A New Wave of Innovation Begins: Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 is finally OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. is pleased to announce that the applications for the Visayas TECH PLANTER (VisTP) 2026 is now open! This is a regional deep tech acceleration initiative that aims to discover and support local researchers, innovators, and startups that are dedicated to developing science- and technology based solutions for the societal challenges faced in the Visayas region.
The Beginning of Visayas TECH PLANTER Program
The TECH PLANTER initiative was first established in Japan (2014) and was then introduced in the Philippines in 2017. From the beginning, it has always been a platform to nurture deep tech innovators and connect them with mentors, industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners. Among the Leave a Nest subsidiaries, VisTP was the first regional TECH PLANTER initiative implemented outside of Japan. It was launched to strengthen the innovation ecosystems beyond Metro Manila, with the core belief that local innovative minds deserve to have greater opportunities to bring their ideas and technologies closer to societal implementation. Another key goal of VisTP is to involve local stakeholders so that they can actively support innovators within their own regions.
Deep tech refers to innovations that are rooted in scientific research and advancement in technology that are able to address the deep-seated societal challenges that have been neglected for a long time. These solutions span numerous fields, such as agriculture, fisheries, marine science, biotechnology, food technology, clean energy, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and engineering.
Footsteps in Visayas
The mission of TECH PLANTER resonates with the Visayans, where these communities are well-integrated to agriculture, fisheries, marine resources, and the most prided coastal ecosystems that define the Philippines archipelago. However, the region continues to face major challenges related to climate resilience, food security, and resource management. With Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026, we come in to empower innovators to develop practical and science-based solutions that are grounded in local context and scientific expertise.
Key Dates
| Application deadline | August 28, 2026 |
| Demo Day | November 21, 2026 |
Application Details
Interested individuals and teams are encouraged to apply through the registration link below:
| Reminders | Scan the QR code to register for the event
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The application form is under the Leave a Nest ID portal. Applicants are required to create a Leave a Nest ID Account to access the application form. Interested individuals and teams are encouraged to apply for VisTP 2026 through this application link: https://techplanter.lne.st/VisayasTP2026_Reg Application Deadline: AUGUST 28, 2026, 11:59 PM |
This program is open for concept-based to mature deep tech innovators. The target participants include:
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- Pre-startup researchers in the different science and technology fields, even if they only have the idea so far.
- Early stage startups researchers’ team or individual in deep tech field.
- Mature startups or SMEs seeking collaborators, even if they are close to mass production or PMF establishment.
- Visionaries that aim to change the world and/or their own country to a better place using science and technology-based seeds.
- Teams interested in the approaching the Japanese market or collaborating with Japanese corporations.
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Information Sessions
Leave a Nest Philippines will conduct a series of information sessions to introduce the TECH PLANTER framework, discuss application requirements, and share opportunities available through the Leave a Nest deep tech ecosystem.
Further details regarding schedules and venues will be announced soon.
Partnership Opportunities
Leave a Nest Philippines also welcomes local and international companies, organizations, government agencies, and financial institutions interested in supporting the growth of the Philippine deep tech ecosystem. By partnering with Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026, organizations can contribute to regional innovation, create opportunities for local innovators, and help accelerate science- and technology-driven solutions that address critical societal challenges.
For application and partnership inquiries, please contact:
Neil Clarence Diaz – [email protected]
Jomer Ruego – [email protected]
Together, let us cultivate innovation and create meaningful impact in the Visayas through science and technology.