HACKATHON (Applications closed for 2024)

Ready Spark Charge: Hacking the future of energy

About

The Philippine startup ecosystem has rapidly grown, supported by government initiatives and funding from both public and private sectors. Over 50 technology business incubators are spread across the country, funded primarily by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agencies and private organizations. Despite this growth, energy and climate-focused startups remain underrepresented.

To bridge this gap, the “Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy” initiative was launched with these key objectives:

Promote Awareness: Spark interest among aspiring entrepreneurs in climate and energy solutions.

Platform for Innovation: Showcase ventures and connect startups with industry experts and key stakeholders.

Accelerate Growth: Equip startups with resources, expert mentorship, and tailored acceleration programs.

Diversify the Ecosystem: Expand the climate-tech landscape, strengthening the Philippines’ contributions to sustainable innovation.

Who can participate

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.

What you get

Rewards
  • Up to PHP 50,000 worth of prizes await the top 3 teams
  • 1st Runner up: Php 30,000.00
  • 2nd Runner up: Php 15,000.00
  • Special Recognition Awards (equivalent to Php 2,000.00 per award)
  • Consolation prizes of Php 1,000.00 per team will also be awarded
Benefits
  • AWS credits upto USD 10,000
  • Merchandise and other freebies
  • Post hackathon support
Mentorship & networking
  • Access to industry experts
  • Global platform exposure
  • Access to the thriving energy sector in the Philippines. 

Industry

challenge areas

Energy efficiency

Households, commercial buildings, manufacturing & heavy industries

Sustainable Transport

Electrification of public transport, EV charging infrastructure and storage, shared mobility

Renewable Energy Adoption

Energy access, variability of renewable energy sources, financing mechanisms

Timeline

14 NOV 2024

Day 1: Startup Conceptualization and team formation

15 NOV 2024

Day 2: Mentoring and pitch deck development

16 NOV 2024

Day 3: Pitching Day!

HACKATHON PARTNERS
Program (Applications closed for 2024)

SolarSTEP

About

The goal of the SolarSTEP (Solar SMEs Training & Entrepreneurship Program) is to equip community representatives, mechanics and engineers with knowledge they can use to implement solar projects and businesses to accelerate the use of renewable energy in local communities across Thailand. The program aims to strengthen local solar entrepreneurs to increase the survival rates of solar MSMEs in Thailand and make efficient clean energy accessible to everyone.

We are expanding our training program to cover all four regions of Thailand with limited registration slots available. This year, we’ll launch a new training center in Chiang Mai (Northern area) by Q1 2024, followed by Nakhon Chai Sri (Central area) in Q2 2024, Rayong or Chonburi (Eastern area) in Q3 2024, and Song Khla (Southern area) in Q4 2024. Finally, we’ll open a center in Nakhon Ratchasima or Khon Kaen (E-saan area) by Q1 2025.

Program Benefits:

Technical Training

Through hands-on workshops and training sessions, participants will learn about solar panel design, Open Solar software, battery and inverter installation.

Mentorship

Participants get to meet and learn from industry experts and have the opportunity to network with local governmental organizations.

Business Knowledge

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and the necessary business skills and learn about the different types of solar business models.

What’s
included:

2 in-person bootcamps

10 online bootcamps

3 site visits

12 mentoring sessions

(45 mins/session)/each enterprise

Grants distribution

PAST PROGRAM

SolarSTEP 2023

In partnership with PEA ENCOM Smart Solution, a subsidiary company of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand, we hosted the SolarSTEP training for 44 solar entrepreneurs from various provinces across Thailand.

Intending to empower Solar EPCs across the country, the intensive 2-day training program was designed to decentralize solar MSMEs by providing training on solar energy assessment, solar ROI calculation, and an effective solar design and proposal software (OpenSolar) to people at the grassroots level.