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.

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.