UNLEASH Philippines Innovation Lab & Prototyping Program

🌍 About the Program

UNLEASH aims to support innovators in the Philippines with the potential to solve some of the world’s most complex environmental, economic, and societal challenges. This initiative is part of the LIF Launchpad, a program from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The Philippines is emerging as a powerful force in tech-driven innovation, fueled by a dynamic community of changemakers eager to tackle prominent social challenges. UNLEASH, in partnership with Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF), seeks to empower Filipino innovators to create sustainable solutions for their communities and beyond.

Key Dates:

• Innovation Lab: September 19–25, 2025 (Manila)
• Prototyping Program: January–April, 2026

🛠️ Program Structure

The program consists of two stages designed to turn ideas into tangible solutions:

1. UNLEASH Philippines Innovation Lab

• A week-long intensive innovation experience for 150 Filipinos to develop solutions addressing complex social challenges using design thinking principles.
• Location: Manila
• Dates: September 19–25, 2025
• Costs Covered: Accommodation, meals, local transport, logistical necessities, and innovation programming.

2. Prototyping Program

• Participants who complete the Innovation Lab will access this online program to transform their concepts into working prototypes.
• Includes technical guidance, resource access, and connections to a global network of changemakers.
• Dates: January–April, 2026

Innovators who complete the LIF Launchpad will be supported in applying to LIF Global, the Royal Academy of Engineering’s flagship international startup program.

🎁 Benefits

1. Program Costs Covered:
   UNLEASH covers all costs associated with on-site programming, including:

   • Accommodation
   • Meals
   • Local transport
   • Logistical necessities
   • Innovation programming

2. Participant Costs:
   Participants are expected to cover:

   • USD 60 Registration Fee (to confirm their spot and mitigate no-shows).
   • Travel Costs to and from the program location, including visa and travel insurance.

3. Need-Based Scholarships:
   Scholarships are available to fully or partially cover:

   • Registration fee
   • Travel costs

   Scholarship Details:

   • Applicants must complete additional scholarship application questions explaining their financial situation.
   • Scholarship applications are assessed only after acceptance into the program.
   • Scholarships ensure financial limitations do not prevent participation.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

• Be passionate about creating social or environmental impact.
• Show eagerness to learn more about or have prior exposure to STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the Philippines.
• Have English proficiency equivalent to B1 (spoken and written).
• Be at least 18 years old by September 19, 2025.
• Commit to participating in all required engagements of both the Innovation Lab and Prototyping Program.

📋 Application Process

Applications are individual, and participants will be matched into teams at the Innovation Lab based on their background and interests.

Application Requirements:

• Share basic demographic and professional information.
• Answer a few text-based questions (750–1,000 characters). Prepare these answers separately before submitting the form:
  1. Challenge Description: Describe a challenge linked to the theme you selected. Why is it important to solve this issue? (Max 1000 characters)
  2. Your Role: Explain your role in solving this challenge, including any ideas, prototypes, or skills you bring. (Max 750 characters)
  3. Past Activities: Share any related activities or projects you’ve participated in, or how you hope to get involved in the future. (Max 1000 characters)
  4. Goals: Describe what you hope to gain from UNLEASH and LIF Launchpad, and how this will support your goals. (Max 750 characters)

Application Link:

Apply Now

📅 Application Deadline

July 2, 2025

📖 FAQs and More Information

For frequently asked questions, visit UNLEASH Philippines FAQ.

For detailed program information, visit UNLEASH Philippines Innovation Lab.

🌟 Sponsor Organization

This program is sponsored by UNLEASH in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Make sure to apply early and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to innovate and create meaningful change!

• UNLEASH covers all costs associated with on-site programming, including accommodation, meals, local transport, other logistical necessities, and all of our innovation programming.
• Need-based scholarships that can fully or partially cover costs, including the registration fee and travel costs.