The Quezon City government has awarded a total of P725,000 in cash prizes to 27 outstanding teams in the StartUp QC student competition.
“We believe that our students already have innovative ideas and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. It is our job in the city government to support them and help them make these concepts come to fruition,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
A smart backpack system startup idea that revolutionizes maternal healthcare systems and empowers rural women and healthcare workers was named the best among the finalists, clinching the P100,000-grand prize.
The 27 outstanding student teams, out of 39 finalists, submitted their business pitches on sustainability, health, education, agriculture and governance.
The students were also provided networking opportunities during the program’s demo day at the Matrix Creation Events Place in Barangay Pinyahan.
Rise Rural Philippines comprised of entrepreneurship, science, and technology students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) was adjudged the overall winner for the creation of the Araw-Kalinga Box. This integrated a solar-powered ultrasound addressing healthcare challenges in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The program’s second placer who received P75,000 was ESEA (ADMU) for the improvement of the fisheries supply chain and connection of Filipino fisherfolk directly with consumers via a user-friendly mobile application.
The third-prize winner and recipient of P50,000 was NYHA Robotics composed of students from UP promoting robotics for children with their all-in-one learning kit and specialized robotics competition kits.
The city government said noteworthy among the gold bucket winners was a group of senior high school students from the Philippine Science High School, whose LakBike app envisions automating bicycle mobility utilization in Quezon City.
StartUp QC is an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students and the youth. It is currently calling for applications for its professional category, which is set to commence in August.
