Meet the Finalists: Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 Heads to Demo Day This November!
The next wave of deep tech innovators from the Visayas is ready to take the stage
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 is moving toward its Demo Day on November 21, 2026 at the Western Visayas Regional Innovation Hub (iHub), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Iloilo City, bringing together researchers, startups, students, and innovators developing science- and technology-based solutions to challenges faced by communities across the region.
This year’s applications reflected a diverse range of technologies emerging from across the Visayas. From agriculture and environmental technologies to healthcare, disaster resilience, biotechnology, and smart mobility, these innovations demonstrate how locally developed science and technology can respond to challenges faced by communities and industries.
Following the selection process, nine (9) teams have been selected as finalists for Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026.
Now entering its third annual implementation, Visayas TECH PLANTER returns to Iloilo City, where the program first took root in 2024. Its inaugural Demo Day saw The 4 Phosphateers emerge as Grand Winner for their research on microbial biofertilizers, while the 2025 edition in Cebu City crowned EKS-CACAO of Co-Lab Life Sciences for developing microbial solutions against cacao black pod rot. Building on the achievements of previous participants, Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 continues to uncover promising technologies and strengthen connections among innovators across the region.
Aligned with the TECH PLANTER mission of “Exploring Deep Tech & Solving Deep Issues,” Visayas TECH PLANTER provides a platform for innovators to communicate their technologies, sharpen their direction, and explore opportunities for collaboration with researchers, companies, government institutions, and other members of the Leave a Nest ecosystem.
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 Demo Day Finalists
The nine finalists will undergo mentoring and preparation leading to Demo Day, where they will present their technologies and plans for further development before a panel of judges and ecosystem partners.
Each finalist will deliver a seven-minute pitch followed by a five-minute question and answer session, providing an opportunity to showcase their technologies and explore potential collaborations.
Finalists for Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026
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Associhealth
(Iloilo Science and Technology University – DTI registered) |
Digitalizing dental healthcare by bringing clinic operations and patient information into a more connected system that improves service management and patient engagement. |
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Axiom
(University of the Philippines Visayas) |
Helping aquaculture farmers assess production scenarios, anticipate risks and returns, and make more informed decisions before committing resources through digital planning. |
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CARBNØ Biotech
(West Visayas State University) |
Exploring marine-derived and bioengineered biodegradable materials with added functionality as sustainable alternatives to conventional single-use plastics. |
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Gallus Vierde Corp (Central Philippine University – SEC registered) |
Strengthening native-chicken livelihoods by bringing together improved production practices, farmer training and technical support, and stronger market access for more sustainable farming communities. |
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Luntian, PlantsVille, Tumandok
(Luntian, Plantsville Health, and Tumandok Crafts Industries – DTI registered) |
Making plant-based wellness products more affordable and accessible through automated small-volume dispensing inspired by the Filipino “tingi” purchasing culture. |
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Para.Go
(Cebu Institute of Technology) |
Reimagining public transportation through a connected mobility solution that supports commuters, drivers, operators, and local governments with smarter transport operations and information. |
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Project Bantay Bayan
(DTI Registered) |
Strengthening community resilience through an offline-first approach that helps essential digital services and local coordination continue during connectivity disruptions. |
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QuizMagic
(DTI Registered) |
Using artificial intelligence to simplify how educators create, administer, and evaluate assessments while reducing repetitive manual work. |
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VIC Metal Fabrication and Environmental Services Inc.
(SEC registered) |
Transforming how communities and industries manage waste through a locally fabricated solution focused on reducing landfill dependence and recovering value from residual materials. |
Leading up to Demo Day, the finalists will refine their technologies, pitches, and pathways toward validation, partnerships, commercialization, and implementation.
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026 Demo Day Details
Event date and time: November 21, 2026 (Saturday), from 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM, at the
Venue: Western Visayas Regional Innovation Hub (iHub), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Iloilo City.
Co-organizers: This year’s implementation is supported by co-organizers ISAT U and the Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas iHub
Stay tuned for more announcements on Visayas TECH PLANTER 2026, including our partners, judges, and Demo Day updates.
We look forward to seeing these innovators take the stage this November!
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