In a remarkable display of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Hazel Grace Ann Queaño, an Agribusiness Management student, joined forces with 80 scholars from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZON for the culmination of Project SET (Scholar’s Entrepreneurship Training).
The highly anticipated Demo Day took place on October 25, 2023, at the prestigious Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Project SET, a 10-month-long initiative sponsored by DOST-SEI in collaboration with Leave a Nest Philippines, aims to mold the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The program is designed to equip young scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage technology for the betterment of society.
A total of 14 teams participated in the program, each presenting their entrepreneurial projects developed over the course of the training. Among the impressive entries, only seven teams emerged as finalists, showcasing the cream of the crop in terms of innovation and business acumen. KonekTaniman Ph, the brainchild of Hazel Grace Ann Queaño and her partner Luis Mario Gatchalian from PUP, stood out from the competition, securing not one but two special awards.
The team received the prestigious Blue Nest Award from the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, granting them a coveted 6-month incubation service under the Blue Nest Program. This recognition not only acknowledges their ingenuity but also provides tangible support for further development. In addition to the Blue Nest Award, KonekTaniman Ph also clinched the Flores and Ofrin Law Office Award. This accolade translates to incorporation services, a critical step in legitimizing the operations of the budding enterprise. The acknowledgment from industry experts and legal professionals underscores the potential impact of KonekTaniman Ph in the realm of agribusiness and technology.
The team reached the finals round qualifying among the top 7 teams, in a competition of 14 groups.
