The competition provides a platform for young scholars, entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers to showcase their innovative solutions and secure initial funding for new ideas that have potential to advance into meaningful projects. Participants likewise may gain access to mentorship, internship, and other resources that can help bring their innovative ideas to industry.

Objectives

• Promote a culture of innovation in the Philippines by drawing inspiration from Switzerland and elsewhere.
• Showcase innovative solutions of Swiss companies in the region.
• Support the development of new ideas that have potential to benefit people, environment, and economy.
• Bridge industry and academe in ensuring steady supply of globally competitive talents for economic development.

Eligibility

1. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students, early researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups based in the Philippines who have innovative ideas or projects that could contribute to economic development and societal improvement.
2. Individuals and teams can participate, but teams should not exceed three (3) members.
3. Participants must be between 18- 30 years old.

Evaluation criteria

• Potential Impact: The extent to which the proposed solution can address significant societal or environmental issues, and the potential for economic growth.
• Novelty and Innovation: The extent to which the idea or solution is new and innovative, as opposed to incremental improvements on existing solutions.
• Feasibility: Whether the idea or solution can be realistically developed and implemented within a reasonable time frame and budget.
• Sustainability: Whether the idea or solution considers environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Prize

The winning team or individual in each category will receive the following opportunities and prizes:

1st

• Financial reward of PHP 100,000.00
• Mentorship with the possibility of employment subject to policies of participating Swiss companies.
• Company visits of participating Swiss companies.
• Features in the business journal of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.
• Other resources to help bring their innovative ideas to industry.

2nd

• Financial reward of PHP 50,000.00
• Internship opportunities in participating Swiss companies.
• Company visits of participating Swiss companies
• Features in the business journal of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.
• Other resources to help bring their innovative ideas to industry.

3rd

• Financial reward of PHP 30,000.00
• Company visits of participating Swiss companies
• Features in the business journal of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.
• Other resources to help bring their innovative ideas to industry.

Official Competition Flyer  (PNG, 358.7 kB)

Application process, criterias and categories mechanics (PDF, 3 Pages, 101.3 kB, English)

Key dates

Deadline of entry submission: 29 September 2023

Notification of results: 16 October 2023

Final Round: 8-10 November 2023

• Site visits to Swiss companies 
• Oral presentation of projects
• Reception at the official residence of the Swiss Ambassador
• Awarding Ceremony

*Finalists will be invited to Manila for the final pitch and other activities.