesses and startups while also fostering the creation of innovative products, systems, and processes. 

To know more information and its process of application, you may contact/visit the LEDIPO or check out the FAQ: STARTUP QC.