Philippines: ASEAN startup challenge on disaster resilience, recovery launched

A typhoon survivor decorates a Christmas tree amidst the rubble of destroyed houses in Tacloban city in central Philippines December 17, 2013. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

By Tomas S. Noda III

September 29, 2017

The Philippines is all set for a debut of a competition that seeks to find startups who promote awareness on the different crises faced by ASEAN countries. The top prize for the startup winner is $10,000.

Called “Startups to the Rescue  – Disaster Resilience and Recovery ASEAN Startup Competition”, it was officially launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), including Manila-based QBO Innovation Hub.

The goal is to encourage collaboration among ASEAN startups and promote multi-sector innovation approaches to resilient recovery, like how to address the devastating typhoon Haiyan that ravaged Tacloban City or the current armed conflict happening in Marawi City in the Philippines.

Organizers of the competition believe startups can play a more proactive role in preventing and mitigating these disasters.

QBO and IdeaSpace Foundation president Rene Meily expressed confidence that the new platform could lead to more success stories for startups.

“By creating a platform for startups to pitch and potentially activate their ideas, we’re giving them the opportunity to grow, deliver meaningful impact to relevant communities, and make the world a better place,” Meily said.

From the applications, 20 startups will be selected to participate and showcase their ideas at the SLINGSHOT ASEAN event on October 20, 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Startups with an existing model from any ASEAN country and of any funding stage can apply for the same. The startups must integrate their model or idea with the theme of disaster preparedness or resilient recovery.

Update: Deadline of submissions is extended to October 6, 2017 at 11:59PM.

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Exclusive: Japan’s Leave a Nest mulls startup hub in Philippines

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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
APPLY NOW