Empowering the Future of Filipino Innovators: Hydro Innovations Crowned Grand Winner at SCENT Demo Day
Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Training (SCENT) Philippines 2024—After an intensive six-month program designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators, SCENT held its Demo Day on September 7, 2024, at QBO Innovation Hub in Makati. The event provided a platform for five aspiring startup teams to present their groundbreaking innovations, network with key industry players, and seek support to transition their ideas into impactful solutions for society.
This Demo Day brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including university technology business incubators (TBIs), startups, corporations, and government agencies. For partners, this is not just a showcase—it's a unique opportunity to tap into early-stage innovation, foster collaboration, and potentially co-create solutions that address deep issues in the Philippines and beyond.
Leave a Nest Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to the SCENT Program's dedicated partners: Focus Systems Corporation, First Gen Corporation, QBO Innovation, The Law Office of Flores & Ofrin, FilRobotics Technologies Inc., UST GRACE Hub, Mapúa’s Think and Thinker Laboratory, the Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System (MWSS) Regulatory Office, and New Energy Nexus Philippines. Their unwavering support was pivotal in making this initiative possible.
Pitch Presentations: Nurturing Innovation and Collaboration
The pitch presentation segment allowed each SCENT team to present their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of judges representing First Gen Corporation, The Law Office of Flores & Ofrin, UST GRACE Hub, and New Energy Nexus Philippines. The judges not only provided constructive feedback but also offered valuable advice on how the teams could refine their ideas and strategies post-program.
Panel Discussion: Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
The event also featured a panel discussion focused on turning these well-structured ideas into tangible solutions. Experts from QBO Innovation, Mapúa's Think and Thinker Laboratory, MWSS Regulatory Office, and FilRobotics Technologies Inc. shared insights on the Philippine startup ecosystem, highlighting its growth and future potential.
During the panel discussion, they highlighted the significant progress made in the Philippine startup ecosystem. For instance, many universities have begun establishing TBIs to support students' research projects and promote entrepreneurship. Similarly, accelerators are playing a critical role in nurturing new ideas and guiding startups toward long-term success. These insights provided valuable direction for startups on how to attract support and resources to scale their innovations.
Networking: A Pathway to Collaboration and Guidance for Future Innovators
Participants also had the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the poster session, allowing them ample time to fully introduce their concepts to the esteemed judges, panelists, and audience. This session also served as a valuable networking opportunity, enabling participants to engage with partners, hone their social skills, and foster potential collaborations. The experience not only provided a platform for sharing their work but also helped prepare them for future endeavors in the entrepreneurial and innovation landscape.
This exchange of knowledge and experience inspired students to think critically about the future of their projects and their role in shaping the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
SCENT DEMO Day – Awarding of Winners: Celebrating Promising Innovations
The culmination of the SCENT Demo Day was the awarding of the grand winners. With all participants showcasing remarkable ideas, the judges decided on two winners who demonstrated significant potential for real-world impact.
- Technology Theme: Innovative biodegradable hydrogel wound dressing made from organic waste materials.
- Award Inclusions: PHP 25,000.00 Monetary Prize and an Invitation to present at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2024
- Reason: The presentation was clear and concise, thoroughly addressing all of the judges' questions. The team's mission to provide equitable healthcare has a profound societal impact, offering an affordable, inclusive solution that transcends biases or gender. With a sustainable design and non-harmful, effective ingredients, their innovation stands out for its accessibility and environmental consciousness.
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- Technology Theme: WTGES presents energy storage solution that would utilized a much more sustainable approach in the Philippines archipelago with off-shore technology.
- Award Inclusions: Invitation to present at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2024
- Reason: Energy storage systems play a crucial role in optimizing the supply and demand of renewable energy, balancing both used and unused energy for our daily needs. In the coming years, this approach could potentially eliminate power outages while efficiently managing energy consumption, reducing energy waste, and offering a more cost-effective solution.
For more details related to all the participating teams of SCENT and all the partners who participated in the program, you may check out this related news article: “Empowering Innovation: SCENT Demo Day Philippines 2024 Unites Visionaries and Industry Leaders“
What’s Next? Showcasing Partner Impact
The SCENT Demo Day not only provided a platform for these aspiring startups but also connected them with further opportunities for support and collaboration. Several teams received personalized advice from program partners:
- Team Pumpsafe impressed with their well-structured pitch and potential for scalability. First Gen Corporation recommended they delve deeper into the sustainability of their solution and connect with experts in the water industry to further develop their innovation.
- Team Happy Heart Tech, focusing on next-generation healthcare solutions, received suggestions from UST GRACE Hub to explore alternative approaches to preventing pharmaceutical spoilage, ensuring a more effective solution.
- Team Alon Labs, leveraging data to enhance aquaculture in the Philippines, was advised by The Law Office of Flores & Ofrin to develop a clear action plan and consider additional solutions to optimize their data-driven approach.
- Team WTGES earned attention for their innovative waste-to-energy solution. New Energy Nexus Philippines expressed interest in accelerating their project and invited them to participate in further mentorship programs, while First Gen Corporation offered potential collaboration in the energy sector.
- Team Hydro Innovations, recognized for their breakthrough healthcare solution, gained strong support from The Law Office of Flores & Ofrin, which offered legal consultation and further guidance. UST GRACE Hub also encouraged them to pursue research funding to accelerate their R&D efforts.
Looking Ahead: Leave a Nest's Commitment to Filipino Innovation
As SCENT Demo Day concluded, Leave a Nest remains committed to supporting the participating teams. Each participating team of the SCENT program has been invited to attend the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Philippines 2024, scheduled for November 9, 2024, at Ateneo de Manila University. This initiative will offer further opportunities for aspiring startup to present their projects and collaborate with experts across various fields, including international partners.
With the successful conclusion of the SCENT program, Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. is now set to create the same opportunity for the next SCENT Program, set to begin in April 2025.
The Importance of Partnerships for the Next Generation of Innovators
Throughout the Demo Day, partners were integral in providing constructive feedback and strategic insights. As partners, they have the opportunity to offer more than just sponsorship; they can shape the direction of emerging technologies by:
- Mentoring and Advisory: Engage with promising startups by offering mentorship and industry expertise, helping them refine their strategies and navigate challenges.
- Co-Development and Collaboration: Explore direct partnerships with startups to co-develop solutions that align with the company’s goals, especially in areas like healthcare, energy, sustainability, and more.
- R&D and Innovation Synergies: Leverage the research and development potential of these startups by collaborating with universities and TBIs to co-create new technologies or optimize existing ones.
- Sustainability and Impact: Align with startups like Team Pumpsafe and Team WTGES to drive sustainable solutions, particularly in water conservation and waste-to-energy innovations, advancing your sustainability objectives.
Therefore, Leave a Nest Philippines invites local and international partners to support this initiative for the next SCENT program. Partners from various sectors, including university technology business incubators (TBIs), startups, corporations, and government agencies are welcome; whether as sponsors, judges, or mentors, your involvement is crucial to developing sustainable, scalable solutions that tackle pressing challenges in but not limited to healthcare, energy, and other sectors critical to the Philippines.
For further inquiries or information, please contact us at [email protected] or reach out to Alexander Gali ([email protected]). We are eager to explore new opportunities and continue empowering innovation in the Philippines.