The Filipinnovation Awards, also known as the National and Regional Innovation Awards and Competitions (NRIAC), is an annual competition showcasing Filipino innovators at the early stage of commercialization. It aims to promote innovation, connect innovators with stakeholders, and attract investments, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation in the Philippines.

The competition is open to all Filipino business owners with early-stage commercialization products/services/technology. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

a. Must be a 100% Filipino-owned business entity, which may include corporations (e.g., stock corporations, non-stock corporations, one-person corporations), partnerships (e.g., general or limited partnerships), or single proprietorships.
b. Must have a product, service, or technology at least at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, which means it has already been demonstrated, completed, or proven in an operational environment or is ready for full-scale production and deployment.
c. Must be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whichever is applicable.
d. Must have the capability to issue official invoices or receipts for prizes, awards, or funds received. If unavailable at the time of application, this requirement may be fulfilled prior to receiving the prize award or fund.
e. Must have Certificate of Intellectual Property (IP) Registration or Proof of Ongoing IP Application.

• Entries without prototypes or demonstrated pre-commercialization outputs
• Individuals with conflicts of interest up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the following:
• NEDA officials;
• Members of the NRIAC Secretariat;
• Executive Steering Committee;
• Board of Judges;
• NIC Executive Members; and
• Other members of the organizing committees
• Government agencies, such as NGAs, LGUs, SUCs, and GOCCs

The sub-national competitions for the Filipinnovation Awards will take place across four geographical clusters:

a. NCR

b. Luzon

c. Visayas

d. Mindanao

To begin the application process, register at https://filipinnovation.neda.gov.ph. Once registered you may log-in and click on "Apply Here" to begin the application process.

Fill out the Application Form, providing details about the business entity; general information about the team leader and the team members (if any); and the project.

• A comprehensive pitch deck (Click here for the pitch deck template and pitch deck content instructions)
• Proof of DTI or SEC registration
• Proof of Intellectual Property (IP) application or registration
• Additional supporting documents, including:
• Latest Curriculum Vitae of the Team Leader
• Valid IDs of the Team Leader and Team Members
• For business entities: BIR registration or certificate with TIN

Double-check the details in the form for accuracy, then Click “Submit.” Please note that once submitted, applications are considered complete and final and cannot be revised. Only applications submitted though the Filipinnovation Web Portal will be accepted. Application submitted through any other platform will not be honored.

• Opening of Application Submission: 20 January 2025

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• Deadline of Submission: 20 March 2025

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• NCR Sub-National Competition: 29 April 2025

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• Luzon Sub-National Competition: June 2025 (exact date to be announced (TBA))

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• Visayas Sub-National Competition: July 2025 (exact date TBA)

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• Mindanao Sub-National Competition: August 2025 (exact date TBA)

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• National Competition: October 2025 (exact date TBA)

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For updates on the TBA dates, please check the NEDA website, Filipinnovation Facebook Page, and the Filipinnovation Web Portal.

Your assigned sub-national competition (NCR, Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao) will be based on the registered address provided in your DTI or SEC registration.

Each company is only allowed to submit one (1) entry for the competition. Different applicants from the same company are highly encouraged to discuss and agree on the selection of their company's official submission to the competition. Otherwise, the earliest submitted entry will be considered the official submission.

On the other hand, submitted applications can be retracted if needed. Please message the Filipinnovation Secretariat through the inquiry support channel on the Filipinnovation Web Portal for assistance.

Shortlisted contestants for the sub-national competitions will be notified ahead of the scheduled competition date. The specific timeline for notifications may vary depending on the volume of applications and the screening process. Contestants are encouraged to regularly check the Filipinnovation Web Portal or Filipinnovation Facebook Page for updates and official announcements.

The competition consists of the following steps:

a. Call for Applications - This stage involves the official announcement of the competition through the Filipinnovation Web Portal, social media channels, and partner networks. Details on eligibility, categories, submission guidelines, and deadlines are provided to encourage participation from innovators across the country. Applicants shall register and submit their application at https://filipinnovation.neda.gov.ph.

b. Eligibility Screening and Pre-Selection - Submitted entries are reviewed to ensure compliance with the eligibility and documentary requirements. Applications that meet the criteria will proceed to the next phase, where Sub-National Committees will shortlist the most promising innovations. The Sub-National Secretariats will notify the shortlisted applicants who will compete in the sub-national competition.

c. Sub-National Pitching and Demo Day - Shortlisted applicants will present and demonstrate their innovations before Sub-National Board of Judges in their respective geographic cluster: NCR, Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao. The goal is to select the most promising entries from each cluster to advance to the national level.

d. Selection of 15 Finalists for the National Level - The 15 finalists, representing the best innovations from the four (4) clusters, will be selected to compete in the national-level competition.

e. Mentoring and Beta Testing - National finalists will participate in mentoring sessions and capacity-building activities to refine their prototypes and business.

f. Final Pitching and Deliberation - During the national competition, the 15 finalists will present their innovations to the National Board of Judges, a panel of experts from various fields. Judging criteria include sustainability, marketability, innovation, and potential impact.

g. Awarding Ceremony - The competition will conclude with an awarding ceremony, where the top five Filipinnovator Awardees will be honored. The President of the Philippines (or his representative), as Chair of the NIC, will award the winners during the event.

• Sustainability and Scalability
• Marketability
• Potential Impact and Relevance
• Innovativeness

The 15 sub-national finalists will receive coaching and mentoring before the national competition.

The five (5) Filipinnovator Awardees will receive grant awards and national recognition. They will also be provided with support, including but not limited to coaching and mentoring, participation in international events (i.e. trade fairs, business-to-business matching events) to showcase their innovations, and opportunities to connect with potential investors.

The remaining 10 sub-national finalists will also receive a cash prize to further develop their innovation.