QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The National Innovation Council (NIC) has launched the inaugural regional and national Filipinnovation Awards, a nationwide competition designed to recognize and support Filipino innovators or “Filipinnovators” poised for commercialization.
This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and connect promising ideas with investors and stakeholders.
“These are the innovators ready for commercialization, meaning they already have a prototype, whether it’s a product, a new service, or an enhancement in their industry’s processes,” said Diane Gail Maharjan, Innovation Staff Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) during Monday’s Impormasyon at Aksyon teleradyo program, being presented by the Philippine Information Agency.
The competition welcomes innovations in three key areas: food and agribusiness, health and well-being, and learning and education.
Open to businesses, startups, and inventors with registrations from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the contest will be held at two levels: Subnational and National.
“This is not just a competition but a platform to recognize the brilliance of Filipinos. We are inherently creative, and we want to hear the stories of our countrymen,” Maharjan added.
Fifteen subnational finalists will receive coaching and mentoring before advancing to the national level, where the top five entrants will be awarded grants and national recognition.
Additionally, the remaining ten finalists will receive cash prizes to further develop their innovations.
Applications for the Filipinnovation Awards are open until March 20, and interested participants can apply via the NEDA portal at filipinnovation.neda.gov.ph. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
