Impact Hub Manila, LBC Express launch fellowship program. Here’s what it takes to get in

Impact Hub Manila, an incubator and co-working space in the Philippines, recently opened the application process for its fellowship program in partnership with LBC Express.

LBC Express is a courier, money remittance, and cargo logistics company, with a network of 6,400 outlets worldwide. It has presence in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East, and Europe.

The fellowship carries the theme “innovation in mobility.” This only means participating startups must be focusing on solutions to public transport, traffic, and logistical challenges, as well as issues in supply and delivery, or value chain management.

Ideas from anywhere in the world are welcome, though the program will, of course, be executed in Manila.

Application is ongoing until November 15. Then 12 startups will be chosen to pitch in front of a panel of judges on November 28. Three of the 12 will enter the “cohort phase,” which starts January 2016. The cohort phase will run for three months, then a demo day will be held. The winner will be incubated for another nine months.

In all, the winner will receive PHP 1 million (roughly US$21,500) in monetary and other benefits such as skills training, year-long access to workspace and networks, and stipend.

So what does it take to win? Here are some tips from Impact Hub Manila co-founder Lizan Kuster:

Have a clear business idea

At the heart of any successful venture is an evident market need. If you’d like to pitch for the fellowship, Lizan says you should be addressing pain points in mobility. “But don’t be discouraged if you feel your idea is too raw, Impact Hub Manila will offer free workshops and constructive support to refine your concept,” she says.

Be committed

The fellowship program is divided into phases – starting with the professional pitch, and then moving on to prototyping and business model development. You must be willing to give your full attention to the project and put in productive hours to build and grow your idea.

Think innovative, act collaborative

One criteria for judging is your idea’s ability to leverage Impact Hub and partner LBC’s resources, particularly LBC’s distribution channels. Lizan explains: “While your initiative must propose pioneering solutions, it is through incisive execution that your vision will be realized.”