UNLEASH Philippines FAQ

LIF Launchpad:
UNLEASH Philippines
and Prototyping Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Read the answers to the questions below if you are considering applying to LIF Launchpad: UNLEASH Philippines Innovation Lab and Prototyping Program.

About The Program

What is LIF Launchpad?

LIF Launchpad is a joint initiative between UNLEASH and the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) program by the Royal Academy of Engineering. It includes a week-long Innovation Lab followed by a three-month Prototyping Program to support early-stage solutions in reaching Technological Readiness Level 4 (TRL4).

Where and when is it happening?

The Innovation Lab will take place from September 19-25, 2025 in Manila. More information on the exact location will be disclosed soon.

The Prototyping Program will take place from across January – April, 2026. It will be a hybrid initiative with online workshops and e-learning content combined with access to maker spaces across the Philippines.

Are there specific themes I can work on?

Thematic tracks will focus on addressing sustainability challenges within STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The tracks will be co-designed with LIF and local stakeholders.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

Be a permanent resident of the Philippines
Have English proficiency equivalent to B1 (spoken and written)
Be minimum 18 years of age at the start of the program (September 19, 2025)
Be passionate about creating social or environmental impact
Commit to participate in all the required engagements of both the Innovation Lab and Prototyping Program

Can I apply as a team?

No. Applications are individual. You’ll be matched into teams at the Innovation Lab based on your background and interests.

Can I apply if I’ve already attended an UNLEASH Innovation Lab?

No. Talents of previous UNLEASH Innovation Labs are not eligible to apply as a Talent again.

Can I apply if I’ve participated in an UNLEASH Hack?

Yes! UNLEASH Hack Talents are encouraged to apply.

Can I apply if I’ve already participated in LIF Global?

No, if you’ve previously participated in LIF Global or LIF 1 to 7, you are not eligible to apply to this program. You can, however, apply to LIF Advance.

What kind of participant is best suited for this program?

We are looking for:

Passionate problem-solvers
Motivated to create social impact
Open and collaborative
Creative and resilient
Prior exposure to or passion about STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

The Application Process

What are the key questions of the application?

Applicants will have to share basic demographic and professional information. Most of the questions are multiple choice, but there are a few that require candidates to expand on their experiences over text (varying between 750 and 1,000 characters).

We encourage you to prepare those questions separately and then copy paste them to the form. The questions are:

Tell us about a challenge linked to the theme you selected above. Why is it important to solve this issue? (Max 1000 characters)
What role do you see yourself playing in solving this challenge? This could be by sharing an idea or existing prototype that you have created, or the technical, engineering, and/or business skills that you would bring to solving the challenge. (Max 750 characters)
Have you taken part in any activities or projects related to this challenge? Tell us what you did, what happened, and what you learned. If not, share how you hope to get involved in the future. (Max 1000 characters)
What do you hope to gain from being part of UNLEASH and LIF Launchpad? How would this support your goals in the next year and beyond? (Max 750 characters)

When do applications open and close?

Applications open on June 11 and close on July 2, 23.59 GMT+8 (Manila time), 2025.

Can I edit my application after submission?

Yes, until the deadline. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with a summary of your responses and can edit them until July 2, 23.59 GMT+8 (Manila time).

Can I apply to the Innovation Lab and not be part of the Prototyping Program?

No. LIF Launchpad comprises both the in-person Innovation Lab experience and the Prototyping Program, and potential candidates must be part of both to be eligible.

How is my application reviewed?

All applications will go through a software-assisted screening to confirm the eligibility of every candidate. Eligible applicants will be anonymously reviewed by the UNLEASH team.

When will I know the result of my application?

All applicants will hear back from UNLEASH by the end of July. Please note: due to a high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback for any candidate.

Program Experience

What happens at the Innovation Lab?

Participants are placed in teams and go through the UNLEASH Innovation Process, focusing on problem framing, ideating, prototyping and testing. At the end of the program, every team pitches in front of their peers, Facilitators and Judges. You can read more here.

Where is the Innovation Lab taking place?

The Innovation Lab will take place in Manila. More details about the exact location will be shared soon.

Do I need to bring my laptop? Will there be Wi-Fi for everyone?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your laptop computer. However, UNLEASH is not liable for laptops being damaged or lost during the event. Participants will have access to Wi-Fi during at the accommodation space and during the innovation program.

I do not have a laptop computer, is that a problem?

No. This is not a problem, as you do not need one in order to participate in the Innovation Lab. However, if you do have one, you are welcome to bring it.

Logistics

Where will I be staying?

All Talents will be booked shared accommodation in Manila. Questions regarding the practicalities of accommodation will be addressed closer to the program.

Can I bring guests?

No. We do not allow individuals other than accepted participants to attend the program.

I have certain dietary restrictions; will these be taken into consideration?

Yes. Prior to your attendance, you will be asked to submit information on any dietary requirements you may have.

Will you cater for the needs of applicants with special needs?

Yes. Prior to your attendance, you will be asked to submit information on any special needs you may have (i.e. a disability, mobility impairment, neurodivergence, etc.) and UNLEASH will to the best of our ability work to address these needs.

Will I be insured?

While UNLEASH has insurance covering the event itself, it is the responsibility of the individual program participant to obtain a valid travel insurance.

Costs and Scholarships

Are there any costs associated with participating in UNLEASH Philippines?

At UNLEASH, we are committed to providing a transformative experience that brings together talented, high potential people from around the world.

UNLEASH covers all costs associated with on-site programming, including accommodation, meals, local transport, other logistical necessities, and all of our innovation programming. As a general rule, all Talents must cover the following costs:

USD 60 Registration Fee to confirm their spot at the UNLEASH Innovation Lab. This fee mitigates no-shows and ensures that we do not have empty seats where other Talents could have had the opportunity to participate.
Travel costs to the program location. Participants are expected to arrange and cover their travel to and from the program location, including any associated costs with obtaining a visa and travel insurance.

We understand that costs can be a barrier for some, so we offer need-based scholarships that can fully or partially cover these costs, including the registration fee and travel costs.

If you would otherwise not be able or willing to come to UNLEASH, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. If so, you will be asked to complete some additional scholarship application questions explaining your reasons and situation.

Do note that scholarship application questions will be assessed only after you are accepted into the UNLEASH program, and all answers will be kept anonymous.

We believe in equal opportunity and are committed to ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent brilliant minds from joining the Innovation Lab.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Talents have the option of applying for a scholarship for the registration fee or for their travel costs to the program location, or both. If you receive a registration fee scholarship, you do not have to pay the participation registration fee. If you receive a travel scholarship, you do not have to cover your travel costs. The scholarship is meant for individuals who are unable or willing to attend the Innovation Lab without scholarship support.

In the application form, you will be asked if you require scholarship support. If so, you will have to fill in information surrounding your economic situation. Scholarship applications will be assessed once you are accepted into the UNLEASH program.

Given the sensitivity of the information provided in this application form, your submitted data will be securely stored and handled only by the UNLEASH Secretariat for the purposes of assessing your eligibility for the scholarship. The data will not be shared with any third parties.

After the Innovation Lab: Prototyping Program

What is the Prototyping Program?

A three-month post-Innovation Lab program to support participants reaching Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4). That is, that your idea has been tested in a lab setting and proven to work as a basic prototype.

Do I have to continue to the Prototyping Program with my Innovation Lab team?

No. You may proceed independently.

Is this a step required to apply for LIF Global?

Yes. Completing the two stages of LIF Launchpad prepare you for that application.

Can I apply to the Prototyping Program and not be part of the Innovation Lab?