At the SMX Convention Center, the atmosphere was filled with pride and possibility as Filipino entrepreneurs showcased their ideas at Shell LiveWIRE 2025, the flagship entrepreneurship program of Shell Pilipinas Corporation.
More than just a pitch competition, the culminating event became a celebration of local ingenuity, resilience, and the power of sustainable innovation.
A community of changemakers
“Shell LiveWIRE is not just about technology—it’s about people, communities, and a shared sustainable future,” said Sebastian “Baste” Quiñones, Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, in his opening remarks.
He highlighted how the program has grown over the past five years to support more than 150 startups and community enterprises while creating over 800 jobs, even during the most challenging periods of the pandemic.
Quiñones reminded the audience that innovation in the Philippines is not only about gadgets or apps—it’s about solving real-life problems faced by farmers, drivers, and families every day. He also shared stories of alumni like NextPay, which now helps Shell process digital scholarship payments, and Agro-Digital PH, which continues to push forward agriculture’s digital transformation.
These examples show that Filipino startups are not just surviving; they are thriving within and beyond Shell’s global ecosystem.
Stories behind the startups
This year’s finalists — Agridom, Greentech Ecobooster, and Pili AdheSeal Inc. — each carried with them stories deeply rooted in the everyday realities of Filipino communities.
1. Agridom: Revolutionizing agriculture with drones — Behind every Filipino meal is the work of a farmer, but as Agridom co-founder Jennifer Joyce Subang shared, many of these farmers are aging, overworked, and struggling to keep up with rising costs. At an average age of 57, many farmers are reluctant to pass on the profession to their children, who see it as backbreaking and unprofitable.
Agridom seeks to change that narrative through drones-as-a-service, a model that allows even smallholder farmers to access drone technology without the heavy costs of ownership. Farmers can now request drone spraying and mapping on demand, paying only for the service when needed.
The results speak for themselves: Agridom has already served over 2,000 farmers across the Visayas and Mindanao, covering more than 300,000 hectares of rice, corn, banana, and coffee. Beyond higher yields and lower costs, drone technology has reduced farmers’ direct contact with harmful chemicals, making their work safer.
For many, it is a glimpse of a future where farming is not just a livelihood but a sustainable career path for the next generation.
2. Greentech ecobooster: Driving fuel efficiency and cleaner air
For many tricycle drivers, rising fuel costs mean having to make tough choices: fewer trips, less income, or reduced household spending. Greentech Ecobooster was developed with them in mind. The startup created a retrofit nozzle device that makes engines burn fuel more efficiently, delivering both economic relief and environmental benefits.
During field tests in Parañaque, tricycle operators reported daily fuel savings of ₱50 to ₱120, a meaningful amount for families living on tight budgets. Beyond savings, laboratory tests confirmed a 98% reduction in carbon monoxide and a 92% drop in other harmful emissions, proving that the device also makes city air cleaner.
Priced at around ₱1,900 per carburetor kit, the Ecobooster pays for itself in just 30 to 45 days and comes with a 10-year warranty. Drivers also noted better performance, including increased horsepower and load capacity, making the invention not just an economic tool but also a practical upgrade for daily use.
For its strong impact and scalability, Greentech Ecobooster received the top prize of ₱1 million equity-free funding, positioning it to scale production and expand access to drivers and businesses nationwide.
3. Pili AdheSeal Inc.: Turning agricultural waste into sustainable sealants
For Engineer Mark Bantugan, innovation began at home.
As a child in Batangas, he vividly recalls patching a typhoon-damaged roof with chewing gum — a makeshift solution that later inspired him to transform pili tree resin waste into eco-friendly adhesives and sealants.
Today, that childhood memory has blossomed into Pili AdheSeal Inc., a company that champions the circular economy. Their flagship hybrid sealant cures in 30 seconds, withstands temperatures up to 350°C, and meets ISO standards for construction, aviation, and defense. Already certified by Airbus and Boeing, the product has proven its performance even in highly regulated industries.
But the true beauty of Pili AdheSeal lies in its roots. The Philippines produces over 200 million kilograms of pili resin waste annually, much of which is discarded. By upcycling this waste into adhesives, the startup not only reduces environmental impact but also creates additional income for pili farmers who now have a new revenue stream from what was once considered useless byproduct.
More than prizes, a commitment to growth
At the close of the event, all three startups were declared winners. Greentech Ecobooster took home ₱1 million in equity-free funding, while Agridom and Pili AdheSeal each received ₱500,000.
The recognition went beyond the prize money. For many of the founders, the support was a validation of their years of hard work and a reminder that their solutions have the potential to touch countless lives. By awarding all three, Shell LiveWIRE demonstrated its belief that innovation should not only be rewarded but also nurtured at every stage of growth.
Building ripples of change
Henry James Sison (left), Founder of Agro-Digital PH, talking to farmers and members of their family
The event also featured a keynote from Henry James Sison, Founder of Agro-Digital PH, who himself once stood on the same stage as a LiveWIRE finalist. He emphasized that funding is only one part of the journey; mentorship, collaboration, and persistence are equally vital in transforming startups into lasting enterprises. His story underscored the ripple effect that programs like LiveWIRE create — where today’s finalists become tomorrow’s mentors.
For Shell Pilipinas, which recently celebrated 43 years of community partnerships through its foundation, the event reaffirmed its mission to work hand-in-hand with communities. By extending its support to startups, Shell ensures that Filipino entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools, networks, and visibility needed to scale their solutions far beyond local borders.
Shell LiveWIRE 2025 left the audience inspired — not only because ₱2 million in funding was awarded but because it showed the diverse ways innovation can improve everyday life. From safer and more efficient farming, to cleaner air and lower fuel costs, to sustainable materials born out of agricultural waste, these solutions prove that innovation is most powerful when rooted in real human experiences.
As the program ended with applause and photo opportunities, one message lingered: Filipino ingenuity has the power to transform communities and inspire the world.
