In an aim to encourage innovators in the country, the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) along with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation is looking to recognize individuals, teams, or organizations who have initiated or developed an innovation and a whopping P1-million cash prize await the awardee.

MB file photo

Led by BCYF, it seeks to recognize innovations that have measurable and tangible results improving their operations or their areas of concern.

In a statement, DOST stated that through the Shell LiveWIRE Program, the global flagship enterprise program of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation that promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and meaningful employment, the awardee shall receive the P1 million cash to be used for business upgrades, additions, expansion, or any other steps in order to elevate the innovation.

During the virtual launch of the BCYF Innovation Awards 2023 on Dec. 15, 2022, with assistance from the Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII), Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., expressed support for the 2023 BCYF Innovation Awards and other shared initiatives of BCYF.

“With the launch of the BCYF Innovation Awards 2023, I firmly believe that innovation in the country will soar to greater heights. This form of recognition will surely inspire our scientists and researchers, especially the young, to walk the extra mile, to think out of the box, to deep dive in science, and aim to come up with new ideas and innovations that will solve the many problems hounding us, particularly in this time where we are now living in the so-called “new normal"," he said.

"Rest assured that the Department of Science and Technology will always be by your side to make innovation a driver of positive change, an enabler of ideation, and a beacon of hope for every Filipino to show them that their dreams can become a reality,” he added.

The Award is part of BCYF’s Comprehensive Social Development Program, which consists of - Research, Education, Events, and Developmental Social Enterprise. It was conceived as a result of meeting various organizations and young people who have implemented innovative initiatives that improved their operations and their areas of concern.

Among the criteria of the award is that the innovation must have been implemented in a viable, functioning, and registered organization and/or business for at least the last five years with two years of profitable operations both on a Profit & Loss and Cash basis and must have a material impact on the bottom line of the company. Also, there must be better-than-sufficient technical facilities, laboratory equipment, and technology investment support over the past five years, including training of appropriate and adequate personnel and there must be proven commitment to sharing the innovation with others.

Nominations may be submitted under the five categories: government service, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), education, technology, and industry. Anyone may submit an entry with no cost involved and self-nomination is encouraged.

The BCYF Innovation Awards is among the activities organized by the BCYF in celebration of Philippine Innovation Month (PIM) which aims to highlight the role of Innovation in Social Development. It was launched in Malacañang under Presidential Proclamation No. 172, s. 2017, declaring the 3rd week of February as “Philippine Innovation Week”.

Other activities lined up are the Innovation Forum, CEO Breakfast, Philippine Game Changers Conference (ChangeCon), and Ideas Conference.

Nominations with complete requirements must be emailed to bcyf.innovationawards2023@gmail.com while original copies of the requirements must be mailed to BCYF-SABRE, Saint Mutien College, Don Cornelio Subd., McArthur Highway Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga 2010.

The deadline for submission of nominations is Feb. 15, 2023.

#Shell LiveWIRE Program

2023 BCYF Innovation Award nominations open until mid-Feb, P1-M cash prize up for grabs - DOST

Shell LiveWIRE partners with BCYF award to reward innovative entrepreneurs in 2022