Overview

 

The Haraya x MintGREEN Startup Challenge is a regional competition that supports young Filipino innovators in developing social enterprises focused on environmental sustainability. The program, organized by Haraya Projects Foundation and hosted at Mint College Pasig, is open to youth under the age of 30 based in the Philippines.

 

Selected applicants participate in a structured, multi-phase program combining mentorship, practical business development training, and a culminating in-person pitch event. The challenge is designed to promote scalable, impact-oriented solutions to pressing ecological and social issues in the Philippines.

 

Program Objectives

• Support the development of youth-led social enterprises that address environmental challenges

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance in sustainable business, pitching, and financial planning

• Foster connections between young entrepreneurs, sustainability practitioners, and investors

• Promote interdisciplinary, community-based responses to environmental crises

• Advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through localized, youth-led initiatives

 

Participant Eligibility

• Filipino residents under 30 years old

• Applicants may apply as individuals or in teams (2–6 members recommended)

• Two tracks are available:

  • New Concept Track: For teams developing early-stage ideas

  • Existing Startup Track: For teams with operating social enterprises seeking to scale

 

Program Structure

​

1. Application Phase (July 15 – August 15, 2025)

Interested teams submit a <10 slide pitch deck and a 1-minute introduction video via the online form. Applications are reviewed based on clarity, feasibility, innovation, and potential for social and environmental impact.

​

2. Semi-Finalist Selection (September 15 – 25, 2025)

Ten semi-finalist teams (five from each track) are selected. These teams participate in a month-long online training and mentoring program in preparation for the final pitch.

​

3. Online Lecture Series & Mentorship (October 1 – November 1, 2025)

Semi-finalists attend weekly Zoom lectures led by experts in social entrepreneurship, environmental impact assessment, financial planning, and pitching. Each team also receives one individual mentoring session focused on refining their business model and presentation.

​

4. Final Pitch Event (November 11, 2025)

All semi-finalist teams attend a culminating in-person event at Mint College Pasig, where they present their proposals to a panel of judges. Two winning teams (one from each track) will each receive ₱60,000 in seed funding, as well as post-program visibility through Haraya and Mint’s networks.

 

Submission Requirements

​

Applicants for the first round must submit the following:

• A pitch deck (max 10 slides, PDF format)

• 1-page Executive Summary

 

Evaluation Criteria

​

Submissions are reviewed based on:

• Relevance and clarity of the environmental/social issue

• Feasibility and innovation of the proposed solution

• Potential for measurable impact

• Team capacity and leadership potential

• Alignment with sustainable development and circular economy principles

 

Outcomes and Support

​

Semi-finalist teams receive:

• One-month long mentorship for pitching by a leader in the field

• 4-Part Lecture series on enterprise development by leaders in entrepreneurship

​

Winning teams receive:

• ₱60,000 in unrestricted seed funding

• Public recognition through social media, event materials, and Haraya’s newsletter, and Mint College

• Opportunities for follow-on mentorship, inclusion in future Haraya challenges, and connection to relevant funders or partners​