Manila: Negros Occidental A PHP1 million prize pool awaits winning teams of college students in the maiden Negros Occidental Energy Innovation Sprint (NOEIS), a competition challenging participants to develop scalable and sustainable biofuel systems that can power communities, industries, and the province's clean energy future. Beyond the cash prize, winners can secure a one-year purchase order and have the opportunity to become the primary producer and supplier of the proposed biofuel system. They will also be provided with incubation and mentorship opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the competition is open to colleges and universities across disciplines, including Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Fisheries, Business and Entrepreneurship, IT and Data Science, Environmental Science, Communications and Media, and Public Policy and Social Sciences. Organizers emphasized that NOEIS is not just a science or engineering competition but encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration essential for building a viable biofuel ecosystem that requires expertise across various fields.
Building a viable biofuel ecosystem - from production and processing to technology, logistics, enterprise, sustainability, and community impact - necessitates collaboration across these fields. The province-wide innovation competition is part of the initiatives of the provincial government and its partners under the SecuRE Negros long-term energy security plan. This plan aims at reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting just renewable energy solutions to achieve power security for Negrenses.
On May 29, organizers will hold a preliminary meeting to officially introduce the competition mechanics, challenge framework, timelines, and participation guidelines to interested schools, advisers, and student representatives. The Department of Science and Technology provides technical expertise for the innovation competition. Benefactors through the Office of 2nd District Board Member Arthur Christopher Mara±on are supporting the competition.
