Through the 2024 BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, young minds from leading universities presented groundbreaking solutions to challenges in health, environment, disaster preparedness, education, and entrepreneurship.
Held in December 2024, the awards showcased the innovative projects of 11 finalist teams, featuring both tech-driven advancements and grassroots initiatives. The program reflects BPI’s enduring commitment to meaningful innovation that drives sustainable progress for the Philippines.
“True innovation is about improving every Filipino’s life. Only then can advancements in science and technology mean progress for the nation,” said TG Limcaoco, BPI president and CEO.
The program began with an immersive Innovation and Business Workshop in September 2024, which equipped participants with essential skills like design thinking, technology commercialization, and business modeling.
Esteemed speakers from the National Research Council of the Philippines, including Dr. Ezekiel Bernardo and Dr. Maricor Soriano, shared their expertise during the sessions.
Three winning teams emerged, each receiving P150,000 and the prestigious 2024 BPI-DOST Innovation Award.
The winners and their projects are the teams from the Technological Institute of the Philippines-Quezon City, “CACAOTECT: A Portable Device for Detecting and Predicting Cacao Pod Maturity”; West Visayas State University, “Gamified Proper Waste Disposal System Using Image Recognition with Raspberry Pi and Mobile Application Integration”, and Ateneo de Manila University, “SOLANI: Semi-automated Multi-level Solar Dryer with Telemetry.”
BPIF executive director Carmina Marquez emphasized the program’s inclusivity, saying, “Progress is for everyone. Together, we build a future where no one is left behind.”
Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. inspired the finalists to pursue bold ideas for national development, stating, “Your presence signals hope—a promise that innovation can drive a sustainable and inclusive future.”
Since 1989, the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards have empowered Filipino youth to create impactful solutions, reflecting a shared vision of fostering innovation for a better Philippines. —Ed: CSN
