Green innovators shine at first SSX pitch

Eco-conscious start-ups are proving that the future of business is green. A dynamic group of food and non-food innovators emerged as finalists in “Future Proof: The Green Innovation Pitch”—the first-ever start-up pitching competition under the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) at the recently concluded IFEX Philippines 2026.

Eco-conscious start-ups are proving that the future of business is
green. A dynamic group of food and non-food innovators emerged as
finalists in “Future Proof: The Green Innovation Pitch”—the
first-ever start-up pitching competition under the Sustainability Solutions
Exchange (SSX) at the recently concluded IFEX Philippines 2026.

The following
start-up leaders delivered the most persuasive pitches of the contest’s
semi-final stage:

●     Arlyn Jubilee Kalsim of GNS Enterprises, a
start-up with sustainable programs transforming waste into valuable, customized
products

●     Glenda Esperidal of Green Beauty and Wellness, a
social enterprise promoting natural health and beauty

●     Czar Carbonael of Magwai, a producer of reef-safe
sunscreen

●     Wilma Alvester of FLQ Foods and Panciteria,
producer of cassava powder, cassava polvoron, and cassava crunchies, works with
community farmers to ensure a sustainable future for cassava production

●     Mark Sultan Gersava of D’ Sustainable Planet, a
social enterprise using bamboo and technology to provide eco-friendly solutions.

A final round of
pitching will be held during the full-scale SSX Conference in October 2026,
where two overall winners will be chosen. In addition to monetary prizes,
victors will be named delegates to SDG Asia 2027 in Taiwan. 

“Future Proof”
gathered a total of eight startups presenting sustainability-driven products
and business models across different industries. Each startup was given eight
minutes to present its products, scalability potential, and social impact.
Members of the competition’s Technical Working Group (TWG) then conducted a
seven-minute question-and-answer session with each participant.

Other
participants included DEMAF 3D Printing Hub, Veronica Trabilla Upcycling, and
Buenavita Food Product.

The TWG was
composed of Theodore Cacayan of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, Alwyn
Joy Rosel of IdeaSpace/QBO Innovation Hub, and Zedrick Avecilla of Philippine
Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). To prepare for the
finals, the start-up finalists will attend two TWG mentorship sessions between
June and September to sharpen their business strategies and presentations.

An initiative of
the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the
pitching competition was designed to support outstanding, market-ready
sustainable solutions to build a more resilient future. In her welcome remarks,
IFEX Philippines Project Director Rowena Mendoza detailed that the contest was
a measure to connect start-ups with experts, investors, and potential
partners–figures to help achieve their vision.

“We want to boost
start-ups on the verge of breakthroughs, providing networking opportunities to
help you reach your potential,” Mendoza said. She added that the competition
reflects SSX’s goal of promoting enterprises that create a positive
environmental and social impact.

“Today’s
competition can be a game-changer—a doorway to stronger partnerships and real
market traction for your ideas,” Mendoza declared.

Reflecting on
SSX’s growth, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said she was honored
to see the platform–her brainchild–garner support from promising start-ups.
“From the very beginning, the principal objective of SSX has been to support
our sustainability-oriented enterprises,” Ocampo explained. “This is anchored
in our belief that circularity and sustainability are essential to achieving
global competitiveness.”

“We look forward
to seeing the contest yield opportunities for these great thinkers and
innovators,” Ocampo continued. “Moving forward, CITEM will continue to affirm
its commitment to sustainability, developing initiatives to advance the
Philippines’ green agenda.”

Spotlighting
“Tropical Flavors for the World,” IFEX Philippines 2026 featured more than 500
exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas across key food product
categories. Returning as a specialized feature, SSX highlights technologies,
systems, and business models that support circularity and resilience in the
food industry in line with the country’s green agenda.

The SSX Conference will run from October 15 to 17, 2026 at the
Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), concurrent with the staging of the
74th Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. As an expanded
conference platform, SSX will broaden the sustainability conversation by
promoting circular models across the lifestyle, home, and fashion sectors, as
well as smart cities. The program will feature technical discussions,
interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities designed to complement
Manila FAME’s showcase of Philippine design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Learn more about
transformative green solutions at sustainability.ph.

Na-publish na rin ang Press Release sa VRITIMES