For the fourth season of Innovation Generation 4.0 (InnoGen 4), PLDT and Smart welcomed 96 teams from 17 senior high schools and 79 colleges and universities nationwide. Launched with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), this year’s theme, “Innovation for All,” emphasizes empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) through technological solutions.
“The real journey has begun for our youth innovators to work on their proposed technological solutions that will help persons with disabilities navigate their daily activities. This season, we are also looking for innovations that will assist government agencies in making transactions more inclusive and sensitive to persons with disabilities,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart.
The Journey of Youth Innovation
The first stage or the Kilo Phase saw the entry of 388 tech-savvy youth that make up 96 teams from 17 senior high schools and 79 colleges and universities all over the Philippines into the program.
They are taking part in a series of lectures on Concept Development that include Design Thinking and Ideation, Basic Validation, and Writing and Designing proposals. At the end of this stage, the teams are required to submit a concept paper. Only the Top 50 teams will advance to the next round or the Mega 50.
The ultimate goal for young innovators is to qualify for the final phase or the Giga 25. At this stage, lecturing and mentoring sessions will zero in on Basic Prototyping, Integrated Payment Platforms, Data Privacy, and Idea Pitching. It’s where teams will finally see their concept develop into a minimum viable product which they will present on Demo Day. Throughout their journey, they may receive as much as PHP90,000 in cash and communications support to help turn their idea into reality.
Expanding Innovation Opportunities
InnoGen 4.0 highlights key milestones in the PLDT Group’s innovation and grant program for young Filipinos. For this season, PLDT and Smart also opened the initiative to out-of-school youth in adopted communities of colleges and universities.
InnoGen provides more than just financial and connectivity grants. It offers a rich learning environment through lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions, fostering knowledge sharing and technological skill development.
InnoGen 4.0 underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to meaningful innovation and underscores the PLDT Group’s assistance to the country’s achievement of the UNSDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.