Cebu, Philippines, December 6, 2023 – The 8th Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC), a premier event aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of information and communications technology, culminated in a grand celebration of talent and creativity at the Vista Mar Beach Resort and Country Club in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu. Clarity, an AI-powered tool from Team Clarity at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, Region 2, was awarded the championship for its exceptional utility in simplifying coding learning and practice.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) led by Director Emmy Lou Delfin organized this prestigious event. PSC 8 marked a significant milestone in the program’s history, boasting the highest participation since its inception in 2014, with 629 entries from student-led startups across various educational institutions.

DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue opened the event with an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. She highlighted the DICT’s role under the Republic Act No. 11337, known as the “Innovative Startup Act of 2019”, and the department’s commitment to nurturing the Philippine Startup Ecosystem through various support projects and initiatives.

This year’s challenge saw a diverse range of entries, but it was Clarity that stole the spotlight. The AI-powered tool, designed to assist developers in navigating complex coding scenarios, is a testament to the innovative spirit and technical prowess of Filipino students. It aims to make coding more accessible, particularly for educational institutions, IT firms, and individual developers, by providing contextual insights into code.

Joining Clarity in the winners’ circle were:

– 1st Runner-up: Dormy (Team The Barbenheimer) from the University of Santo Tomas, NCR.

– 2nd Runner-up: Aquasense (Team Aquasense) from West Visayas State University, Region 6.

– 3rd Runner-up: Eyeway (Team IITIANS) from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Region 10.

– 4th Runner-up: Para Po! (Team Enigma Co.) from the University of the Cordilleras, CAR.

Special awards were presented to GAWA (Best Startup Logo) and Dormy (Best Startup Pitch Presenter and Best Startup Video Pitch).

The judging panel included esteemed industry leaders and experts who assessed the startups based on innovation, viability, and impact. The panel comprised of esteemed figures in the startup and innovations scene, namely Mack Comandante, Jonathan de Luzuriaga, Carlo Calimon, Joseph de Leon, Dr. Joey Suba, Dr. Kenny Bayudan, and Mariah Brenda Valerio.

Secretary Ivan John Uy, in his closing remarks, reiterated the DICT’s commitment to fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem characterized by innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. The DICT, through its various initiatives, continues to support the growth and development of startups in the Philippines. Uy emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting the startup community, highlighting the role of DSDAP in enriching the Philippine Startup Ecosystem.

The success of PSC 8 paves the way for further highlighting Filipino startup excellence in future iterations of the challenge and other initiatives under the IIDB’s Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP).

The success of PSC 8 sets the stage for future iterations of the competition, aiming to showcase Filipino startup excellence on a global scale.

The DICT, through its various initiatives, continues to support the growth and development of startups in the Philippines.

The Philippine Startup Challenge 8 was not just a competition, but a testament to the dynamic and resilient spirit of Filipino innovation. It serves as a beacon of hope and progress for the nation, paving the way for a future rich in technology and entrepreneurship.

The success of the Philippine Startup Challenge 8 sets a precedent for future iterations and other initiatives under the IIDB’s DSDAP. The DICT, in alignment with the industry’s aspirations, continues to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity among Filipino startups.

The Philippine Startup Challenge 8 culminated in a showcase of ten finalists from more than 600 entries, each presenting unique solutions across various sectors. These finalists, hailing from different regions, demonstrated the vibrant and diverse nature of the Philippine startup ecosystem.

1. Para Po! (Cordillera Administrative Region): A jeepney navigation app offering a gamified experience for navigating Baguio City’s routes, targeting SDG 11.2 and SDG 8.9.
2. Clarity (Cagayan Valley): An AI-powered assistant integrated with code editors, designed to enhance developers’ experience using Langchain and Large Language Models (LLMs).
3. GAWA (CALABARZON): A platform transforming access to home services, connecting users with service providers and fostering economic empowerment and inclusivity.
4. AquaSense (Western Visayas): An IoT-based centralized management system for fish farms, aimed at enhancing efficiency and simplifying operations.
5. Blood Barkada (Central Visayas): An app addressing blood shortages by connecting donors and recipients, designed for ease and innovation, and aiming for broad national impact.
6. NEXA (Eastern Visayas): A payment solution allowing offline transactions, linking multiple e-wallets and bank accounts, and enhancing consumer experience with heightened security.
7. EYEWAY (Northern Mindanao): An AI and IoT-powered solution for road infrastructure management, aimed at optimizing maintenance for government transportation agencies.
8. Artiverse (SOCCSKSARGEN): A web-based platform revitalizing the Filipino creative industry by connecting artists with opportunities and ensuring secure transactions.
9. SnapScout (CARAGA): A product sourcing app with an eProcurement service emphasizing local canvassing.
10. Dormy (National Capital Region): A FinTech-enabled marketplace digitizing the renters’ journey, from property search to contract signing and rental payments.

Each startup reflects a commitment to innovation, addressing specific challenges and contributing to the Philippines’ growth in technology and entrepreneurship. The Philippine Startup Challenge 8 highlights these emerging talents as they pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future.

For more information on the Philippine Startup Challenge and other initiatives, please visit [DICT’s official website](https://www.dict.gov.ph/).