A “smart backpack” system startup idea that revolutionizes maternal healthcare systems and empowers rural women and healthcare workers was named the best among this year’s StartUp QC Student Competition finalists, clinching the P100,000 grand prize.
The Quezon City Government on Thursday awarded a total of 27 outstanding student teams (out of 39 finalists) that have submitted their business pitches on sustainability, health, education, agriculture, and governance. The students were also provided networking opportunities during the program’s demo day at the Matrix Creation Events Place in Barangay Pinyahan.
“We believe that our students already have innovative ideas and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. It is our job in the city government to support them and help them make these concepts come to fruition,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Rise Rural Philippines comprised of entrepreneurship, science, and technology students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) was adjudged the overall winner. They created the Araw-Kalinga Box (AKB) that integrates a solar-powered ultrasound machine, a cold box for vaccine storage, and a compartment for delivery of the medical instrument. It addresses healthcare challenges in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
The program’s second placer who received P75,000 is ESEA, which improves the fisheries supply chain and connects Filipino fisherfolk directly with consumers via a user-friendly mobile application. It is made by students from ADMU.
The third prize winner and the recipient of P50,000, NYHA Robotics composed of students from UP promotes robotics for children with their all-in-one learning kit and specialized robotics competition kits.
Noteworthy among the gold bucket winners is a group of senior high school students from the Philippine Science High School, whose idea – the LakBike app envisions automating bicycle mobility utilization in Quezon City. Through this innovative platform, cyclists can easily rent bicycles from popular areas within the city for use in designated bike lanes or other appropriate locations.
The other 24 winners received prizes across gold (2 teams), silver (10 teams), and bronze (12 teams) categories, each getting guaranteed cash prizes of Php 35,000, Php 25,000, and Php 15,000 respectively. QC awarded a total of Php 725,000 cash prizes to the talented student innovators.
Earlier this year, the QC Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) conducted a campus tour across Metro Manila to unearth innovative and creative business ideas from senior high school to college-level students.
“We are thrilled to host the grand finals of the very first StartUp QC Student Competition, and the business ideas that were presented by these students are truly inspiring,” said Jay Gatmaitan, Head of QC LEIPO. “In celebration of QC’s 85th founding anniversary this year, we are elevating our efforts and initiatives, especially for the youth, and the business community. Hopefully, these young citizens will be inspired to strive to build on their ideas after pursuing their studies, knowing that their government will support them to the best of its capacity.”
The StartUp QC is an initiative by the Quezon City Government aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students and the youth. Currently, the StartUp QC Program is calling for applications for its professional category which is set to commence this August. For more information about the program, check the StartUp QC accounts on Facebook and Linkedin.
###
