Sparking the next generation of Filipino Innovators

Shell LiveWIRE provides a platform for promising startups

by Althea Kalalo / October 2, 2020

Leveraging technology and pushing for constant innovation has become a necessity when it comes to overcoming the challenges that the pandemic presents. The benefit of contract tracing applications and e-commerce platforms prove just how important it is to foster innovation, especially during times of uncertainty. To further address this need, Shell has brought the Shell LiveWIRE program to the Philippines. 

Shell LiveWIRE is Shell’s flagship enterprise development program, and its mission is to strengthen local economies by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and meaningful employment. Since 1982, it has supported more than 1,300 businesses in 20 countries, helping them execute their innovative ideas. 

“New ideas drive the future of nation-building, but many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to make those ideas a reality without the right support,” said Shell Vice President for External and Government Relations Serge Bernal. “We want to help fill that gap through the Shell LiveWIRE platform so that entrepreneurs can successfully execute their ideas and society can benefit from the solutions that they bring to the table.”

The program launched in August 2020 with a nationwide search for startups that fall under three key areas: Energy, Environment & Circular Economy, and Local Prosperity. This was then narrowed down to the top three startups, who will now receive training, mentoring and coaching from a pool of both local and international business experts, and initial funding support.

The top three startups are Nextpay, a banking services platform that provides simple and convenient financial resources to small business owners and service providers, Nanotronics, a bio-based nanomaterial startup that uses indigenous plants to help reduce plastic waste in a sustainable way, and uHoo, an environment management system that creates healthier, more efficient, and more sustainable spaces.  

Three community enterprises are also participating in the Shell LiveWIRE program this year. MagzWheel Furnitures specializes in converting rubber tires into other items such as furniture and apparel. There’s also Green Factory by Oro Handmade Innovations Inc., which manufactures handmade paper products and is pioneering a Green Factory Plan. This aims to make factory processes more eco-friendly. Lastly, there’s Eco Explorations PH, an eco-tourism business that provides sustainable livelihood to Filipinos while taking care of the environment and cultural heritage sites. 

Prior to the formal launch of Shell LiveWIRE, Shell has also been supporting projects in the grassroots level, prioritizing community cooperatives and people organizations in areas where the company operates. Examples of these include providing employment opportunities for seamstresses in Batangas, and helping coconut farmers in Quezon create accessories and handicrafts out of coconut waste.

In bringing this program here, Shell hopes that it will help the endless ideas of entrepreneurs become a reality, and will connect them to the resources they need to get their startups off the ground. “Together with our Pilipinas Shell Foundation, IGNITE, and partners from the government and private sector, we are building a strong community of Filipino innovators, turning bright ideas into sustainable businesses,” said Bernal.