IGNITE 2023: Startup Pitch Winners, Prizes Finally Revealed
In the ever-evolving landscape of Southeast Asia’s (SEA) startup scene, IGNITE 2023 offered a dynamic platform for fostering connections and growth in business and technology industries. This two-day event, held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on October 12-13, played host to an inspiring convergence of innovative minds and talents, bridging the gap between local startups across the region.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
One of the event’s highlights was the WILDFIRE Startup Pitch Sessions, where startups pitched and competed to win prizes and access to acceleration programs by sponsor companies. 10 startups were carefully selected from a pool of applicants and presented their ideas on October 13. The winner of the pitching competition was SolX Technologies, an end-to-end digital energy solutions platform offering local businesses a cost-effective means of making informed decisions about their energy consumption.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
They earned the opportunity to pitch their ideas during the main conference of the Startup World Cup to be held in Silicon Valley. Airfare and accommodation will be sponsored by IGNITE. The stakes are high, as the grand winner of the Startup World Cup which will be held in the United States will secure $1 million in investments, making this program a potential game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration Program
Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration Program, Shell’s flagship enterprise development project dedicated to strengthening local economies by championing entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities. This dynamic initiative supports businesses at the forefront of innovation, with a primary focus on energy solutions, value chain integration, and economic diversification.
One of the program’s highlights was the Final Pitch Day, where the grand winner earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be seamlessly integrated into Shell’s extensive value chain. Furthermore, the victorious startup will be granted up to Php one million in equity-free cash, a vital resource for the growth and expansion of their business. This financial support comes after a comprehensive three-month mentorship program and a product development allowance of Php 100,000 for each of the three months during the acceleration program.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
In the 2023 edition, the winning startup was Mindoro’s Farmvocacy, Inc. which operates as a socially conscious climate fintech startup with a circular inclusive business model. Their mission is to support climate-smart rice farming, promoting environmentally friendly and high-yielding farming systems.
As the Philippines continues to strengthen its position in the global startup arena, IGNITE 2023 showcased our commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. This event has not only highlighted the potential of local startups but also bridged the gap to create opportunities in technology and business sectors across SEA.
IMAGE from IGNITE PH
