From 10 finalists, Agriconnect was selected as the 2024 Red Bull Basement National Finals winner, which was held last October 26 at the Mind Museum, Taguig. The jury panel consisted of Unbox Creator Network CEO Carlo Ople, 2023 APEC Circular Economy Awardee and The Circle Hostel Co-founder Rafael Dionisio, and international consultant and capacity development (CD) practitioner Dr. Eduardo Canela. An idea of Soj Gamayon, Agriconnect’s win secures a spot as the exclusive Philippine representative for the Red Bull Basement World Finals that is set for this December in Tokyo, Japan.

Gamayon’s “Agriconnect” innovation stood out for its creativity, practicality, and potential for significant impact on farming businesses in the Philippines and Asia. The forward-thinking innovation addresses rice-farming concerns and aims to simplify and make rice farming more efficient, potentially reshaping the agriculture industry.

“It’s inspiring to see someone think of the problem and figure out innovations to make it easier for farmers as well as the end users or the customers,” Ople said on what made Agriconnect stand out among the 10 finalists. “That level of care and concern, and the creativity that was displayed in coming up with solutions is something else. ”

Gamayon’s Agriconnect will be the representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Basement World Finals, where innovators from 40 countries will gather together to compete for the title of Red Bull Basement World Champion. Along with the chance to win the title, Gamayon will also receive invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities, gaining him exposure to industry leaders and fellow innovators.

“It’s so surreal. It wasn’t in my expectations, honestly, I was just here because I knew I had so much more to learn, and this is for me such a great bonus,” Gamayon said. “I see it more as a responsibility to hopefully bring in the championship for the Philippines.”

Gamayon explained that coming from a province that is big on rice farming, he believes that his idea with Agriconnect should help revolutionize farming. “Rice is a very vital part of our economy and our world. So, we need to make sure that in order for us to have this constant demand, we need to make sure we simplify and have a more strategic way of approaching rice farming.”

“In order for us to create true impact, we need to make sure everyone wins in the rice farming industry.”