PLDT Enterprise and Innolab Empower Start-ups at TECH PLANTER 2024 Demo Day

PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, in collaboration with PLDT's Innovation Laboratory, PLDT Innolab, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting start-ups at the TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2024 Demo Day, held at the Frassati Building, University of Santo Tomas. The event provided a platform for emerging start-ups to present their groundbreaking technologies and solutions aimed at addressing important social issues through science and technology.

PLDT Enterprise and PLDT Innolab award the 'Best Use of Technology' prize to Filrobotics Technologies, Inc., cementing their commitment to pushing innovation and technology forward by constantly supporting start-up businesses and their innovative ideas. [L-R] Kristine Dara Ever Juan, Head of Innovations Lab and Ecosystem Partnerships (Innolab) at PLDT Enterprise; Engr. Mary Grace Ann Bautista, Project Staff and Co-Investigator of Agrotis Project (University of Santo Tomas); Anthony James Bautista, PhD, Founder and Representative (Filrobotics Technologies, Inc.) and Associate Professor (University of Santo Tomas)

During the event, PLDT Enterprise awarded Filrobotics Technologies Inc., led by founder Anthony James Bautista, PhD, with the “Best Use of Technology Award” for their development of the AGROTIS Navigation System, an autonomous navigation system for agricultural machinery designed to improve the working conditions of Filipino farmers.

Kristine Dara Ever Juan, Head of Innovations Lab and Ecosystem Partnerships (Innolab) at PLDT Enterprise, expressed her excitement about the partnership and the future of innovation in the Philippines. “We are thrilled to support and collaborate with start-ups like Filrobotics Technologies. Their innovative approach to solving real-world problems through technology aligns perfectly with our parent company PLDT’s broader mission to create lasting and positive impact to the community through digital innovation. At PLDT Enterprise, we are committed to providing the tools and resources necessary to help start-ups thrive and support their ideas and technologies.”

Filrobotics Technologies will benefit from a one-year use of PLDT Innolab’s co-working laboratory, providing them with the space and resources to further develop their technology.

PLDT Innolab is a world-class facility designed to create opportunities with start-up partners, focusing on research, next-generation product development, and innovation. By giving start-ups the opportunity to innovate, PLDT Enterprise welcomes next generation technologies to support businesses in their growth and transformation.

“Agriculture 5.0 is fast approaching, and we need to work harder together to cope with the ever-advancing technology,” said Anthony James Bautista, PhD, founder of Filrobotics Technologies. “The accessibility and affordability of these technologies are improving, and our task now is to prepare and aid our farmers in adapting these tools.”

TECH PLANTER, initiated by Leave a Nest, is a global platform that supports start-ups in various regions, including the ASEAN. The program in the Philippines aims to solve deep social issues using science and technology-rooted innovations.

This year’s Demo Day brought together nine finalists and six invited teams for Lightning Talk sessions, showcasing their passion and innovations through pitch presentations to a conglomerate of academia, corporate, and government stakeholders.

The grand winner, Filrobotics Technologies Inc., also received a PHP 50,000 cash prize and an invitation to present at the TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2024. The recognition and support from PLDT Enterprise and other partners are crucial in driving forward the solutions developed by these start-ups.

As PLDT Enterprise continues to lead the way in digital transformation, businesses and start-ups are encouraged to explore their comprehensive range of solutions.

Discover how PLDT Enterprise can support your organization’s journey towards digital transformation by visiting pldtenterprise.com.