PLDT, Smart young innovators champion digital inclusion, capping InnoGen 3.0

PHOTO: Young innovators finish their InnoGen 3.0 journey strong during the culminating activity.

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PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) concluded the third season of Innovation Generation (InnoGen), an innovation grant program for young and tech-savvy Filipino changemakers whose passion and purpose are to build a better and smarter world for all.

“PLDT and Smart, together with our partners, celebrate the country’s young innovators for their energy, grit, creativity and passion towards helping communities, so that no one is left behind,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.  

Young innovators took the leap #forwardtogether during the InnoGen Demo Day and culminating activity, where 18 teams of college and senior high school (SHS) students showcased their technology-enabled and purpose-driven solutions before judges, mentors and peers.

“May the teams of this season bring their InnoGen learnings to their respective communities and to wherever life leads them, as they continue to build a more digital,inclusive, and sustainable world,” said Roderick Santiago, PLDT and Smart Network Head.

Presenting their minimum viable products during the Demo Day, college and SHS students from the country’s leading colleges and universities finished strong as they concluded their InnoGen journey.

“We laud participating schools for nurturing an environment where the youth can turn their passion and purpose into inclusive and innovative solutions that make for a sustainable future,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

Select teams were recognized with special awards such as Perfect Pitch, In the Biz, and the Real MVP, and were given financial grants worth PHP10,000 as support for their projects.

“Thank you InnoGen for the opportunity. I would also like to thank my hardworking team and mentors who helped develop this product with me,” said 21-year-old Aina Therese Alzate of AgriTent from Bulacan State University.

“Stay determined and continue to persevere in your studies. This will help accelerate your goals of becoming an innovator,” shared 22-year-old James Lemuel Mallapre of Team Hero from Ateneo de Naga University.

InnoGen and the efforts of PLDT and Smart to promote inclusive education contribute to UNSDG #4 Quality Education and #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.