Innovate with QC: Shaping the future through Design Thinking

Ateneo de Manila University joined the national celebration of Philippine Startup Week 2024 (PHSW2024) on 14 November 2024, with its community event, "Innovate with QC: Shaping the Future through Design Thinking." Organized in collaboration with Startup QC and the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), the event showcased how design thinking could empower potential Startup QC grant applicants to validate and generate ideas for funding. It also served as a roadshow to promote the Startup QC grant, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation within the local entrepreneurial community.

Philippine Startup Week 2024

Now on its sixth run, Philippine Startup Week 2024 was held from 11 to 15 November 2024. This nationwide conference brought together the local startup community, highlighting various sectors, entities, and high-potential Filipino startups contributing to the growing Philippine startup ecosystem. The event engaged startup founders, investors, corporates, academia, media, and government agencies to promote collaboration, innovation, and the support available to further grow the Philippine startup ecosystem.

Highlights of Innovate with QC

During the 14 November event held in VCP Building, Quezon City, Mr Jay Pineda, currently the Head for the grant program, introduced the Startup QC Squad 2 grant for students, presenting it as an opportunity for student innovators to receive support in bringing their startup ideas to life. Ms Isa Songco, a previous winner of the grant, shared her inspirational journey as a motivational speaker. Meanwhile, Ms Mariela Alcaparas and Mr Steve Chaves of Ateneo facilitated hands-on design thinking sessions, guiding participants in exploring methodologies to refine their ideas for funding.

The audience, composed of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts, actively participated, underscoring the growing enthusiasm and potential of the local startup scene. AIPO expressed its appreciation to all attendees for their commitment to fostering a culture of innovation.

Innovate with QC: Design Thinking Workshop (Round 2)

To build on the success of the November 14 event, AIPO and Startup QC organized "Innovate with QC: Design Thinking Workshop (Round 2)" on 28 November 2024 in Hexagon Events Place, Quezon City. This follow-up workshop provided student startups with an in-depth experience in applying design thinking methodologies to refine their concepts further. Pineda once again introduced the Startup QC Squad 2 grant, while Ms Noelle Placer, another grant winner, inspired participants with her success story. Facilitators Alcaparas and Chaves led the interactive sessions, helping participants develop actionable solutions.

About the Startup QC Grant

The Startup QC Student Category is still open for applications! This grant program aims to support student innovators who are passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation. It offers access to resources and mentorship, enabling participants to bring their startup ideas to fruition.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in any university or college in the Philippines at the time of application
• Individuals or teams are welcome to apply
• At least one member must be a resident of Quezon City
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• No relatives of applicants should be part of the program committee
• Teams must present a viable business plan
• Projects or programs proposed must not duplicate ongoing initiatives of the Quezon City Government

Application Deadline: 20 December 2024, 5:00 PM
How to Apply: qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph/

Ateneo’s Continued Commitment to Innovation

Through these initiatives, AIPO reaffirmed its dedication to empowering student entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive startup landscape. By promoting design thinking and facilitating access to critical resources, these events aim to bridge the gap between ideation and execution.

Ateneo de Manila University, together with its partners, remains steadfast in inspiring and supporting the next generation of changemakers. With programs like Startup QC and Philippine Startup Week, the university continues to shape a future where creativity and collaboration drive positive change.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities as Ateneo and AIPO lead the charge in cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Interested in how design thinking can help you and your team? Visit aipo.ateneo.edu/designthinking or send us an email at aipo@ateneo.edu. 

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