𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | 𝗶𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝗛 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

The first-ever UNLEASH Hack in the Philippines took place during the second iteration of the iDeaTech Challenge 2024 Pitching Competition, a key highlight of the Industry-Academe Congress on Technologies for Smart City (i-ACT4SmartCity), held on October 16 at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON), Cauayan City, Isabela.

Out of thirty-five (35) entries from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region 2, only 10 teams qualified as finalists for the challenge. The finalists’ journey was rigorous and challenging, as the competition was co-organized by UNLEASH PH, ensuring adherence to the UNLEASH methodology’s standards and guidelines.

The finalists of the iDeaTech Challenge 2024 x UNLEASH Hacks PH were:

Wattcher from Saint Mary’s University: an Energy Monitoring Device empowering energy efficiency

Onionet from Saint Mary’s University: a Sustainable Tagging and Tracking System for Onion Cold Storage Facilities

RakeMate from University of Saint Louis: a Robotic Rake with Real-Time Moisture Detection for Sun-Dried Grains

MaizeMax from University of Saint Louis: an innovative machine producing paper from dried corn leaves

MaPuno from Isabela State University: an Advanced Mobile-based Platform for Tree Tagging, Inventory, and Mapping

Hog Guard from Quirino State University: an IoT-based Contactless Device detecting symptoms of African Swine Fever

AQRO from Cagayan State University: QR Coded Reusable F&B Containers for Circular Economy

EZCert from University of Saint Louis: a Mobile App providing hassle-free access to essential certificates and clearances

EXOS from St. Paul University Philippines: an exhaust-mounted filter reducing emissions using AI for monitoring and maintenance alerts

These technologies were evaluated based on criteria such as problem-solution fit, innovativeness, market feasibility and scalability, business model viability, sustainability, and team composition. The finalists were mentored by UNLEASH facilitators and experts from various countries.

Prior to the pitching competition, Mr. Abad Enriquez, Lead Organizer of UNLEASH Hacks Philippines delivered a talk on UNLEASH, reiterating their mission to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) by enabling the youth to co-create impactful community solutions.

#SmartCityTechnologies

#SmartSustainableSolutions

#IACT4SmartCity

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG8DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure

#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮

The plenary talks at the Industry-Academe Congress on Technologies for Smart City (i-ACT4SmartCity) focused on advancing the commercialization of research to drive economic growth and social impact in the Cagayan Valley Region. These talks brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government to explore the region’s innovation agenda for Smart City Technologies.

Dr. Bartolome T. Tanguilig, Chairman of the CHED Technical Committee for Information Technology, discussed the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in IT education, highlighting how universities can prepare students and faculty to be innovators and entrepreneurs. Dr. Bart also pointed out that the future of cities is closely tied to Smart City initiatives, where technologies help solve challenges like transportation, energy use, public safety, and sustainable growth. He also emphasized the role of IT professionals in building the tools and systems needed for these innovations. “However, technical skills alone are not enough to achieve this. What we need are IT professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit—graduates who are not just seeking jobs but are prepared to create solutions and opportunities themselves,” he stated.

Ms. Russell M. Pili, Chief of DOST PCIEERD Research Information & Technology Transfer Division (RITTD) emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in nurturing startups, focusing on how universities can support innovation ecosystems. Ms. Pili also encouraged the participants, stating, “Imagine a future where everything you do as a business—your ideas and your impact—is closer to home.”

Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon, Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation at KMITL shared Thailand’s experience in establishing technology business incubators, offering valuable lessons for ASEAN collaboration on innovation development. Dr. Gullayanon concluded her lecture by comparing innovation to the ongoing transformation of technologies. “We have to change, we have to adapt. It’s not just you as students or us as teachers who need to change the way we learn or teach. It’s about developing survival skills, where we must change how we perceive and adapt to technologies, and conduct business around these technological changes. Change is not easy, but open-mindedness is crucial. This is the skill set and ecosystem that universities, professors, teachers—everyone—must foster, and we need to start thinking about change,” she added.

Prof. Dr. Orlando F. Balderama, Vice President for RDET at Isabela State University (ISU) presented best practices of ISU’s Technology Business Incubators, showcasing how universities can transform research into commercially viable enterprises.

These plenary talks are designed to inspire collaboration among key players in the region, fueling innovation and helping transform groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that benefit the community.

#SmartCityTechnologies

#SmartSustainableSolutions

#IACT4SmartCity

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG8DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure

#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝗨𝗽 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆: 𝗔 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

The thriving startup ecosystem of Cagayan Valley took center stage during the recent panel discussion that brought together three homegrown startup founders, each sharing their unique entrepreneurial journeys. The discussion was a key highlight of the i-ACT4SmartCity, designed to inspire aspiring innovators and provide invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup.

Jemar Jude Maranga, Founder of Code Chum (an EdTech startup based in Cebu), kicked off the discussion by recounting the humble beginnings of his startup. Maranga highlighted the importance of understanding users’ pain points and providing solutions that meet their needs. Starting with just one client—a local school—his company has now expanded to serve over 100 schools nationwide.

Joining Maranga on the panel were two homegrown founders from DISC-TBI: Roger Braun, founder of Bjahe, and Michelangelo Barroga, founder of EXOID Robotics. Braun’s journey began with the iDeaTech Challenge 2023, where the talks and ideation sessions sparked his curiosity about tech startups, becoming the turning point in the development of his mobility tech startup, “Bjahe.” He is now preparing to pilot-test his technology in Cauayan City in partnership with the local government. Meanwhile, Barroga, who started as a young robotics enthusiast, has transformed his passion into EXOID Robotics, a smart home solutions startup that is now attracting clients and partners. EXOID Robotics offers customizable and tailored smart home solutions that reflect each client’s unique preferences.

Prior to the panel discussion, Engr. Janica Tacazon, IP Field Operations Specialist from the Intellectual Property Satellite Office in Tuguegarao, delivered an insightful talk on the “Value of Intellectual Property in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.” Her presentation covered key IP concepts such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial design, and utility models. Engr. Tacazon emphasized the critical role intellectual property (IP) plays in safeguarding the inventions and innovations of startup founders.

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#SmartSustainableSolutions

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#SDG4QualityEducation

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#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆-𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

As part of the i-ACT4SmartCity, a panel discussion titled Strengthening Industry-Academe Collaboration took center stage, gathering industry leaders to discuss the critical role of partnerships in driving technological advancements. The discussion aimed to explore how universities, as innovation hubs, can align their research and talent development efforts with the needs of industries to spur economic growth, particularly in the Cagayan Valley Region.

Zalven Dayao, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fullstack Engineer & AI Research Scientist at MultiplAI Tech, shared his insights on the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize industries and urban development. He emphasized that academic research plays a key role in developing AI solutions that address real-world challenges, and that stronger collaboration with industry can accelerate the commercialization of these innovations.

Mars Cacacho, Founder of HacktheNorth Ph, highlighted the importance of hackathons and innovation challenges as platforms where academic talent and industry needs converge. He stressed the need for universities to create environments that encourage students to think entrepreneurially and collaborate with industry professionals to co-create solutions for pressing issues such as smart city development.

Dann Angelo De Guzman, Founder & CEO of Cloudswyft, discussed the role of technology in transforming education. He emphasized the importance of experiential learning and industry-academe partnerships in equipping students with the skills required for the digital economy. De Guzman shared how Cloudswyft collaborates with educational institutions to provide virtual labs and digital learning platforms that allow students to gain hands-on experience in emerging technologies.

Throughout the discussion, the plenary speakers agreed that industry-academe collaboration is essential for ensuring that academic innovations have a tangible impact on society. This panel discussion reinforced the notion that innovation thrives when universities and industries work hand-in-hand. By fostering strong partnerships, both sectors can ensure that the next generation of technologies, particularly in Smart City development, is grounded in cutting-edge research and geared toward practical, scalable solutions.

#SmartCityTechnologies

#SmartSustainableSolutions

#IACT4SmartCity

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG8DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure

#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

During the conduct i-ACT4SmartCity, the new lineup of officers of the Council of Deans for Information Technology Education Region 2 (CDITE II) and the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators Foundation, Inc. (PSITE) Region 2 took their oath to serve IT education in the region. This oath taking symbolizes their renewed commitment to advancing IT education.

The oath-taking was led by Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo, CHED Regional Office 2 Director, who congratulated the newly inducted officers and encouraged them to foster stronger partnerships between academe and industry to meet the region’s growing technological demands.

#SmartCityTechnologies

#SmartSustainableSolutions

#IACT4SmartCity

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG8DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure

#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬!

Get ready to be inspired by our invited plenary speakers discussing the crucial role of Higher Education Research and Innovation in driving entrepreneurship and innovation in the Cagayan Valley Region.

Our esteemed plenary lecturers include:

Dr. Bartolome Tanguilig: Chairman of the CHED Technical Committee for Information Technology

Ms. Russell Pili: Chief of the DOST PCIEERD Research Information & Technology Transfer Division (RITTD)

Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon: Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation at KMITL

Prof. Dr. Orlando Balderama: VP for RDET, Isabela State University

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from them and discover how we can collaborate to create a more innovative and sustainable future of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Join us at i-ACT4SmartCity!

Register now: https://i-act.isubirdc.com

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𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗜𝗦𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦

We’re thrilled to share a message from Dr. Precila C. Delima, Executive Officer of Isabela State University – Cauayan Campus.

As the congress approaches, Dr. Delima emphasizes the importance of strengthening the bonds between academe, industries, and policymakers to address the challenges faced by our local communities through the integration of technologies, such as smart city technologies.

Join us as we delve into the world of smart city technologies and explore how it can create an impact on research and innovation.

Let’s work together to create a more sustainable and innovative Cagayan Valley Region!

Secure your spot now—visit https://i-act.isubirdc.com to register.

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𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗩𝗣 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 & 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗦𝗨 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦

Dr. Boyet L. Batang, Vice President for Academic & Related Affairs of Isabela State University, extends his full support for the upcoming i-ACT4SmartCity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing Smart City Technologies for the Cagayan Valley Region. His message highlights the role of academic institutions in driving innovation and shaping the future of smart cities through education, research, and partnerships.

The Industry-Academe Congress on Technologies for Smart City (i-ACT4SmartCity) will bring together the broader innovation ecosystem in the region. This congress will spark important discussions on the innovation agenda, exploring how Smart City Technologies can transform the academic community, industry players, and policy frameworks.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping a smarter, more innovative future for Region 2!

Register here: https://i-act.isubirdc.com

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𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗜𝗦𝗨 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦

Dr. Aquino, a champion for growth and sustainability, leads ISU in its vision to become a leading Research University in the ASEAN Region.

Under his guidance, ISU has excelled in quality instruction, innovative research, and responsive community engagement.

At i-ACT4SmartCity, Dr. Aquino will share his insights on how Smart City technologies can drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and foster a more sustainable future for the Cagayan Valley Region.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who is actively shaping the future of education and innovation in the region!

Register here: https://i-act.isubirdc.com

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𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦! 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗!

We’re giving you more time to join the conversation on smart city innovations!

The 𝗶-𝗔𝗖𝗧𝟰𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 registration deadline is now extended until 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 

Don’t miss this chance to engage with the broader innovation ecosystem in the Cagayan Valley Region, influence future innovations, and contribute to the Smart City Vision for a Smarter and More Innovative Region 2.

Secure your spot now!
Visit https://i-act.isubirdc.com to register.

#SmartCityTechnologies
#SmartSustainableSolutions
#IACT4SmartCity

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