PALO, LEYTE — The excitement is building as the INNOV8: Start-Up Business Challenge moves into its final stage, following an engaging Screening and Qualifying Round that identified the Top 10 student teams competing in the Final Competition.
More than 20 entries were submitted during the challenge, showcasing a range of innovative ideas, proposed solutions and entrepreneurial concepts from student innovators. Following the screening and qualifying process, the Top 10 teams emerged as finalists, earning the opportunity to present their startup concepts before a Board of Judges.
The Top 10 finalist teams are:
- Agri.ph
- La Plumeria Firma
- Vinea Regina
- RE:FORM8
- Daily Green
- Good Cup PinakBite
- SIGA Smoked Collections
- GFAST
- BANAVINO
- Cañera
The INNOV8: Start-Up Business Challenge Final Competition will be held on October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Leyte Convention Complex – Annex Building in Palo, Leyte.
During the final competition, the selected teams will take the stage to pitch their startup ideas, demonstrating their entrepreneurial vision and presenting how their concepts can address identified needs and opportunities.
The competition provides a platform for students to transform creative ideas into potential business ventures while developing essential skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, presentation and business pitching.
The finalists have progressed through a competitive process and will now face the challenge of presenting their ideas to the Board of Judges. Their final pitches will mark an important step in their journey from developing an idea to exploring its potential as a real business.
The INNOV8 challenge also highlights the growing role of students in developing innovative solutions and entrepreneurial initiatives that can contribute to local economic and community development.
With the final pitch just ahead, anticipation is building as the Top 10 teams prepare to showcase their startups and compete for recognition in the concluding stage of the challenge.
Congratulations to all the finalists for reaching the Final Competition, and best wishes as they take their innovative ideas one step closer to becoming viable business ventures.
INNOV8: Start-Up Business Challenge – Final Competition
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Venue: Leyte Convention Complex – Annex Building, Palo, Leyte
Finalists: Top 10 student teams
Entries screened: More than 20
The final pitch awaits.
INNOV8: Start-Up Business Challenge is one the events of the Visayas Leg HANDA Pilipinas 2.0 × LeyBizCon 2026.
