The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has named the 15 teams that will compete in the final round of the Philippine Startup Challenge 5 (PSC5) on 5 April 2019 in Iloilo City.
As reported, each of the PSC5 top 5 winners will receive US$ 3,811.70 (PHP 200,000) from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) to assist the teams in product prototype development.
Criteria and Prizes
The selection committee, comprised of tech and business start-up leaders, narrowed down the 30 semi-finalists to 15 most promising start-up ideas from students of various universities nationwide.
The criteria for selection include customer validation (40%), execution and design (30%) and business model validation (30%).
The competition’s winner will become part of a Chinese multinational’s Seeds of the Future Program, which is a two-week college undergraduate study program.
This program will be held in China and shall train them with ICT-based skills and knowledge.
Moreover, the winner will automatically qualify for the 2019 IdeaSpace Bootcamp.
This year’s challenge received 242 entries, which is a 20% increase in number from the previous edition, attributed to an increased awareness of the students with start-ups.
This is a sign that there are more students taking interest in start-up activities which inspires the government to continue improving the digitalPH start-up programs as well as empowering the youth.
The Top 15
The top 15 teams and their products are:
- BFree from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
Their product is an off-the-grid solution for charging smartphones, laptops, and any other portable devices.
- CueCar from PHINMA University of Iloilo
Their product is a web and mobile application that provides immediate assistance in case of car emergencies and road related accidents.
- Gabay from La Consolacion College-Bacolod
Theirs is a platform that will inspect and evaluate establishments that are not compliant with RA 344 or An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to install Facilities and Other Devices.
- Lak-Bay-Kah from Gordon College
Their product is an all-in-one travel planning app where users can create and share their own itinerary to other users and enjoy free benefits from the popularity of their destinations.
- Mathjestic Quest from Davao Central College
Theirs is a mobile app solution that can increase the motivation of the students in learning mathematics through a very fun way.
- Ogop from RC-Al Khwarzmi International College Foundation, Inc.
Their product is an online bayanihan system that allows anyone or anybody to be a donor and aid disaster victims in a more efficient and effective way.
- PASS from the Computer Arts and Technology College / Bicol University
Theirs is an online review platform for everyone taking up licensure or entrance exams that provide coaching and high quality content created by outstanding instructors.
- Proximap from the University of the Cordillleras
Their product is an Augmented Reality Advertising and Navigation Mobile Application
- Puntos from La Consolacion College Bacolod
Theirs is an online loyalty platform that allows business establishments to retain their loyal customers by launching customisable campaigns with perks and rewards.
- Qantina from Saint Louis University
Their product is a platform that lets college students, office workers or health buffs to order and have meals delivered from home-cooks, aspiring chefs or restaurants around them.
- Qrent from Saint Louis University
Theirs is a web-based and mobile platform designed for safe, secure, and convenient rental transactions between renters and item owners.
- Rentalbee from the Far Eastern University
Their product is an online marketplace that helps students find safe and quality accommodation near their school or university.
- ReTrack from the Western Mindanao State University
Theirs is a system that aims to ease the lives of the jeepney commuters.
- Tara G! from Gordon College
Their idea is to gamify the travel experience.
- Vittles from the Bulacan State University
Theirs is a mobile and web-based application which digitises and provides a safe, easy, and efficient access for the donation and delivery of excess edible food.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported on the event, which will fund prototypes that are socially relevant and scalable globally.