Student-led ventures addressing aquatic environmental management, livestock production, and poultry health claimed the highest awards at the third Startup QC Student Competition.
Taking the Grand Champion title along with ₱100,000 in seed money was Creekbin, recognized for its concept featuring a solar-powered mechanism designed to clean up floating refuse while monitoring waterway conditions.
Agriculture Farming Innovation Technology secured second place and a ₱75,000 prize for its specialized, space-saving feed mixer and cutter built to optimize livestock feed preparation and prevent ingredient clogging.
Landing in third place was Birdseye, receiving ₱50,000 for an artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system intended to track poultry environments, specifically targeting damp litter and dangerous ammonia buildup to protect flock health.
The contest culminated with Pitch Day and an official awards presentation at the Quezon City MICE Center on Thursday, September 3. The showcase allowed student participants to pitch technology-driven models designed to solve real-world community and industrial problems.
The three top ventures were selected from a field of 153 applicant teams across the nation. Following initial evaluations by the Program Committee, 92 teams advanced to the next phase.
Advancing participants took part in specialized training aimed at enhancing both their technical designs and commercial strategies. The educational module spanned design thinking, market targeting, basic financial strategy, pitching mechanics, intellectual property regulations, and business incubation processes.
Alongside the principal winners, 11 teams were awarded Silver status with ₱25,000 each, and 33 teams received Bronze recognition worth ₱15,000 per team. In total, 47 participating groups received an aggregate payout of ₱995,000 in funding to help advance their projects.
“What we witnessed at Pitch Day was the result of the participants’ hard work, learning, and mentorship received throughout the program. More importantly, it showed that when young people are given the right support and a platform for their ideas, they can develop solutions with real potential to address community and industry needs,” Jay Gatmaitan, Head of the Quezon City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), said.
Startup QC operates as an initiative under the Quezon City Government, designed to cultivate innovation and foster youth entrepreneurship as viable career and business development paths.