Green Startups gets U.S. support

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The United States recently supported the development of twenty startups that offer sustainable solutions to environmental issues in the cities of Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao; Dumaguete in the Visayas, and Manila in Luzon.

The U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces Philippines and The Spark Project concluded the Green Impact Accelerator (GIA) bootcamp, a five-month program that supported the growth and commercial viability of green startups through mentorship, networking, and crowdfunding matching. 

“We are very excited to finally run an accelerator program that caters to enterprises that positively impact the environment. I believe that programs like these not only level-up entrepreneurs and their businesses, but also connect them to a like-minded community that is eager to support their work,” said The Spark Project CEO and founder Patch Dulay.

Of the 20 solutions presented, three startups were selected to receive seed funding to develop, implement, and scale up their projects: Cagayan de Oro’s Kids Who Farm, which established Food Loop, a circular food system concept and technology that helps households convert edible material waste into organic components for growing food; Dumaguete’s Plantsville Health, which developed Green LiveS, an artificial intelligence-powered system that can record and monitor Philippine cinnamon production; and  Manila’s Dewaste Solutions, which created MARE!, a modular and portable materials recycling facility that promotes environmental sustainability through education and provides employment for women in waste management. 

“This program is part of the United States’ commitment to support environmental resilience and promote inclusive economic growth. The projects we saw in this program showcase the Philippine startup community and how their talents can build sustainable ecosystems and help achieve prosperity,” said U.S. Embassy Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Pauline Anderson. 

GIA teams will reconvene in October for the American Spaces Angel Investing Seminar where they will be matched with potential investors and benefit from seed funding opportunities. (Mindanao Examiner)