A Net Zero IdeaNation: UPLB and Nestlé PH partner to generate sustainable solutions from the youth

Stronger typhoons and rising threats to biodiversity and food security are just some of the impacts of climate change that have become more evident in the Philippines over the years. Therefore, tackling climate change cannot wait and urgent action is needed across all sectors of society.

As a Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan, Nestlé Philippines is taking a leading role in tackling climate change in the country. Guided by Nestlé’s global ambition and roadmap of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is committed to source responsibly, transform its operations, and help shape a waste-future.

These three Net Zero focus areas are the central theme for Net Zero IdeaNation, a program launched by the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) through the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), and Nestlé Philippines to harness the potential of the youth towards climate action. The partnership was made official with a recently signed agreement between the two parties.

What is Net Zero IdeaNation?

Net Zero IdeaNation consists of two phases. The first phase will run throughout the second semester of Academic Year 2021-2022 during which students of the ABME 10 (Foundations of Entrepreneurship) course will be asked to generate innovative and sustainable solutions geared towards achieving net zero emissions. By the end of the course, the teams with the best concepts will be selected to proceed to the second phase of the competition in July 2022.

During the second phase, the winning teams will receive mentorship from industry experts to further develop their ideas. All will culminate through a pitching competition in which one team will be named the Nestlé Net Zero IdeaNation Winner.

“This undertaking will be an excellent mentoring opportunity for our students, that will further inspire them to become innovative and creative in helping find solutions and avenues for sustainable business,” said UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., “Our vision is a future-proof UPLB in society with its stakeholders and communities. We hope to engage actively with industry, and this new form of partnership with Nestlé Philippines will significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of education in the university amidst the pandemic.”

Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Arlene Tan-Bantoto recognized the capability of the youth in being agents of change in society and creating a lasting positive impact on the environment.

“Engaging the youth in climate action is important because of their crucial role in ensuring a livable future on the planet they will inherit. Through initiatives like this, Nestlé Philippines aims to empower the youth and provide them platforms that they can use to help address environmental problems that affect not just our country but the rest of the world,” she said.

Nestlé Philippines also offers a post-graduate sustainability scholarship in partnership with the UPLB Graduate School.