A pump controller for efficient water distribution (R-Tap), an online energy audit solution to monitor elecrity use in real time (Wattsmart), and a three-fold bicycle that can be taken anywhere (Nyfti) are among the winners of the technology startup competition launched by IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc.
Other winners are Tambio, an raffle application; MyChild, a online and mobile platform for parents and schools to work together to make a child perform well in school; Tactiles, a hardware kit for basic electronics education; SmartFleet, a technology platform providing transport fleets with operations, automation, booking, and analytics solutions; SALt, a sustainable lighting solutions powered by water and table-salt; FlipTrip.ph, an online travel platform for itinerary customization and booking; and BlueLemons, a Filipino-themed mobile gaming studio.
Each winner will be provided at least PhP 1 million worth of seed funding investment, training and services, plus business mentoring and office space in Makati. Housing accommodations will also be made available for participants from outside Metro Manila.
The contest involved three rounds of judging, at the end of which 17 finalists emerged from the 600 entries submitted. The finalists went through two-month intensive incubation, mentoring and training to build up their products as well as their entrepreneurial skills. They also received an initial grant of Php P100,000 each, of which P50,000 was given in cash for purposes of product development.
The winners were announced at a Finals Night held on June 5. Guest speaker was prominent business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan.
The competition aims to spur technology innovations that can positively impact the lives of billions of people living in emerging markets like the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.
Photo: from ph.austronesia.net