MENU
PHILIPPINES

Visayas TECH PLANTER 2025

Discovering and nurturing Real Tech seeds
and entrepreneurs in the Philippines
ABOUT
Purpose
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2025 is a pitching competition joined by teams of researchers and/or deep technology startups with a passion to bring change and impact to the world. However, the pitching competition itself is just one aspect of the whole initiative, as Leave a Nest also pushes the collaboration between ventures and big companies to create new businesses.

This program has been running in Japan since 2014, and it will be the 8th year to implement it in the Philippines this 2024.
Target
  • Pre-startup researchers in the different science and technology fields, even if they only have the idea so far.
  • Early stage startups, research teams or individuals in deep technology who are affiliated with institutions, startups, or companies in the Visayas.
  • Mature startups or SMEs seeking collaborators, even if they are close to mass production or PMF establishment.
  • Visionaries that aim to change the world and/or their own country to a better place using science- and technology-based seeds.
  • Those who are interested in the Japanese market or collaboration with Japanese corporations.
Categories of the TECH
Bio, Eco, Med, Food, Agri, Marine, Deep
Application Period
2025/3/1(Sat)-2025/5/25(Sun)
Judging Criteria
A panel of judges consisting of Leave a Nest and its partners will evaluate each of the following items.
  1. 01NOVELTY
  2. 02PRACTICABILITY
  3. 03IMPACT TO
    THE WORLD
  4. 04PASSION
Awards
Grand Winner: Php 30,000
Leave a Nest Award: Travel and Accommodation Support to the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025 to be held in Manila
Quest Ventures Award: Mentoring Hours for 3 teams on Business Development and Pitching
Ajinomoto Philippines Award: Php 20,000
Focus Systems Award: Php 20,000
Shinmaywa Award: Php 20,000
SCHEDULE
3/2[SUN]

Entry open

Please register from here and fill out the web form to apply.
We also hold information sessions at each university and on an individual to encourage your full registration to tell you how to prepare documents. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

5/25[SUN]

Application deadline & 1st selection

After our closing the application window, a panel of judges consisting of Leave a Nest and its partners will review the applications.
Applicants will be asked to submit information about their team, technology, passion, and future vision via web form.
All applicants will be notified of the results of the screening process and will receive feedback on their applications.
In addition, online individual interviews will be held for those who wish to participate in the presentation review.

6/16[MON]

Announcement of finalists

Selected Finalists will be announced in the middle of April.
For applicants who pass the selection, interviews will be held to brush up their presentations for the final DEMO DAY.
In addition, it is possible to set up interviews with partner companies for the purpose of business consultation and to develop collaboration projects.

8/2[SAT]

Visayas TECH PLANTER 2025

The 9 finalist teams that passed our selection will be judged on their presentations.

Aug-

Supporting period

Even after the DEMO DAY, the contact point between teams and Leave a Nest remains open, allowing discussions to develop their business..
We are responding to a wide range of start-up issues, from incorporation to prototype development, financing, and R&D.
In addition, collaboration between teams and partner companies is becoming more popular in this period to support business development.

PARTNER
Global Partners
Local Partners
Strategic Partners
ASSET
  1. ASSET01Leave a Nest Communicator
  2. ASSET02Japanese Partner Companies
  3. ASSET03Local Partners
SUPPORT
  1. SUPPORT01Organizing the vision your business
  2. SUPPORT02Brushing up your presentation
  3. SUPPORT03Opportunities for collaboration with Japanese corporates
  4. SUPPORT04Support for R&D and prototype development
  5. SUPPORT05Support for Knowledge and IP Strategies
  6. SUPPORT06Investment and support for finance
DEMO DAY
Name of the DEMO DAY
Visayas TECH PLANTER 2025
Place
Grand Ballroom, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Nivel Hills, Cebu Veterans Dr, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Date & Time
2025/8/2 (Sat)13:00-18:00 in Philippine Time
Application Period
2025/3/1(Sat)-2025/5/25(Sun)
Eligible Participants
Deep Tech Startups and Research Teams
Organizer
Leave a Nest Philippines
Timeline
@Philippine Time
13:00～13:30
Opening Ceremony
13:30～16:30
Finalist Presentations
16:30～17:30
Judging, Lightning talks & Poster presentation
17:30～18:00
Awarding & Closing Ceremony
JUDGE
  • Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla
    Chief judge
    Managing Director, Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.,
    Human Development Division, Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. Japan
    Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla
    Yev was born and raised in Iloilo City, Philippines. He graduated with a degree in BS Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Visayas, after which he worked as an instructor at the University of the Philippines – Manila. He came to Japan in 2013 to pursue graduate studies where he acquired his Masters in Health Life Sciences and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2020, he joined Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. and is currently under the Human Development Division, and is part of the Kansai/Osaka office, as well as the Group Creation Division. He is also a Balik Scientist Awardee for 2020~2021, and is a co-founder and the Managing Director for Leave a Nest’s Philippine office, their newest subsidiary.
  • Mr. Koichiro Watabe
    Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation
    Mr. Koichiro Watabe
    Koichiro Watabe holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Chemistry and is currently the Associate Director of R&D and Quality Assurance at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. Since joining Ajinomoto Co., Inc., he has played a key role in the development and industrialization of seasonings and processed foods, contributing to projects across Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and other Asian markets.
  • Mr. Ryo Inori
    Business Creation Department, Focus Systems Corporation
    Mr. Ryo Inori
    Ryo Inori joined Focus Systems Corporation in 2015. He is responsible for the sales of information security products such as data encryption for the financial industry, as well as content security products such as copyright protection for still and moving digital data. He has been promoting information security products such as data encryption for the financial industry, as well as content security products such as copyright protection for digital data of still and moving images. He is also engaged in the promotion of services in the manufacturing and medical industries. Currently, in parallel with his product sales activities, he is also working with startup companies and university research laboratories.
  • Mr. Takahide Kanesaka
    ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
    Mr. Takahide Kanesaka
    Takahide Kanesaka joined ShinMaywa Parking Technologies, Ltd. in 2007 and has since been engaged in sales related to the maintenance of the company's mechanical parking systems. In 2023, he proposed a new business with the aim of contributing to decarbonization through mangrove planting, as part of an internal business contest at ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. He is currently leading mangrove planting initiatives in the waters of Cebu, while also developing related businesses in neighboring communities. Through these activities, he aims to build a broad network of business partners in the Philippines.
  • Mr. Yuta Akakuma
    naturenix Inc.
    Mr. Yuta Akakuma
    Yuta is a trilingual entrepreneur and operator with a track record of building and scaling ventures across Asia. He has founded multiple cross-border startups in mobility, energy, and sustainability, and previously served on the management board of a global Tier-1 automotive supplier. As Head of BD and board director, he helped lead a deep-tech battery materials company to a successful NASDAQ listing. Now as COO of naturenix Inc., he drives climate-tech commercialization and regional growth. Yuta bridges technology, capital, and execution, actively contributing to the startup ecosystem across Japan and Southeast Asia.
  • Ms. April Ong Vaño
    Quest Ventures
    Ms. April Ong Vaño
    At Quest Ventures, April works closely with startups to accelerate their growth through a combination of acceleration services and programmes. In the Philippines, April has worked with the private sector and government agencies in policy development, innovation programs and startup ecosystem development support. Currently based in Cebu, she plays an active role in regional startup innovation initiatives including the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Startup Ecosystem Builders and Fiestartup. April is an SDG advocate and champion for women empowerment, education and environmental sustainability.
  • Engr. Francis Dy
    Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    Engr. Francis Dy
    Engr. Francis L. Dy is an entrepreneur and engineer with over three decades of leadership in security, communications, and energy-efficient technology. He is President of Greenworld LED Solutions Inc. and GKB Security Solutions Inc., and Proprietor of Hello Marketing. He holds a Ph.D. in Management, an EMBA, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of San Carlos. A licensed civil engineer, he also owns a patent for a virtual education system and is an active speaker and civic leader, notably serving as President of Cebu Long Se Temple and currently the Vice President for Business Advocacy, and Policy of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
  • Mr. Rino Dominic Cabungcal
    DOST Region 7
    Mr. Rino Dominic Cabungcal
    Rino Dominic C. Cabungcal is a Science Research Specialist, currently serving as the Provincial StartUp and Innovation Coordinator & Innovation HUb Manager for Cebu Province. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Cebu Doctors' University and brings a unique blend of technical experience and a deep commitment to fostering community-driven solutions.
    With the engagements at the Department of Science and Technology, Rino has spearheaded initiatives that transcend into interconnect innovation and building a thriving ecosystem for startups, technology and innovation development in the province and the region. His work focuses on leveraging science and technology for societal progress.
    Guided by the mantra, “Before anything else, let them first be human,” Rino envisions a future where innovation and compassion transform lives and empower communities, reflects in the passion for enhancing lives through innovation and compassion.
  • Ms. Maria Elena ‘Nannette’ Arbon
    Startup Island PH
    Ms. Maria Elena ‘Nannette’ Arbon
    Nannette Arbon is one of the Founders of StartupIsland PH, a Cebu-based platform dedicated to nurturing and accelerating Philippine startups through community building, mentorship and innovation driven programs. A graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, she has held various leadership positions at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) across all four provinces of the Central Visayas and recently retired as the Regional Director of DTI Region VII. Throughout her public service career, she championed initiatives supporting tech-enabled startups, MSMEs and the creative sector, including the long running StartupIsland Mentoring Program, and the establishment of FabLabs. She continues to support and advocate for inclusive tech-enabled innovation and ecosystem growth in the Visayas region.
FINALIST
  • AVAMOS μSORB Innovators
    Jaden Joguilon, 4th year B.S Chem Student
    AVAMOS μSORB addresses the issue of increasing pollution from wastewater effluents as well as the surplus waste of green mussel shells in Western Visayas.

    Theme:
    AVAMOS μSORB addresses the issue of increasing pollution from wastewater effluents as well as the surplus waste of green mussel shells in Western Visayas.

  • Green Solution.Ph
    Ian Fred L. Solas, CEO
    Waste to energy company specialized in producing biofuel from Landfill Waste, Industrial waste, Market waste and Medical Hazardous Waste. we are are also producing Biofuel from CME Biodiesel or Coconut Methyl Ester Biodiesel, Palm Oil Biodiesel.

    Theme:
    Waste to energy company specialized in producing biofuel from Landfill Waste, Industrial waste, Market waste and Medical Hazardous Waste. we are are also producing Biofuel from CME Biodiesel or Coconut Methyl Ester Biodiesel, Palm Oil Biodiesel.

  • Kuray Innovations
    Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio
    Fish decline devastates coastal livelihoods, yet existing reef restoration struggles with pollution, deployment, and effectiveness—leaving fishermen with fewer catches and communities without sustainable income.

    Theme:
    Fish decline devastates coastal livelihoods, yet existing reef restoration struggles with pollution, deployment, and effectiveness—leaving fishermen with fewer catches and communities without sustainable income.

  • Team Brainstormers
    Anghel Ramonica A. Tapang
    The study explores the use of 10 Hz frequency waves and hydroacoustic transducers to attract and capture threadfin bream (lagaw) for sustainable fishing practices, marine ecosystem preservation, and livelihood support.

    Theme:
    The study explores the use of 10 Hz frequency waves and hydroacoustic transducers to attract and capture threadfin bream (lagaw) for sustainable fishing practices, marine ecosystem preservation, and livelihood support.

  • Team Burger
    Chrislyn Saballero
    The Precision Fish Fingerlings Counter is designed to accurately count fish fingerlings using water channels and a sliding mechanism, ensuring efficient monitoring and management in aquaculture.

    Theme:
    The Precision Fish Fingerlings Counter is designed to accurately count fish fingerlings using water channels and a sliding mechanism, ensuring efficient monitoring and management in aquaculture.

  • Team TANAW
    ENGR. RAVEN C. TABIONGAN, Project Leader
    Project TANAW addresses gaps in urban disaster resilience by using 3D-printed models, AR, and geospatial tech to visualize infrastructure vulnerabilities and high-risk areas for better planning.

    Theme:
    Project TANAW addresses gaps in urban disaster resilience by using 3D-printed models, AR, and geospatial tech to visualize infrastructure vulnerabilities and high-risk areas for better planning.

  • EKS-CACAO
    Edrian Kyle B. Verzosa
    Philippine cacao cultivation suffers from black pod rot, treated with copper fungicides. We explore cacao-associated rhizobacteria with antimicrobial metabolites as safer biocontrol alternatives.

    Theme:
    Philippine cacao cultivation suffers from black pod rot, treated with copper fungicides. We explore cacao-associated rhizobacteria with antimicrobial metabolites as safer biocontrol alternatives.

  • ZenLabs Venture Management Inc.
    Zeno Martinez, CEO
    A tech-assisted barangay garden model addressing food insecurity among landless and smallholder families using AI, solar water systems, and community labor.

    Theme:
    A tech-assisted barangay garden model addressing food insecurity among landless and smallholder families using AI, solar water systems, and community labor.

  • ThermoZyme
    Kelcie Miguel S. Jacob
    TAM-IS Enziboost: Thermophile-Activated Microbial Inoculant System for Enzyme Boost

    Theme:
    TAM-IS Enziboost: Thermophile-Activated Microbial Inoculant System for Enzyme Boost

LIGHTNING TALK
Team Theme Representative
EcoSpun EcoSpinner transforms HDPE plastic waste into wools and threads, addressing the gap in HDPE recycling and reducing flooding caused by clogged drainage systems in urban areas like Iloilo City. Carl Alexander A. Macias
PackUp Management Consultancy Services Pharmapack is an innovative pharmaceutical packaging solution designed to enhance medication adherence and accessibility for the elderly and visually impaired, promoting independence, safety, and dignity. Matt Rafael M. Genito
MuSEEum MuSEEuM addresses limited museum reach and costly school trips by using immersive tech to reconnect students with culture and preserve heritage through accessible, gamified digital learning. Vicente F. Patalita III
Volt0₃ We address poor germination in aged rice grains by comparing electrical and ozone treatments, aiming to boost yields and reduce seed waste for better economic impact in Philippine agriculture. Seanne Austin G. Soliva
DAPPLI DAPPLI helps Filipinos plan meals Innovative treatments, reducing food waste and repetitive dishes, while providing allergy-friendly, easy-to-use recipes that celebrate Filipino cuisine Jesse Jot P. Auman
Nutrilink AllerKit addresses the lack of accessible allergy testing in the Philippines with a non-invasive, affordable kit, bridging gaps in awareness and diagnosis as revealed by FOI data. Jomer Janaban Ruego
NEWS
Mindanao’s Innovation Takes Center Stage: Waste4Good Technologies Crowned Champion at Inaugural Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025 Demo Day!
2025/07/25 Mindanao’s Innovation Takes Center Stage: Waste4Good Technologies Crowned Champion at Inaugural Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025 Demo Day!
  • Mindanao TECH PLANTER
  • Philippines
Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025 unveils Local and Foreign Partners and Judges to Propel Regional Innovation
2025/07/17 Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025 unveils Local and Foreign Partners and Judges to Propel Regional Innovation
  • Mindanao TECH PLANTER
  • Philippines
  • ニュース
Unlocking Mindanao’s Innovation Frontier: Finalists and Lightning Talk Teams of the Inaugural Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025!
2025/07/11 Unlocking Mindanao’s Innovation Frontier: Finalists and Lightning Talk Teams of the Inaugural Mindanao TECH PLANTER 2025!
  • Mindanao TECH PLANTER
  • Philippines
CirPro Innovations Corp crowned as Grand Winner: TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2025 pushed for Sustainability!
2025/05/20 CirPro Innovations Corp crowned as Grand Winner: TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2025 pushed for Sustainability!
  • English News
  • Philippines