Leave a Nest Philippines Announces Panel of Judges and Partners for Agri-Tech Grand Prix 2026

Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.

Central Philippine University

Atlas Fertilizer Corporation

Department of Agriculture

FiberCraze Co., LTD.

Foxmont Capital Partners

New Energy Nexus

National Development Company

Ideaspace and QBO Innovation

Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos Managing Director, Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.

Engr. Ronezza “Ezza” Delos Santos is a licensed Chemical Engineer who graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman. After getting inspired during her internship for Leave a Nest’s flagship programs in 2021, she took the challenge to be one of the pioneer members of the company’s Philippine subsidiary. She is currently the Managing Director of Leave a Nest Philippines while pursuing her Master's Degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management at the UP Open University. Driven with her passion to unleash the potential of the Philippines and Filipinos for the advancement of the country, she continues to explore collaborations between different stakeholders in different regions through Leave a Nest

Engr. Anne Glyn F. Lisbo, MTM Chief, AMAS–Agribusiness Investment Promotion Division, Department of Agriculture

An enthusiastic and multi-disciplinary public servant that excels in her chosen field of expertise on conceptualizing development projects, planning, community project development, coordinating team projects/interpersonal, communication and networking skills, and a technology manager. With long experience and exposure to multi-level stakeholders both local and international partners, she gained an in-depth understanding and technical know-how on agricultural fishery sectors development. Slowly but surely, she demonstrates a young professional rising from rank in file with commitment, humility and integrity to serve the public.

Mr. Saturnino H. Mejia General Manager, National Development Company (NDC)

Mr. Saturnino Mejia is a visionary leader who has spent over three decades at the intersection of public service, high-stakes investment, and national development. His recent appointment as General Manager of the National Development Company (NDC) follows a significant 25-year tenure as Assistant General Manager of the NDC’s Special Projects Group specializing in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and joint venture development, focusing on the technical and financial viability of national projects. Under his guidance, the NDC has driven critical industrial projects, including development of the first bioethanol plant, renewable energy projects, and waste-to-energy ventures, industrial estates and the decontamination of agricultural products. He is currently spearheading the Startup Venture Fund to support tech-based startups in health, agri-tech, and climate technology.

Mr. Jerome C. Banatlao Marketing Manager, Atlas Fertilizer Corporation

Jerome Banatlao is a dedicated agronomy and marketing professional who has built his experience through roles at Atlas Fertilizer Corporation, Yara Fertilizer Philippines Inc., Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines, (Corteva) and Nestlé Philippines. Over the years, he has been grateful for opportunities to support farmers, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to market development initiatives. He brings practical knowledge in crop nutrition, product management, and field operations, and strives to apply these skills in ways that create value for both customers and the organizations he serves. Known for his willingness to learn and work with others, Jerome approaches every role with humility, commitment, and a desire to continuously improve.

Ms. Shoraliah Macalbe Program Head for Startup Development, IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation

Shoraliah Macalbe, also known as Shor, is the Head of Startup Development at IdeaSpace and QBO, where she leads a wide range of programs supporting high-potential startups across the Philippines. With over a decade of experience spanning startup incubation and acceleration, legal consultancy, advertising and design, and program management, Shor, also a dedicated startup mentor, has consistently advocated for innovation and leadership. Since joining QBO in 2021, she has driven national and global initiatives that empower Filipino founders through mentorship, funding readiness, ecosystem partnerships, and capacity building. Shor holds a degree in International Studies and a Juris Doctor, merging strategic insight with a deep commitment to founder success and ecosystem growth.

Ms. Brenda Valerio Country Director, New Energy Nexus

Brenda Valerio is the Philippines Country Director of New Energy Nexus, where she leads efforts to strengthen the clean energy and climate innovation ecosystem. With over 10 years of experience in innovation and sustainable energy, she has supported more than 500 entrepreneurs across leading accelerator programs. Brenda is a certified business accelerator manager and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Miriam College and an MBA from the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business.

Ms. Denise Betito Investments Analyst, Foxmont Capital Partners

Denise Betito works with the Investments Team at Foxmont Capital Partners, where she evaluates and structures investments in Philippine-focused startups. A CPA by training, she focuses on investment evaluation and deal structuring across multiple funds.

Dedicated to the mission of “Create Materials the World Can be Proud of,” he leverages Japan's precision textile technology to address the global crisis of vector-borne diseases—such as malaria and dengue since founding FiberCraze at 23. As a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, they have spent the three years since founding their venture building a unique ecosystem of 40+ specialized Japanese suppliers to produce high-performance, disease-preventive textiles.

To accelerate this mission, he spearheaded a strategic MoA with the University of Malaya, leading international joint R&D to develop functional fabrics that protect populations. He aims to establish materials that will serve as the infrastructure for next-generation lifestyles and industrial development by pooling our advanced technological capabilities.
The innovative fiber material Craze-tex™ has been adopted by a Japanese top brand at Paris Fashion Week, driving forward to solve the world's deep issues.