Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements
The DOST-PCAARRD Open Innovation Challenge Program opens the opportunities to Filipino innovators in agriculture and aquaculture sector. The competition is open to all startups with agri-aqua technologies in early-stage prototypes, minimum viable product, up to product to market stage.
The program is divided into two categories:
- Professional Category
This includes zero to five (0-5) year old startups established by Filipino citizens. Under meritorious cases, a start-up that does not satisfy the requirement may still qualify upon the reconsideration of the DOST EXECOM. Maximum of four (4) members with a designated team leader. Applicants must either have intellectual property or technology-based startup. - Student Category
Team of Filipino college and graduate students with agri-aqua technologies in early-stage prototypes. Maximum of three (3) students and one (1) mentor coming from the same university. Applicants must present a clearance document from their respective school officials to substantiate that they are allowed to compete and represent their school.
Applicants are required to register through the competition portal and upload the following:
- Video pitch 3-5 minutes in length
- Pitch in Powerpoint format with at least the following information:
- Problem description
- Solution
- Features
- Target market segment
- Status/Traction
- Proposed use of cash prize
- Documentary requirement per category
A total of twenty (20) applicants per category shall initially qualify to join this program. They will be participants to undergo the screening process through rigorous training and mentoring.
The Demo Day is the culminating activity of the Open Innovation Challenge Program where only ten (10) remaining participants for each category can showcase product to potential investors, partners, or customers through a pitching event.
Winners of the Demo Day shall receive the funds to further support the development and growth of their startups.
