TEN teams of budding scientists in Mindanao are one step closer to receiving up to P500,000 in research and development funding support after being named among the top teams of the 2026 Young Innovators Program: Ideathon of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), held June 1–4 in Davao City.
The selected teams presented proposed solutions addressing disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring, renewable energy, health, agriculture and community safety using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, and Internet of Things systems.
The 10 awardees and their respected entries:
Team Sigbin, Santiago National High School
AI-assisted SMS hazard advisory system that uses environmental data to help send timely disaster alerts to local contacts in selected Caraga communities.
Team Sagip, Salay National High School
AI- and sensor-based flood prediction system designed to detect early signs of inundation in riverside communities in Salay, Misamis Oriental.
Team Bioignite, Esperanza National High School
Smart system for converting biomass into energy more efficiently.
Team Mineguard, Philippine Science High School-Caraga Region Campus
Low-cost inspection robot that can help detect defects in pipes and confined spaces, offering a safer alternative for mining and industrial facilities.
Team Scihigh, Agusan del Sur National Science High School
Robotic hand hygiene system that encourages proper and accessible handwashing practices.
Team Quakescan, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School
Low-cost smart prototype that can detect and classify simulated post-earthquake damage in school building models.
Team Santiago, Santiago National High School
AI-assisted solar panel enhancement system using recycled glass, passive cooling, and real-time monitoring to improve photovoltaic performance.
Team Padayon, Iligan City National High School-Senior High School
Semi-autonomous amphibious waste collection system that uses AI to detect and log collected waste in shoreline and sandbar areas.
Team Aquaintel, Jimenez National Comprehensive High School
Real-time device for monitoring total suspended solids in river systems, helping support timely environmental assessment and management.
Team Biochill, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School
Smart storage system powered by sensors, automated controls, solar energy, and Chlorella vulgaris to help reduce spoilage of Chinese cabbage.
The Young Innovators Program encourages students to pursue scientific research and innovation by supporting early-stage ideas with the potential to address real community needs. Since its launch in 2017, the program has received 513 applications and approved 66 project proposals from 187 young innovators.
Among the program’s success stories is the journey of Engr. Jeremy De Leon, a former YIP grantee and now CEO of JereMAKE Innovations. De Leon is the man behind the award-winning make-roscope keychain that can magnify samples from 265 to 400 times by attaching it to the front-facing camera of a smartphone or tablet.
The 10 teams will move forward in the evaluation process and may receive up to P500,000 in funding to conduct their proposed research projects, subject to endorsement of the PCIEERD Management Team and approval by the PCIEERD Governing Council.
Through YIP, DOST-PCIEERD continues to nurture young Filipino innovators and help transform student-led ideas into science-based solutions for communities.