Search for tech-based solutions to save our seas now open!

Save Philippine Seas (SPS) and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines are pleased to announce the call for applications to the Haquathon, a search for tech-based solutions to save our seas

The Haquathon seeks Philippine-based individuals, groups, or organizations to create and pilot solutions that address coastal- and marine-related sustainability issues. Proposals may be a platform, software, hardware, or piece of equipment.

“This Haquathon is extremely important because it not only highlight many of the marine resource and sustainability challenges facing communities and ecosystems in the Philippines, but it encourages participants to come up with real, viable solutions to those problems!” said Matt Keener, Cultural Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy.

Proposals must fall under one of the four themes: (i) preventing or reducing marine pollution (e.g., plastics, sewage, discarded fishing gear); (ii) illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and coastal law enforcement; (iii) coral reef conservation and restoration; or (iv) environmental education.

“The Haquathon is not only a search for solutions, but also a celebration of Philippine ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation,” shared Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

• Feasibility: The proposal demonstrates understanding of the problem being addressed and capacity to be piloted within six months.

• Creativity: The proposal exhibits innovation through a new idea or a different approach to tackling an issue.

• Potential for community impact: The proposal exhibits economic and societal value, and is accessible to the target audience. It must also show potential for sustainability.

Successful applicants will be notified by mid-June. The top 20 Haquathon finalists will be brought together in Manila or Cebu on June 28-30, 2019 to close the U.S. Oceans Month and Philippine Environment Month.

During the Haquathon, they will have 48 hours of coding and prototyping, with support and mentorship from marine conservation and tech specialists. All expenses related to transportation, accommodations, and materials will be covered by the project. On the last day, finalists will present their final output to panelists and other potential partners. Finalists and winners alike may be connected with other organizations and networks suited to support their proposals.

Six winners will be chosen (three in Manila and three in Cebu). Proposals will have a chance to receive seed funding for pilot implementation from July to December 2019. Maximum amounts available are P80,000 (1st prize); PhP70,000 (2nd prize); and PhP60,000 (3rd prize). Winners will also receive non-monetary support, such as mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities during the implementation period.

All winners will convene for the Haquathon Summit in January 2020 to report progress, challenges, and accomplishments.

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to Philippine-based individuals, groups, or organizations. Groups and organizations must identify one lead team member and a secondary representative. There is no limit to the number of people in a group or organization, but only up to two representatives can attend the Haquathon. The participation of the two reps will be fully sponsored by the organizers.

• Entries may be at the conceptual, ideation, or prototyping/pilot stage. If the proposal is already existing, it must be less than two years old.

• There is no age limit for applicants, but those under 18 years old must have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian.

• Be able to attend the full duration of the Haquathon in Manila or Cebu from June 27-July 1 (inclusive of travel dates) and the Haquathon Summit in mid-January 2020.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Fill out the online Haquathon application form. Forms may be edited until 11:59PM (GMT+8) on June 7, 2019. Applicants can read and answer the Word document before filling in the online form, which can be viewed and downloaded from here. Do not e-mail a filled out copy of the Word document as your application form, unless there is a problem with submitting the online application form. If you are having problems accessing the online form due to unstable internet connection, please inform the SPS team at haquathon@gmail.com.

• Like the following Facebook pages: Save Philippine Seas and American Spaces Philippines

• Follow @SavePHSeas on Twitter if on Twitter

• Follow @savephseas and @amspacesph‎ on Instagram if on Instagram

Providing false or incorrect information will be grounds for disqualification.

Failure to follow instructions (e.g., sending your application via Facebook) means that your application will not be considered.

Deadline for applications is at 11:59PM (GTM+8) on June 7, 2019. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Learn more about American Spaces in the Philippines at americanspacesph.org and Save Philippine Seas at savephilippineseas.org.