Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy

About

The Philippine startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, backed by strong government initiatives and a growing network of over 50 technology business incubators across the country. Despite this progress, startups focused on energy and climate remain significantly underrepresented in bootcamps, competitions, and incubator programs.

To close this gap, “Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy” was launched—a startup hackathon dedicated to climate and energy solutions.

Hackathon objectives

Promote Awareness and Interest

Inspire startup enthusiasts and innovators to explore opportunities in the climate and energy sectors.

Provide a platform for ventures

Offer a stage for climate and energy startups to showcase their innovations, gain support from industry experts, and connect with key stakeholders.

Accelerate ventures & technologies

Help entrepreneurs fast-track the market entry of their solutions by providing access to industry experts, resources, and tailored acceleration programs.

Diversify the Philippine startup landscape

Increase the number of climate and energy-focused startups in the Philippines, broadening the country’s contribution to sustainable innovation and addressing industry challenges.

Prizes and benefits

 

Including:
  • Up to USD 10,000 AWS credits
  • Global platform exposure
  • Post-hackathon support
  • Access to industry experts
  • Merchandise and other freebies
Php
50,000.00

Grand Winner

Php
30,000.00

1st Runner Up

Php
15,000.00

2nd Runner Up

Special recognition awards

(*Equivalent to Php 2,000.00 per award)

  • Best Pitcher Award: Recognizing the participant or team with the most captivating and impactful presentation.
  • Innovative Male and Female Hacker Award: Celebrating the top male and female participants for creativity, technical excellence, and impact in addressing energy challenges.
  • Efficiency Champion Award: Awarded for the most innovative solution to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings, manufacturing, or households.
  • Sustainable Transport Innovator Award: Given to the participant with the most forward-thinking solution for electrification, EV infrastructure, or shared mobility.
  • Renewable Energy Trailblazer Award: Recognizing the most impactful solution for advancing renewable energy adoption, including energy access, variability management, or financing.

Consolation prizes of Php 1,000.00 per team will also be awarded.

Industry challenge areas

Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Transport
Renewable Energy Adoption
Energy Efficiency
  • Households: Outdated appliances, poor insulation, and energy-wasting habits drive inefficiency, leading to high energy consumption.
  • Commercial Buildings: Poor HVAC systems, lighting mismanagement, and lack of energy management systems lead to excessive operational costs and environmental impact.
  • Manufacturing & Heavy Industries: Outdated equipment and inefficient processes waste energy, with high upgrade costs and resistance to new technologies.
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Transport
Renewable Energy Adoption
Sustainable Transport
  • Electrification of Public Transport: High costs and infrastructure needs slow the transition to electric vehicles, prolonging fossil fuel dependency.
  • EV Charging & Storage: Inadequate charging infrastructure and storage solutions hinder widespread electric vehicle adoption and efficient energy use.
  • Shared Mobility: Insufficient infrastructure and low adoption rates limit the potential of car and bike-sharing systems.
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Transport
Renewable Energy Adoption
Renewable Energy Adoption
  • Energy Access: Remote regions lack reliable energy infrastructure, limiting renewable energy benefits for improving living standards and economic growth.
  • Variability of RE Sources: Intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind pose challenges to grid stability, with limited storage and forecasting solutions.
  • Financing Mechanisms: High upfront costs and financial uncertainties make it difficult to secure funding for renewable energy projects, hindering growth and investment.

Who can apply

  • University and college students who are interested in creating technology-driven solutions to address the country’s energy challenges.
  • Young professionals and employees from both public and private sectors aiming to start ventures focused on solving energy issues.
  • Startup founders, innovators and entrepreneurs looking to develop and scale energy-related solutions.