SRT Innovation Contest - YEAR 5
Sustainable Urban Development and Green Solutions
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) continues its mission to cultivate a culture and create an environment where institutions can leverage patent information to drive Filipino innovation, develop sustainable solutions, and promote economic growth.
In line with IPOPHL’s advocacy to harness patent information for the development and utilization of Socially Relevant Technologies (SRTs), this year’s contest focuses on solutions for sustainable urban development in response to global and local environmental challenges.
The theme for 2025 is: “Sustainable Urban Development and Green Solutions.”
This year’s contest invites innovations that demonstrate how technology can contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Submissions may include technologies related to:
• Smart Cities for Sustainability – AI-driven energy management systems, efficient transport solutions, green public infrastructure, and resource-efficient urban planning.
• Eco-Friendly Public Transport – Electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel technologies, bike-friendly systems, and integrated mobility platforms.
• Zero-Waste Initiatives – Innovations on waste segregation, circular economy models, recycling, upcycling, and sustainable packaging.
These technologies should not only promote environmental preservation but also support inclusive, safe, and economically vibrant communities. Through this competition, IPOPHL aims to encourage the creative utilization of patent information and foster the commercialization of green solutions that are scalable, replicable, and socially impactful.
There will be two (2) categories:
- Youth Category
- Professional Category
- Nationality: Open to Filipino citizens. For groups, at least one member must be a Filipino.
- Age Requirement:
1. Youth Category: 23 years old or below
2. Professional Category: 24 years old or above
To qualify, entries must be consistent with the contest theme and present a novel technology that meets the following:
a. Environmental and Social Impact: Must contribute to sustainable urban development and community well-being.
b. Innovation: Demonstrates novelty and inventiveness.
c. Commercial Potential: Shows promise for real-world application and market success.
d. Relevance: Addresses urban sustainability issues or economic growth.
e. Intellectual Property: Filed or granted IP protection (patents or utility models) is an advantage.
- Youth Category
First Prize | PhP 50,000.00 + Trophy |
Second Prize | PhP 30,000.00 |
Third Prize | PhP 20,000 |
- Professional Category
First Prize | PhP 75,000.00 + Trophy |
Second Prize | PhP 50,000.00 |
Third Prize | PhP 30,000.00 |
- Entry Submission
- Participants must submit both a 10-minute video (see CRM Section III No 3) and required documents (see CRM Section III No 2) via Google Form at: https://forms.office.com/r/seSQxXRLGj
- Deadline: 11:59 PM on July 31, 2025
2. Document Requirements (PDF format)
- Granted Patent or UM Registration Certificate, or Registrability Report for UMs or Filed Patent or UM Application Form with IPOPHL receiving details (if pending), if any
- Information materials related to the submitted technology
3. Video Content
The video should cover the following aspects of the technology:
- Brief description of the technology – A concise overview of the technology, its purpose, and how it works.
- Creative breakthroughs and uniqueness – Describes the innovative aspects, novel features, or unique qualities that distinguish the technology from existing solutions.
- Commercial potential – The extent to which the technology can be marketed, scaled, or adopted for widespread use in relevant industries or consumer markets.
- Social and environmental benefits – Explains how the technology contributes positively to society, communities, or the environment.
- Development timeline and future goals – Outlines the key milestones in the technology’s development and the plans for its future growth or advancement.
- Other relevant insights or highlights – Includes any additional noteworthy information such as awards, user feedback, or special features that add value or credibility to the technology.
4. Evaluation Process
- All entries will undergo pre-screening by IPOPHL.
- Only the top 5 entries in each category will be posted on IPOPHL’s official Facebook page (IPOPHL, DITTB or IPBSDD).
5. Final Judging
The final round of judging will be held during the Technology Expo and Symposium on September 19, 2025, at the IPOPHL Multipurpose Hall in Taguig City. The panel of judges may include representatives from IPOPHL, relevant government agencies, and academic institutions.
6. Judging Criteria
Rules
- Submission of Entries. Individuals or groups are permitted to submit more than one entry for the contest.
- IP Ownership. IPOPHL will not claim ownership of any intellectual property submitted for the contest. Participants will retain full rights over their work and may continue to seek IP protection or pursue commercialization independently after the contest. All judges and staff involved will sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure confidentiality.
- Use of Submitted Content for Promotion. IPOPHL reserves the right to utilize the submitted video entries, including their titles, descriptions, and selected images, for promotional and awareness purposes, including on digital and print platforms.
- Authorization to Use and Create Derivative Works. By joining the contest, participants grant IPOPHL the authorization to use and create derivative works from their recordings, photographs, and other submitted documentation in any media, including, but not limited to:
- Websites and social media platforms
- Print and electronic publications
- Television and film
- Marketing and promotional materials
- No Compensation for Use of Materials. Participants acknowledge and agree that IPOPHL is under no obligation to provide compensation for the use of recordings, photographs, or documentation, including any derivative works created from these materials.
- Protection of Participants’ Reputation. IPOPHL agrees not to use any submitted material in a manner that is defamatory, obscene, or harmful to the participant’s reputation.
- Agreement to Contest Rules. Participation in the contest implies full agreement with all the contest rules, guidelines, and mechanics as outlined.
- Eligibility Restrictions. Employees of IPOPHL and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
- IP Rights and Registrations. Winning the contest does not automatically grant any intellectual property rights. Participants must undergo the standard patent or utility model registration process for IP protection.
- Disqualification Clauses. IPOPHL reserves the right to disqualify any entry at any stage of the contest if found to be in violation of these clauses, subject to appropriate verification. Participants may be disqualified from the contest for any of the following reasons:
a. Non-Original or Infringing Work – Submission of entries that plagiarize or infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.
b. Incomplete or Late Submission – Entries that are incomplete, submitted after the official deadline, or do not comply with the submission requirements.
c. Misrepresentation – Providing false or misleading information about the innovation, its development, ownership, or impact. This also includes unethical practices such as the use of bots, fake accounts, paid engagements, or other deceptive means to manipulate social media likes, survey results, or any form of public or judges’ engagement used in the contest.
d. Violation of Contest Rules – Failure to comply with any of the official rules, guidelines, or terms and conditions of the contest.
e. Inappropriate Content – Inclusion of content in the entry that is defamatory, offensive, obscene, or harmful to the reputation of any individual or organization.
f. Conflict of Interest – Participation by individuals who are IPOPHL employees or immediate family members of employees, as stated in the eligibility rules.
g. Withdrawal from the Contest – Voluntary withdrawal or inability to participate in required
Presentation Guidelines
Pre-Judging Videos of qualified entries will be evaluated by the panel of judges from August 1-28, 2025.
Judges will convene and deliberate on August 29, 2025 to select the top 5 entries in each category.
Key Points to Cover in the Presentation
The presentation must highlight the following essential elements:
a. Overview of the innovation. A clear and concise introduction to the technology, including what it is, how it works, and the problem it aims to solve.
b. Technological advantages and unique features. Key aspects that make the innovation technically superior or different from existing solutions.
c. Market potential and business model. A snapshot of the target market, potential customers, and how the innovation can generate revenue or sustain operations.
d. Social and environmental impact. The broader benefits of the innovation, particularly how it contributes to societal well-being or environmental sustainability.
e. Roadmap to commercialization and partnerships. The planned steps toward bringing the innovation to market, including timelines, strategies, and potential collaborations.
Timetable
The contest timeline runs from May to September 2025, with entries accepted until July 31.
Finalists will be selected through evaluation and judging in August, and winners will be announced during the final judging and awards ceremony on September 19.
- Entry Submission: May 1 – July 31, 2025
- Pre-screening & Evaluation: August 1-28, 2025
- Pre-Judging (Judges deliberation): August 29, 2025
- Announcement of 5 Finalists: September 1, 2025
- Final Judging & Awards Ceremony: September 19, 2025