ILOILO — The Iloilo Provincial Government is inviting innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to join Hack Iloilo: The 2026 Iloilo Province Startup Hackathon, a three-day event running from October 14 to 16, 2026, at the Regional iHub inside Iloilo Science and Technology University. The competition offers a total prize pool of ₱230,000 and a direct pathway into the province's startup development pipeline.
A Competition Built for Impact
Organized through Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-332, also known as the Iloilo Startup Development Ordinance of 2024, the hackathon is led by the Iloilo Province Startup Development Committee with the Office of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer serving as secretariat. The initiative mandates the design of startup competitions that support innovation across the province.
Building on the success of the 2025 edition, this year's hackathon expands participation beyond students. Teams are challenged to develop working prototypes that address pressing challenges in Tourism, Agriculture, and Services, with collaboration from an identified potential early adopter expected as a key component of every solution.
Eligibility and Team Composition
The hackathon is open to individuals who are based in, studying in, working in, or actively serving Iloilo Province. Participants must be at least 18 years old and must have a direct connection to the province through residence, education, employment, business, or civic engagement.
Each team must consist of three to five members with complementary skills. At least one member must handle Build or Technology, another must manage Business or Commercialization, and another must contribute expertise in Design, Communications, or relevant domain knowledge. Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged to join.
A Structured Journey from Problem to Pitch
The hackathon follows a clear process beginning with Reverse Pitching, where participating provincial government departments present real problem statements. Teams then select a challenge and move into Ideation and Concept Generation, validating their assumptions through stakeholder input.
Teams then develop a technology-enabled functional prototype within the hackathon period. The final phase requires a pitch deck covering the problem, solution, unique value proposition, prototype demonstration, implementation plan, and scalability. Presentations run five to seven minutes, followed by ten minutes of Q&A with judges.
Prizes and Startup Privileges
The top three teams will receive cash prizes of ₱100,000, ₱80,000, and ₱50,000 respectively. Beyond cash, winning teams gain an incubation slot at an UMWAD-member technology business incubator, commercialization and validation support, a startup certificate of recognition, and eligibility for tax holidays.
Winners also receive Demo Day exposure with access to investor and angel-syndicate networks. Their prototypes will advance into validated minimum viable products with adopter support, culminating in a public Demo Day that connects them to the broader startup ecosystem.
Deadline and Commitment
Interested participants must submit entries by September 28, 2026, through the official registration form. The hackathon requires full immersion, with participants staying inside the SSB Hall for the entire duration. Meals are provided, sleeping areas are segregated, and a rest policy ensures reasonable breaks for all teams.
