PLDT, Smart InnoGen continues legacy of inspiring young innovators in season 3

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue Innovation Generation’s (InnoGen) legacy of inspiring young generations with its latest season.

The PLDT Group recently welcomed 98 teams of young innovators, the biggest number to date, to its innovation grant program’s third season. With the theme #ForwardTogether, InnoGen 3.0 sustains its tradition of becoming an avenue to help bridge societal gaps through sustainable and inclusive technology.

With the primary purpose of being changemakers in their respective communities, InnoGen participants eagerly signified their commitment to sharing their craft, with their knowledge and skills as their own contribution to nation-building.

InnoGen also encourages cross-collaboration among its network of colleges and universities to extend opportunities to more students and faculty members.

In July 2022, Batangas State University (BatStateU) opened the doors of its technology and innovation center that houses several research programs to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Engineering officials.

Both universities are long-standing partners of Smart in its education programs Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) and InnoGen.

In the last two seasons of InnoGen, BatStateU teams worked on finding technology-abled and purpose-driven solutions to address challenges within their communities.

BatStateU’s Team Juan LOADi developed a donation channel to help students struggling with accessing communication tools for online classes during the pandemic, with the goal of ensuring no Juan is left behind.

“We want our ideas to become valuable to our beneficiaries and the environment. InnoGen helped us to make this happen,” said Team Juan LOADi.

ReaSAL team, one of the season 2 finalists, developed a machine learning-based assessment tool to help teachers evaluate the current reading skills of early-grade learners based on the six elements of reading.

“The InnoGen mentoring sessions we attended opened our eyes to the value and contribution of the project we are developing towards quality education,” said ReaSAL team.

Shortlisted teams also shared some valuable life lessons they learned from InnoGen.

“When it comes to technology and innovation, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. The reward is not only for yourself, but for the society and those around you,” shared Team Juan LOADi.

ReaSAL team added, “If you have an idea, no matter how impossible it may seem, just do it.”

PLDT and Smart’s InnoGen is aligned with UNSDGs #4 Quality Education and #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.