TIP Students Win Swiss Innovation Award for Edible Cutlery Project

A team of six students from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) has achieved recognition in the 2023 Swiss Innovation Prize for their groundbreaking project that turns flour into edible cutlery. This innovative concept aims to tackle the severe plastic pollution problem. Led by Stanley del Rosario, a 4th-year civil engineering student, the team, called “Edgetec,” secured third place in the sustainability category with their research paper, “Edible Cutleries with Biodegradable Packaging as an Alternative to Single-Used Plastics.” This project was a part of their Tech 101 Engineering and Entrepreneurship class.

Other team members include Elyza Marielle Camiguing and Amiel Salvania (3rd Year, Electronics Engineering), Emmanuelle Dave Santos and Faron Jabez Nonan (2nd Year, Computer Engineering), and John Paul Fernandez (4th Year, Civil Engineering). Del Rosario emphasized the project’s aim to raise awareness about plastic pollution and provide a sustainable solution. He highlighted the Philippines’ significant contribution to ocean plastic and the lack of a robust waste management plan in the country. The edible cutlery, safe even if ingested by marine animals, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastics.

The Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Swiss Cultural Fund and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, organized the contest to promote innovative ideas capable of spurring economic growth and societal improvement. The TIP team was honored with a trophy and a cash prize of P30,000 during an awards ceremony in Makati last November​​.