Philippine StartUp Challenge 9

  

 Acar, Lara Jane, Y.

CS Seminars and Educational Trips

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Philippine StartUp Challenge 9

(Reflection Blog)

        The Philippine StartUp Challenge 9 was originally scheduled to take place at Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija on October 23, 2024. However, due to Typhoon Kristine, the event was rescheduled and transitioned to an online format, taking place via Zoom on October 28, 2024. Organized by the ICT Industry Development Bureau, this competition aims to inspire Filipino youth to create innovative ICT products and services that can evolve into successful businesses while addressing significant societal issues.

    The Philippine StartUp Challenge 9 taught us the critical importance of clear communication in our pitches. Moving forward, we plan to develop a concise value proposition for Salinterpret that clearly outlines its unique benefits. By emphasizing what sets our app apart from others, we can engage our audience more effectively and ensure that the advantages of our product are front and center during our presentations. Preparation emerged as another crucial element for success. To enhance our readiness for future competitions, we intend to conduct regular practice sessions that simulate real pitching scenarios. These mock presentations will help us manage nerves, refine our delivery, and gather valuable feedback from peers and mentors. This collaborative approach will not only boost our confidence but also strengthen our overall presentation skills.

        The experience underscored the value of resilience and teamwork. We recognize that fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel empowered to share their ideas will enhance our innovation process. By maintaining a growth mindset and actively seeking out additional competitions, we can continue to develop our skills and showcase our innovations, ultimately driving meaningful change in our communities through our work.

             The hosts and speakers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, fostering interaction that created a vibrant atmosphere. Interactive elements like polls and breakout discussions further enriched the experience, encouraging meaningful dialogue among attendees and building a sense of community despite the virtual setting.  The Philippine StartUp Challenge 9 taught us the critical importance of clear communication in our pitches. Moving forward, we plan to develop a concise value proposition for Salinterpret that clearly outlines its unique benefits. By emphasizing what sets our app apart from others, we can engage our audience more effectively and ensure that the advantages of our product are front and center during our presentations. Preparation emerged as another crucial element for success. To enhance our readiness for future competitions, we intend to conduct regular practice sessions that simulate real pitching scenarios. These mock presentations will help us manage nerves, refine our delivery, and gather valuable feedback from peers and mentors. This collaborative approach will not only boost our confidence but also strengthen our overall presentation skills.

           Although we didn’t win, being among the top 15 out of 75 participants was an honor in itself. We dedicated a lot of time to preparing our pitch script, deck, video, and prototype demo. We accepted the results gracefully and acknowledged that the winners deserved their titles. We’re motivated to improve and hope for another chance to showcase our ideas in the future. Overall, the organization of the event turned a challenging situation into a successful and enriching experience for all participants.