Innovators Wanted! Applications Open for Impact Hub Manila and LBC's First Fellowship Program
By Mommy Donna and Kib - October 12, 2015
Innovation is what others--and even companies do--to keep alive in the industry. One must reinvent or improve themselves so that they will last long in the industry. Take the case of Madonna, she has reinvented herself for several times, so even at the age of 50+, she's still one of the sought-after pop singers in the whole world.
With the increasing needs of people, companies need to also innovate to make our lives easier. Like Waze and Uber, they offered something new in the transportation industry. Waze is an interactive GPS where you can get real-time traffic updates from other Wazers near your area, and Uber, a cashless premium car rental service.
It's good to hear that there are big companies all across the globe who are willing to support innovative projects that will create a better world. They are willing to fund these projects to become a reality.
LBC Express and Impact Hub Manila partnered in a project to address the issue on mobility. This partnership aims to provide a solid foundation that will grow these ideas into scalable, innovative, impactful ventures. The 'Impact Hub Manila Fellowship in Innovation in Mobility with LBC' aims to discover and cultivate the most innovative business ideas that provide sustainable development in order to promote, support, and implement adaptive solutions to issues of logistics and mobility. Furthermore, the program provides opportunities for networking through thought-provoking events, and community-driven programs anchored on a global member platform that allows participants to work, meet, learn, and connect.
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The Fellowship aims to initiate collaboration among established corporations and emerging start-ups. Impact Hub Manila and LBC realized that collaboration is key to the advancement of mobility innovation and its continued development in the future. Because worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila contribute to several major problems encountered by Filipinos in their day to day lives, the Fellowship program has decided to focus on finding opportunities and creating innovative solutions to such logistical challenges. These solutions could address the following areas, not limited to the constant dilemma of commuting: energy and resources efficiency in general transport, methods to optimize traffic flow, smarter transportation management, value chain innovation, and improvements to supply and distribution channels.
"We recognize that there is a great need for a global-minded incubator, which focuses on social enterprises, to support and reinforce the growing and hugely talented sector," explains LizAn Kuster, one of the co-founders of Impact Hub Manila.
On the other hand, Dino G. Araneta, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of LBC said, "As a company that prides itself in continuously seeking ways to transform the industry and pioneer new ways to improve our service, we wanted to become part of an initiative that will cultivate ingenuity and help participants focus it into something tangible."
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| Impact Hub Manila, LBC Express team and some start-up entrepreneurs present during the press conference |
Application Procedure
Applications are now open for the 'Impact Hub Fellowship on Innovation in Mobility with LBC." To pioneer Impact Hub Manila's Fellowship programs, they are looking for entrepreneurial ideas on mobility, offering participants a chance to win more than Php1 million worth of fellowship prizes and earn guidance from a community of professionals and supporting corporations. The grand prize includes a 12-month stimulating workspace at Impact Hub Manila, living stipend, and access to seed funding, focused skill development and valuable networks.
The application is open for individuals or teams anywhere in the world. However, they should be able to work in Manila, where fellowship will take place. Interested innovators may apply at: http://www.impacthub.ph/program-fellowship.
The Fellowship will be executed in three phases:
PHASE 1: CAMPAIGN AND APPLICATION
Application starts from October 1 until November 15, 2015. During this phase, we invite everyone interested to benefit from an ideation workshop, where participants will learn how to conceptualize their ideas with a clear business approach. From all applications received, up to 12 candidates will be invited to a pitching workshop, to prepare them for a presentation in front of a professional jury partner where three (3) finalists will be selected. These finalists will then enter the cohort phase.
Meanwhile, on October 15, 2015, an Idea Development Workshop will be conducted at Impact Hub Manila from 6PM-8PM. Details of the event can be found at
PHASE 2: COHORT
The cohort phase is an intensive 3-month acceleration phase, targeting the development of a full-fledged business model and/or prototype, as well as other key competencies and start-up skills. Furthermore, finalists gain access to a personal coach, valuable networks, and a stimulating workspace at Impact Hub Manila. At the end of this phase, Impact Hub Fellow will be selected, who will then enter the Incubation phase.
PHASE 3: INCUBATION
The goal for the Fellow during the 9-month Incubation phase is to build a management team, found a legal entity, develop/test a prototype and/or enter the market, and secure additional funding as well as customer contacts. During this phase, the Fellow receives a significant seed funding as well as connections to peer entrepreneurs, mentos and other beneficial contacts. These relationships, combined with focused skill development and access to a vibrant community of change-makers in an aspiring work atmosphere, will help facilitate the start-up of a thriving social business.
For more details about the Fellowship, please check Impact Hub Manila's website at http://www.impacthub.ph/program-fellowship.
About Impact Hub Manila
Impact Hub Manila is an incubator, coworking and events space for a membership community of entrepreneurs, activists, creatives, and professionals taking action to drive positive social and environmental change. Since their opening on June 1, 2015 they welcomed more than 2000 innovators, held over 40 events and count 100+ Hubbers. With 11,000+ members in 73+ Impact Hubs across the world and 30 in the making, the Impact Hub Network has become the center of gravity for people innovating a new kind of economy. Locally rooted and globally connected. Now, the are taking the next step to foster sustainable innovation and empower entrepreneurs. The Fellowship in Innovation in Mobility with LBC will be the first in a series of annual innovation and incubation programs.
Visit www.impacthub.ph and follow Impact Hub Manila on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Location: Impact Hub Manila, 5F Green Sun, 2285 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City
For more information on the Fellowship and Impact Hub, please contact LizAn Kuster, lizan.kuster@impacthub.net, +63915-4310454.
About LBC Express
LBC Express Inc. is the Philippines' market leader in payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels, and cargo logistics. Through a global presence in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe, LBC Express' network of 4,400 locations, partners, and agents is growing steadily, and commits to moving lives, businesses, and communities in the Philippines and across the globe. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC Express pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most admired and trusted courier, car, and remittance service of millions of Filipinos, an iconic and global Filipino brand, LBC can move it. Visit www.lbcexpress.com or call +632-8585-999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10-8585-999 (provincial), and follow LBC Express on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information on LBC, please get in touch with Rea L. Gomez, rlgomez@lbcexpress.com.
