Student Innovators Won Top Awards at StartUp QC

By: Blessy Sibalon , July 1, 2025

Four teams from STI campuses took home top awards at the StartUp QC Student Competition last May 23, 2025, held at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan.

In its second year, out of over 100 applications from universities and schools nationwide, 37 teams advanced to the finals. The qualifying teams received hands-on mentorship from industry professionals to refine their business ideas. Among the standout finalists were four teams from STI College Novaliches and STI College Muñoz-EDSA, including BanaKeeps Innovators, Sea2Fresh, Impulse Dynamics, and Outsmart V2.

BanaKeeps: A Sustainable Solution for Menstrual Health

 

The BanaKeeps Innovators from STI College Novaliches proudly secured the title of 1^st Runner-Up, taking home a Php 75,000 cash prize. The team, composed of fourth-year BS in Business Administration (BSBA) students—Sarah Jean Camilon, Ulysses Cuevas, and Princess Ivory Nabio—has developed a product that could significantly improve menstrual health.

BanaKeeps, is an innovative solution to menstrual health. The product is a 100% natural, organic menstrual pants made from biodegradable banana stem fiber that naturally breaks down within a year.

Each menstrual pant has an absorbency equivalent to 4-5 traditional sanitary pads, it offers both comfort and ease of use, making it a sustainable and a practical choice.

Their path to success began with a simple yet complex task: conducting a feasibility study. This study was part of their academic requirement, but it quickly turned into a journey filled with challenges and learning experiences.

One of the team's major hurdles was sourcing materials to create zero-waste product. As Sarah Jean Camilon, one of the innovators, explained in an interview, "We conduct extensive research and material testing to ensure the efficacy of our product."

As OJT students, juggling their schoolwork and the pressure of developing a product was no easy feat. Camilon reflected, "Our belief in our vision motivated us. We had to learn how to manage our time better."

Thanks to the unwavering support of their mentors, Sir Abe Lozada and Sir Dondon Cabacuñgan from Launchgarage, a Manila-based open-innovation startup agency, the BanaKeeps Innovators delivered a compelling presentation that secured them the title of 1^st Runner-Up at StartUp QC.

For the team, winning was not the only highlight—it was a reminder of just how valuable mentorship and a clear vision can be. "This experience reinforced our commitment in making a meaningful impact in women’s health and the environment," emphasized Ulysses Cuevas, another innovator behind BanaKeeps. This only proves that innovation can indeed make a difference for both people and the planet.

Sea2Fresh: Clean Water Through Solar Innovation

 

Sea2Fresh, proudly took home Php 35,000 cash prize as the Gold-winning project from STI College Muñoz-EDSA, was created by 4th-year BS in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) students Justine Faye Arcenal, Godwin Ian Fedelson, Christian John Petalcorin, Yelgie Lyn Tabasa, and Sean Mark Teja.

Sea2Fresh, portable desalination machine uses solar power to convert seawater into clean drinking water—producing up to 15 liters per hour—enough to support 20 to 25 people daily.

As first-time participants in a business competition, the team faced challenges in refining their ideas and conducting market research. The team had to study the needs of remote areas while ensuring their concept was both technically feasible and easy to understand for potential investors.

“We divided our tasks based on our strengths,” the team recalled in unison. With support from mentors Engr. Devie Patricio and Ma’am Elenita Cabrera, they built a solid business model.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, team leader, Godwin Ian Fedelson thanked those who supported him and his team, saying, "We are proud to represent our institution with pride and present our innovative ideas to a wider audience." For the Sea2Fresh team, the goal goes beyond awards, but the impact it can have on the lives of those in need within the community.

Guardian AI: Ensuring Safety for Wheelchair Users

 

STI College Novaliches’ Impulse Dynamics, a team of 3^rd-year BSCpE students—Jomari Aquino, Sherwin Bombarda, Edward Dane Perez, and Tyron Villanueva—earned a Php 15, 000 cash prize as Bronze Awardee for Guardian AI, a device that protects wheelchair users through real-time fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and caregiver alerts.

Led by Edward Dane Perez, the concept was inspired by the tragic loss of his father, who fell from his wheelchair unnoticed. Perez shared, "I built Guardian to make sure no one else ever feels the guilt, fear, or loss that I did."

The mission behind Guardian AI is clear: stop silent emergencies and ensure that people in need of care are never left alone in their moments of vulnerability.

The road to creating Guardian AI was not an easy one for the team Impulse Dynamics. Despite limited resources and complex tech requirements, the team learned new skills, even from outside their course, to develop a user-friendly AI solution.

As the visionary behind Guardian AI, Perez shared a powerful reflection on their journey: "Failure is a part of success. I came into this competition with a dream and I'm leaving with a real plan. Guardian AI isn’t just a project—it’s a promise."

For Perez, despite winning bronze, this competition was a stepping stone towards a much larger goal— securing funds and bringing Guardian AI to the market where it was needed most.

OutSmart V2: Smarter Energy, Safer Homes

 

The OutSmart V2 team from STI College Novaliches has made a mark by winning the Bronze Award, earning a Php 15,000 cash prize for their smart outlet system aimed at reducing energy waste and preventing fire hazards.

The team of 3^rd-year BSCpE students Daniel Ross Camara, Michael James Velasco, Chemical Valdehueza, and Jullie Ann Villas designed a mobile app that alerts users for idle devices and ability to control it remotely.

Creating a functional and compelling business plan was one of the team's major challenges. “Presenting our idea clearly and professionally was crucial,” said Villas, the team leader of Outsmart V2. With guidance from mentors Sir Abe Lozada, Sir Dondon Cabacuñgan, Ma’am Karen Cifra, and Sir Mark Alvin Malenab, they were able to refine their business approach.

Participating in the competition gave the OutSmart team important insights into creating a business model with real-world impact. "The competition taught us that a unique idea addressing an actual problem is the key," said Daniel Ross Camara, a member of OutSmart V2.

The competition also taught the team the value of teamwork, even when concepts differ. Michael Velasco, one of the team members shared his key takeaway: "It gave us the necessary insights to create an impactful business model that can be a game changer in the current industry."

The StartUp QC Student Competition is an annual initiative by the Quezon City Government. Launched in 2024, the competition continues to inspire young minds to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.

It serves as a valuable platform for students to transform their innovative ideas into impactful solutions and tackle real-world challenges.