The Philippines has united in the fight against COVID-19. While big businesses lend their expertise and experience to the battle, Philippine tech startups have stepped up with innovation and solutions that have helped the government, the business community and individuals during the Emergency Community Quarantine (ECQ).
“Startups are called to do what they do best — they are rising up to this challenge by deploying innovative solutions, moving quickly, and showing us how we can harness the power of technology for the greater good. We are seeing startups from different industries working hard at this time, from logistics to ecommerce to fintech and edutech,” Katrina Chan, QBO Director, explained to the Manila Times.
One example of Philippine tech startups hard at work is Drive, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, that has shifted its focus to become an online grocery delivery service. Customers make an order online, Drive sends a vehicle and driver, or “Grocer” as the company calls it, to the market to buy the items and then delivers them once shopping is completed. This ensures a contactless experience that promotes social distancing.
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Philippine startups provide the government with vital solutions
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development selected DWARM Technologies to produce six drones equipped with its AI Thermal Scan Solution. The technology, which was created by students and alumni of Far Eastern University Institute of Technology, will assist frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
“Our AI Thermal Imaging system detects a person through a video camera and analyzes the person’s temperature reading with a thermal camera. The thermal camera can show a fairly accurate reading of everyone within the camera frame,” Samantha Bautista, Electronics Engineer and team leader for DWARM Technologies, said in a press release.
Senti is another one of the Philippine tech startups using AI in the battle against COVID-19. The company is lending its AI and machine learning expertise to the Department of Health (DoH). The firm is sharing a knowledge base for chatbots that the DoH deploys across different channels. The goal of the program is to provide the most accurate responses to COVID-19 related questions and inquires.
