By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo announced last August 17, 2023 that there were 11 qualified startups that were chosen from 34 participating startups all over Western Visayas. 8 out of 11 qualified startups are from Iloilo, and one of those is a group of students from Central Philippine University called Team RideSafe.
The following are the Team RideSafe members: Rafael III Prudente, BSSE-3; Jerome Cabugwason, BSSE-3; Hans Daduya, BSSE-4; and Sam David Andrada, a recent graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Business Management – Cum Laude. According to the group, “RideSafe aims to provide a comprehensive solution to address both the issues of helmet usage and alcohol impairment among motorcyclists. The device is powered by solar energy and features a push-button switch that is linked to the ignition system of the motorcycle. It also includes an MQ-3 alcohol sensor to detect the driver’s alcohol level. If the alcohol level exceeds a certain threshold, the device will prevent the motorcycle from being turned on.”
Furthermore, “RideSafe also includes a mobile application that is linked to the device and provides real-time data on the driver’s location, speed, and alcohol level. The application allows the user to add emergency contact information, and a feature that in the case of an unfortunate event, it can immediately send a notification to the nearest emergency hotline.”
According to the Department of Trade and Industry Region VI, “MOONSHOT TNK: Sustaining MSMEs through Trabaho, Negosyo at Konsyumer Innovative Solutions” aims to support the local tech and non-tech startups to jumpstart their technological and innovative solutions for the betterment and advancement of Western Visayas in the four challenged sectors – Health, Poverty, Education and Environment. The startups will showcase their game-changing solutions and products to major investors and industry leaders.
The announcement of the winners will be on September 7 to 8. The startup winners will receive cash and non-cash incentives. Moreover, according to DTI, “an incubation hub located in Region VI which will include workspace, mentorship, and training will be provided to the winners. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this incentive will then be executed to establish the responsibilities and commitment of DTI-VI and the selected Region 6 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) partners.”
For more information about RideSafe, you may visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ9UMeS2aG8