Ralph Ebora, NEXPH Program Manager for Startup Development, discusses the topic of transitioning to a clean energy economy.
The challenge of transitioning to clean energy
The transition to a 100% clean energy system is a complex undertaking. Energy systems are deeply foundational, influencing every aspect of human society. Transforming infrastructures built over centuries requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, resources, innovative approaches, and precise timing to succeed.
Key issues such as transforming transport systems, increasing renewable energy adoption, and enabling energy consumers to use energy more efficiently are regularly discussed in conferences and meetings. While some ideas inspire change in communities, many remain just discussions due to limited resources and a lack of clarity on how to proceed.
Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy
What are hackathons for?
Hackathons are events that bring together individuals from diverse sectors to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges. They provide an impactful platform for turning discussions into action.
The concept of a hackathon combines “hack” (exploratory coding) with “marathon,” emphasizing intensive teamwork and rapid prototyping. While originally centered on software, hackathons have evolved to encompass broader challenges, including those in energy and climate innovation.
Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2023
Climate and energy hackathons in the Philippines
Over the past four years, New Energy Nexus Philippines has hosted an annual hackathon to gather energy and climate innovators. These events provide participants with feedback from industry practitioners, improving the feasibility and marketability of their ideas, as well as resources to develop their solutions further.
Continuing this tradition, Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy assembled over 30 participants from across the Philippines for 2.5 days of collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Teams left not just with ideas but with actionable solutions ready for testing and implementation.
Bradley Cua, resource speaker, engages participants during the gallery walk session, discussing the challenge statement on energy efficiency in industries and offering additional insights.
The hackathon began with participants arriving with eager minds and a shared commitment to solve some of the country’s most pressing energy challenges. The first two days saw participants discuss key energy topics in the Philippines, such as energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and renewable energy adoption.
Drawing from the discussions, they then teamed up to brainstorm viable energy solutions. Experienced business and tech mentors helped narrow down their concepts based on feasibility, marketability, and potential impact.
Joshua Bascos of Team WATTsUp presenting their startup idea during the Day 2 mentoring session.
On the final day, the teams had a few minutes to pitch their solutions to a panel of judges, who probed their ideas, which ranged from eco-friendly briquettes to AI-powered energy assistants. In the end, four standout teams were recognized: Greenewables, SmartER, SolScribe, and WATTsUp.
The hackathon succeeded by generating innovative solutions through a collective effort from its participants. More importantly, it built strong bonds among the country’s future energy changemakers.
Engr. Erickson Tacda and Dr. Marilyn Calub of Greenwables receive the RSC 2024 Grand Champion and Best Pitcher Award.
The impact of collective innovation
The hackathon demonstrated the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing decades-old energy challenges. By bringing together passionate individuals and providing them with resources and guidance, New Energy Nexus Philippines fostered a space where transformative ideas could take root.
The real challenge lies ahead—ensuring that these promising innovations continue to develop and deliver the impact they envision. As these solutions progress, they serve as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in the Philippines and beyond.
Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy
Brenda Valerio is the country director of New Energy Nexus Philippines.