2024 Shell LiveWIRE holds Final Pitch Day, celebrates 5 years of empowering Filipino entrepreneurs

Community enterprises shone at Shell LiveWIRE 2024, where representatives from GLF Agriculture Cooperative, Rooted Beginnings: Barangay Calumpang Farmer’s Association, Silent Beads, DeWaste Solutions, Arka Inc., Dingras Empanada, and STYLE ISLE proudly showcased their innovative solutions as part of the Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration Program. These enterprises, hailing from various regions of the Philippines, are making a significant impact through sustainable practices and local community engagement. GLF Agriculture Cooperative from Tarlac, focused on farm-to-market solutions and farmer training, was represented by John Peter Sapnay and Michelle del Pilar. Rooted Beginnings: Barangay Calumpang Farmer’s Association, Inc. from Pampanga specializes in farm seedlings and was represented by Ritchie Basa and Lenie Sison. Silent Beads, based in Quezon City, produces plantable paper products and was represented by Monnick Cruz. DeWaste Solutions from Cavite is innovating in waste management and community bio-digesters, represented by Juvien Galano and Sophie Gomez. Arka Inc. from Cebu connects farming communities to markets, represented by Neil Clyde Kho. Dingras Empanada from Cavite is known for its innovative empanadas, represented by Jay Eronico, while STYLE ISLE from Baguio City creates fashion and accessories in partnership with local communities, represented by Twinkle Ferraren.

Shell LiveWIRE, Shell’s global program to foster entrepreneurship, continues to support Filipino innovators in creating impactful, sustainable businesses. First launched in 1982 in Scotland, Shell LiveWIRE has since become an international platform for entrepreneurship focused on energy solutions, value chain integration, and economic diversification. Through mentorship, funding, and access to Shell’s extensive network, Shell LiveWIRE Philippines is helping to strengthen local economies and drive Shell’s mission to provide cleaner energy.

Since its launch in the Philippines in 2020, Shell LiveWIRE has supported 75 tech startups and community enterprises with mentorship and a total of PHP 15 million in funding, enabling these businesses to scale their impact and foster sustainable livelihoods. Fourteen of these enterprises have successfully integrated into Shell’s supply chain.

Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, Shell Pilipinas Corporation President and CEO, highlighted Shell’s continued commitment to empowering Filipino startups and accelerating the energy transition. “This year’s theme, ‘Kasabay sa Pag-unlad,’ marks our first year of focusing the program on energy transition—a critical priority for Shell as we work together with the Filipino people to power progress.”

This year’s Shell LiveWIRE Philippines event featured three top finalists—GAIA Builders and Trading Corporation, Green Solution.PH, and SALTRIC—who presented their innovative solutions to industry experts and potential investors in hopes of securing funding and support.

Championing Sustainable Innovation: Serge Bernal, VP Corporate Relations at Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Engr. Ian Fred Solas of Green Solution PH, and Sebastian Quinones, Jr., Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., celebrate the success of Green Solution PH as the grand winner of Shell LiveWIRE 2024, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy solutions in driving the future of clean energy.

Grand Winner

Green Solution.PH emerged as the grand winner, receiving PHP 1 million in funding for its zero-emission waste-to-energy solution that converts landfill waste into biodiesel, bunker fuel, and electricity using pyrolysis technology. This innovation addresses both waste management and energy production, aligning with Shell’s decarbonization and green energy goals by producing clean energy and reducing fuel costs.

Runners-Up

GAIA Builders and Trading Corporation and SALTRIC each received PHP 500,000 in support. GAIA Builders introduced a passive cooling solution for buildings, utilizing geo-engineering to reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by up to 60% through its CoolRoof Program. Meanwhile, SALTRIC presented Marissa Turbines, a vertical-axis hydroelectric turbine designed to harness energy from tides and rivers, offering a zero-emission alternative to traditional energy sources that contributes to the nation’s clean energy goals.

CP Health Innovations, a participant in the Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration Program, was also recognized with the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Award, which acknowledges its commitment to sustainable growth and health-oriented innovations.

The event celebrated not only tech startups but also community enterprises from across the Philippines participating in the Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration Program. Honorees included GLF Agriculture Cooperative from Tarlac, Rooted Beginnings from Pampanga, Silent Beads from Quezon City, DeWaste Solutions from Cavite, Arka Inc. from Cebu, Dingras Empanada from Cavite, and STYLE ISLE from Baguio City. These enterprises, representing sectors from agriculture to waste management and eco-friendly fashion, received expert mentorship and access to Shell’s value chain to help expand their reach and impact on their communities.

“With Shell Pilipinas celebrating 110 years of serving the Filipino people, our dedication to nurturing entrepreneurs, supporting sustainable business, and fostering a future of innovation remains stronger than ever,” said Quiambao-Osial.

For more information about Shell LiveWIRE, visit www.shell.com.ph/LiveWIRE.

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Randolph de Leon

Randolph de Leon

Randolph is a visually-impaired car photographer and one of the correspondents of Autocar Philippines. Seeing the world out of his left eye since birth, Randolph loves to photograph cars and most especially motorsport events. Despite the challenges he's facing, Randolph continues to be an optimistic energy to himself and to those around him, living life to the best of his abilities.