Going head-to-head with your peers is a great way to test skills, learn, and create opportunities. It is often said that competition breeds excellence.
This year, the QOMPETE: Intercollegiate Technopreneurs Challenge 2022 invited the best student technopreneurs from all over the country to test their creativity and innovation in this virtual competition.
What is QOMPETE?
QOMPETE, organized by QBO Innovation Hub in partnership with GIST iHub and VentureWell, is a pitching competition. It is designed to challenge participants into coming up with creative and innovative startup ideas and putting them to the test. The event started accepting teams in February of 2022. After an arduous selection process, 35 finalists were announced to be the official participants. During the next few weeks, the teams received mentoring, support, and resources to give them the best fighting chance to turn their ideas into reality.
Community Partners – image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/QBOphilippines
On March 24th, the top 10 finalists were announced.
Top 10 Finalists – image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/QBOphilippines
Mindanao Represents!
With great pride, we are happy to see that two of our very own Mindanao institutions were able to make the cut:
ReCool Technologies – a renewable cooling storage for fish aiming to eliminate the use of ice and single-use plastics through the use of seawater and the Sun. The team is from University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in CDO.
Sirena AI – a wearable drowning detection system that is capable of detecting if the wearer is in danger of drowning. It is both usable in pools and open water. The team represents Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology from Iligan City.
The Final Pitch
The teams able to get into the top 10 faced off in a virtual pitch that was judged on Feasibility, Market Potential, Relevance & Impact, and Team sustainability. During the three-hour live pitch, every team put their best foot forward, and presented their products and how these products would flourish in the tech market.
Prizes for the event included PHP 30 000.00, PHP 20 000.00, and PHP 10 000.00 for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placers respectively and the opportunity for mentoring from industry experts.
Announcement of Winners
After a few days of deliberation, the judges crowned Petagon from Ateneo de Manila as the CHAMPION. Petagon is a pet management platform that makes pet care more accessible and efficient. Up next, from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines right here in CDO, ReCool Technologies was announced as the 1st runner-up. Finally, the 2nd runner-up is Quarta from Bicol University, a mobile application that aims to bring financial literacy to rural communities.
QOMPETE Winners – image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/QBOphilippines
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! This is just the beginning of your startup journeys. The world of Information Technology is excited for your potential and what the future holds for your big ideas.
Again, a special shout-out to our Mindanao representatives, Recool Technologies and Sirena AI. Taking on challenges on the national scene and making your mark is no easy feat, we are proud of you!
If you are interested in technopreneurship, startups and pitching competitions, or similar events, keep checking out the QBO Philippines Facebook page for any news and more information about their upcoming events.
