Nest sighting in Ateneo: TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023

The partnership between Ateneo de Manila University and Leave a Nest Philippines marks a significant milestone with the debut joint event of TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023: DEMO DAY. This highly anticipated event took place on May 13, 2023, at the Escaler Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

TECH PLANTER is an esteemed acceleration program that empowers Deep Tech startups to address societal challenges. Originating in Japan and expanding to Southeast Asia in 2014, this program serves as a catalyst for startups in need of research and development assistance, connecting them with Japanese corporations, professional business networks, and top-notch factories. By fostering collaboration between the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and passionate researchers, TECH PLANTER aims to drive impactful solutions for current and future issues.

In line with this vision, Ateneo de Manila University has played a vital role in driving innovation and resilience in Southeast Asia through the SECRA (Strengthening University-Enterprise Collaboration for Resilient Communities in Asia) initiative. SECRA, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, focuses on strengthening university-enterprise collaboration for resilient communities. Ateneo de Manila University, in partnership with government entities, industry partners, and non-government organizations, has been at the forefront of this collaborative effort.

During the TECH PLANTER Demo day, startups stole the spotlight as they showcased their deep technologies, all geared towards tackling real-world challenges. The presentations were off the charts, demonstrating how collaboration across different fields can tackle the tough issues faced by communities in the region. The event highlighted the undeniable potential of innovative and resilient approaches to create a profound and far-reaching impact on society.

Amidst fierce competition, 46 applications were thoroughly evaluated, resulting in the selection of 9 finalists and 6 lightning talk teams. These talented participants were given the opportunity to pitch their ideas and innovations to an esteemed panel of judges, as well as a captivated audience comprising researchers, investors, and aspiring students from DOST Project SET. Notable among the finalists were EnviSense, an incubated startup from Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, showcasing their groundbreaking customizable groundwater monitoring system, and Stage Biotech, hailing from Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering (ARISE), with their impressive open-source medium-scale cellular bioreactor. Additionally, one of the lightning talk teams included Tidal Philippines by Saltric, another AIPO-incubated startup, which presented their innovative energy-gathering tidal turbines.

The pinnacle of TECH PLANTER, DEMO DAY, culminates in the proclamation of a Grand Winner and Leave a Nest Awardee, who will earn the opportunity to compete in the highly anticipated TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2023 scheduled to take place in Malaysia on August 26, 2023. Alongside these coveted titles, corporate awards will also be presented, generously supported by esteemed local and global partners. The selection of winners will be carefully deliberated by an esteemed panel of judges representing local incubators, corporations, government institutions such as PLDT, Inc., DOST-PCIEERD, QBO | Ideaspace, NRI Singapore Pte. Ltd. Manila Branch, and Beavrr, as well as prominent Japanese corporations, including Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc., Focus Systems Corporation, EBARA Corporation, Euglena Co., Ltd., and Real Tech Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd.

The TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2023: DEMO DAY serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the tireless efforts of researchers and entrepreneurs who are driving positive change. With the support of the Ateneo de Manila University and Leave a Nest Philippines partnership, these aspiring startups are equipped with the resources and platform to make a lasting impact on society.

For more information about AIPO and its services, please visit www.aipo.ateneo.edu or email them at aipo@ateneo.edu. You may also check out its Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the latest updates and announcements. For more information about Leave a Nest and its services, please visit global.lne.st.