QUEZON CITY, May 23, 2025 — A pioneering student-led project that transforms recycled plastic into sustainable paving blocks emerged as the grand prize winner at the second edition of the Startup QC Student Competition—a flagship initiative of the Quezon City Government that empowers youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.
The winning team from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), creators of Plastipave, received a cash prize of Php 100,000 for their eco-conscious solution addressing plastic waste and urban flooding. Their invention seeks to contribute to a greener and more climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
The awards were presented during Startup QC Pitch Day 2025, held at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan. The event marked the culmination of a month-long program that provided student teams with mentorship, capacity building, and business development support.
Two other outstanding projects also received top distinctions:
• Banakeeps Innovators from STI College–Novaliches, who developed sustainable, plant-based menstrual products as an eco-friendly alternative for women’s reproductive health, and
• SwineScan from Far Eastern University – Institute of Technology, which utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor livestock health, enabling smarter and more efficient farm management.
These teams demonstrated the ingenuity and relevance of today’s student entrepreneurs in tackling pressing issues in sustainability, health, and agriculture.
In total, 30 student teams were recognized in this year’s competition, including 27 other groups whose innovations spanned diverse sectors—from environmental solutions to digital services and social impact projects.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, a staunch advocate of youth empowerment and sustainable innovation, lauded the participants for their passion and ingenuity.
“We in local government are not here to merely observe from the sidelines. We are here to walk with you, invest in you, and create the policies and platforms you need to succeed,” said Mayor Belmonte.
Now in its second year, Startup QC Student Edition continues to inspire the next generation of Filipino innovators, helping them transform their business ideas into viable, scalable ventures that can make a real-world impact beyond the classroom.
###
