Announcement of the Finalists and Lightning Talk Teams for Visayas TECH PLANTER 2024
Get ready, Visayas! For the very first time, TECH PLANTER is expanding beyond NCR and we’re kicking it off in Iloilo for this year’s Visayas TECH PLANTER 2024! We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s finalists and Lightning Talk teams who will dazzle us with their pitches at the TECH PLAN Demo Day, happening on August 10, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) on Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Leave a Nest Philippines is dedicated to spotlighting the emerging deep tech sector within university and startup ecosystems through the TECH PLANTER program. Traditionally, research and development efforts in the Philippines have been concentrated in Metro Manila due to the high density of universities and research output in the area. However, to promote and uplift research in other regions, we are launching the first Regional Iteration of TECH PLANTER in Visayas Region. This initiative aims to recognize and support the deep tech research and startup ecosystem in Visayas, demonstrating that significant innovations and research capabilities exist beyond Metropolitan areas.
Aligned with its mission of “Exploring Deep Tech & Solving Deep Issues,” the TECH PLANTER program operates across six ASEAN countries: the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. This platform serves as an entry point for deep tech research teams and startups, providing access to our Knowledge Platform, potential future research collaborations, and investment opportunities. This year, we received a total of 25 eligible deep tech applications from across the Visayas, showcasing the region’s vibrant innovation and research capabilities.
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2024 Demo Day Finalists
Nine (9) finalists and their designated pitchers have been selected, outshining all other applicants. These teams will contend for the Grand Winner Award and each year, there are also several individual company awards up for grabs. Stay tuned for further announcements on this page and our social media channels.
Finally, here are the official Finalists for Visayas TECH PLANTER 2024:
Agro-waste Utilization
CirPro Innovations
CirPro Innovations’ Limontene™ Liquid Pectin revolutionizes pectin production from calamansi peels using a microwave-assisted method, eliminating the need for mineral acids and alcohol. The technology reduces: 1) wastes from fruit juice processors; 2) the barrier to the adoption of pectin production from citrus peels through a streamlined and cost-effective process; and 3) the reliance of the Philippines on pectin imports
Batique
Batique creates an eco-friendly bioplastic board from banana pseudostem fibers and low-density polyethylene plastic (LDPE). This innovative solution addresses waste from banana trunks and LDPE plastic, providing a sustainable material alternative. The project requires larger and costly machinery for scaling production.
PakUAn
In the absence of natural preservatives in the market, food wastes and losses present a significant challenge. In the Philippines, the Western Visayas region faces substantial watermelon losses, with 41.9% of the produce being rejected, contributing to considerable food waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions. PakUAn utilizes watermelon waste as a natural preservative, enhancing food product shelf life and reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural Ecosystem Innovations
Arka Inc.
Arka Inc.’s ARKA Rainshelters and ARKA App offer Filipino farmers a data-driven crop production plan and monitoring system, improving productivity and efficiency. The technology provides tailored crop plans, data analytics, and protection from adverse weather, reducing waste and increasing profitability. Future expansions include nationwide ARKA Villages and ARKA Academy to inspire agricultural innovation.
The 4 Phosphateers
The 4 Phosphateers focus on developing thermophilic Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) biofertilizers to improve phosphorus utilization in agriculture, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. They seek funding for equipment and materials to further their research and evaluate the feasibility of thermophilic PSBs.
ADI-Tech
Adi-Tech’s Integrated Soil Salinity Assessment and Plant Selection System (ISSAPSS) uses advanced sensors and multi-regression analysis to measure soil salinity and provide personalized crop recommendations. The technology aims to improve crop yields, ensure sustainable land management, and mitigate soil salinity’s adverse effects on agriculture.
Tech-Driven Visual Revolution
Algacon
Algacon’s Juan Algae technology employs a mobile application with machine learning algorithms to classify algae concentration in aquaculture hatcheries. This accurate assessment helps prevent fish mortality due to excessive algae.
Milkfish Aquaculture Model
This Python-based model optimizes acid volatile sulfide (AVS) levels and harvest body weight in offshore milkfish aquaculture by adjusting variables such as fish count, culture duration, and initial body weight. The model addresses environmental challenges in intensive cage aquaculture, providing tailored solutions for milkfish farming.
INSTECH Physics Instrumentation
INSTECH Physics Instrumentation designs affordable and effective tools for STEM education, targeting non-specialized physics teachers. Their products include custom physics instruments like force table apparatus and manometers, enhancing classroom demonstrations and student experimentation with locally available high-quality materials.
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2024 Demo Day Lightning Talk
Accompanying the finalist teams in their quest for supporters are the invited Lightning Talk Teams and their pitchers. The Lightning Talk Session is a special segment of the TECH PLANTER program, designed to showcase six (6) selected Filipino deep tech research and startup teams with significant potential in the Deep Tech ecosystem. This session facilitates discussions between these teams and the Leave a Nest Group’s local and international ecosystem partners from industry, startups, government, and academia.
Here are the teams that will be part of the Lightning Talk Session:
Research Team Select
VinePredictor, developed by Research Team Select, uses machine learning to optimize sweet potato harvest times by analyzing vine characteristics. This innovation reduces post-harvest losses, boosts farming profitability, and enhances crop quality. Future plans include expanding VinePredictor and developing an accessible app for wider adoption.
WVSU-BINHI
WVSU Binhi converts used coffee grounds into eco-friendly charcoal, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions. The project promotes sustainable energy alternatives and community partnerships for cost-effective production and potential job creation. Ongoing efforts include feasibility studies, pilot testing, and prototype development.
HINIMO
Hinimo transforms pomelo peels into a flexible, biodegradable substance, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather and addressing environmental concerns associated with leather production. The team focuses on refining methods to achieve high-quality texture and durability while promoting agricultural waste conversion.
Chainsaw Chasers
Chainsaw Chasers’ Sound Detection System for Anti-Illegal Logging uses wireless sensor nodes with machine learning algorithms to detect chainsaw sounds in forests, triggering alerts for prompt intervention. This cost-effective solution provides real-time monitoring to combat illegal logging and protect the environment.
VitalRadar
VitalRadar’s BuddyBetes is an affordable diabetes management platform that utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology for automatic glucose reading logging and integrates lifestyle data. The platform offers advanced analytics, personalized reminders, and secure data sharing, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in diabetes care.
All the teams that will pitch during the Demo Day will undergo regular mentoring sessions with Leave a Nest members to improve their team communication and pitch presentations. The first ever Visayas TECH PLAN Demo Day 2024 cannot be conducted without the help and support of its co-organizer, Iloilo Science and Technology University through their Technology Business Incubator, the Kwadra Kalumpuwas.
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If you have any questions or comments about TECH PLANTER in the Philippines program or the TP ecosystem, feel free to direct your queries through email to Joanna Cua ([email protected]) or Roneeza Delos Santos([email protected])