The iNNOVATE: A Solution Challenge successfully concluded with its final pitching round on March 22, 2025, at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). Organized by the Google Developer Groups (GDG) on Campus – USTP, the event ran fromNovember 2024 to March 2025, providing student innovators with a platform to develop technology-based solutions to real-world challenges using Google technologies.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Throughout its months-long journey, iNNOVATE equipped participants with essential skills through training sessions, mentorship, and workshops focused on software development, innovation, and problem-solving. The program culminated in a grand finale where the top teams showcased their innovative solutions before a panel of judges and industry partners.
Esteemed Judges and Industry Support
The event’s judges from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at USTP Main Campus, Engr. Christian Rey Alison and Engr. Kristiane Pagurayan.
The event was graced by Engr. Christian Rey Alison and Engr. Kristiane Pagurayan from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at USTP Main Campus, who served as judges for the finale. Their expertise guided participants in refining their presentations and identifying the most impactful solutions.
The organizers thank the event’s sponsors, Innovuze Solutions and Syntactics, for making the finale possible.
iNNOVATE also received generous support from its corporate sponsors, with Syntactics Inc. serving as the Silver Sponsor and Innovuze Solutions Inc. as the Bronze Sponsor. Their sponsorship highlighted the vital role of industry collaboration in nurturing the next wave of tech professionals.
The Finale and Winning Innovations
(From GDG on Campus – USTP’s event post: “Your projects showcase the power of innovation to address real-world challenges. We’re incredibly excited to see what you achieve next. Congratulations on your well-deserved victory!”)
1st Place: ROTA – provides the fastest routes to destinations by optimizing distance, time, and cost. It integrates real-time navigation technology, enhancing urban mobility and reducing transportation inequalities.
2nd Place: OPTIMAKE – automates university course scheduling by leveraging Google OR-Tools CP-SAT Solver. It intelligently manages complex scheduling requirements while promoting seamless campus collaboration.
3rd Place: BOSKA – serves as a digital bridge between users and service providers, ensuring reliable access to electronic repair solutions while fostering trust between customers and technicians.
Building the Future of Innovation Together
(From GDG on Campus – USTP’s event post: “To all the 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, your hard work and dedication have paid off! Congratulations on your success, ka-devs”)
The success of iNNOVATE reflects the strength of collaboration between academia, industry, and the local developer community. Through initiatives like this, students are given the opportunity to apply their technical knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills to real-world issues.
As iNNOVATE continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the potential of young Filipino innovators and to the shared commitment of educational institutions and technology companies in building a more inclusive and forward-thinking tech ecosystem. Indeed, even as students, we can innovate, solve, and inspire.
