A groundbreaking assistive tool designed to revolutionize braille education for the visually impaired clinched the top prize at the recently concluded Startup Pitching Competition during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2025, organized by the Department of Science and Technology in Davao (DOST-Davao).
The winning innovation, dubbed BRAILLEiance, impressed judges and investors alike, securing not only the championship but also the coveted Investor’s Choice Award. The device is engineered to make braille literacy more accessible through a progressive learning system that guides users from recognizing individual characters to reading complete sentences.
Bridging the Gap in Inclusive Education
BRAILLEiance stands out by seamlessly blending empathy with cutting-edge technology. Its core mission is to address a critical gap in inclusive education, empowering learners who are blind or have low vision to gain essential literacy skills and build confidence.
“By providing a structured and intuitive learning pathway, BRAILLEiance aims to demystify braille and open doors to education, information, and independence,” the developers highlighted during their pitch. The dual victory underscores the innovation’s strong potential for real-world application, market viability, and its significant social impact.
A Trio of Winning Solutions for Social Good
The competition, held under the theme “Innovation to Impact,” showcased a diverse array of startups leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to address pressing societal challenges.
Second Place and the Tech for Good Award were awarded to TanimText, a digital solution focused on empowering farmers. The platform provides technology-enabled communication and information tools to assist agricultural workers in improving their practices and livelihoods.
Third Place went to Coco, which also received the Impact Potential Award. This sustainability-driven venture promotes eco-friendly product development, aligning with global environmental goals.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Change
In his address, DOST-Davao Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales emphasized the competition’s role in the agency’s broader mission. He stated that the event reflects DOST’s continuing commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting innovations that create tangible social value.
“Through initiatives like this, we hope to inspire more innovators to see Science and Technology not just as tools for business, but as catalysts for positive change,” Dr. Sales said. “By recognizing solutions like BRAILLEiance, TanimText, and Coco, we reaffirm our mission to foster a culture of innovation that uplifts communities and advances national progress.”
The competition served as a dynamic platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to demonstrate how homegrown technologies can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development across the Philippines.
The 2025 RSTW is one of the flagship programs of the DOST, aimed at delivering science-based and innovative solutions across its four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These efforts are encapsulated in the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All.
At a Glance: DOST-Davao Startup Pitching Competition 2025 Winners
Place Innovation Key Description Awards Won
1st Place BRAILLEiance A progressive assistive tool for learning braille, from characters to sentences. Champion, Investor’s Choice Award
2nd Place TanimText An agriculture-focused digital solution to assist farmers with tech-enabled tools. 2nd Place, Tech for Good Award
3rd Place Coco A sustainability-driven innovation promoting eco-friendly product development.
For more information on DOST’s programs and initiatives, visit www.dost.gov.ph.#
