Innovation for All: Young Tech Builders Showcase Inclusive Solutions at InnoGen 4 Demo Day

Twenty teams from three senior high schools and 17 colleges and universities in the Philippines showcased their tech-powered solutions at the ‘Demo Day’ of the PLDT and Smart Innovation Generation Season 4. After a year of development, the Giga finalists impressed judges with their most viable products.

Launched last year in collaboration with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), 96 teams from 79 universities and colleges, as well as 17 senior high schools, qualified for the PLDT Group’s innovation grant program. With the theme ‘Innovation for All’, InnoGen 4 solutions aimed to empower persons with disabilities through technology.

“InnoGen provides support beyond financial and connectivity assistance,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “It offers a rich learning environment for emerging tech innovators to bring their ideas to life through lectures, workshops, and mentorship. It’s an opportunity to make a real impact in the community.”

I see you. I hear you.
The top three senior high school teams have developed assistive mobile solutions for people with visual and hearing impairments.

Kapalong National High School (Davao del Norte) is rolling out Deafy, an AI-powered mobile app that converts sign language to text and speech—and vice versa—in real time.

The Mabini Academy (Batangas) debuts HearMate, a traffic awareness kit for cyclists and delivery riders with hearing impairments. It features a dual-alert system with real-time haptic and visual feedback.

Team InnoVision from Jose Rizal University (Mandaluyong) presents EYEGO, a hands-free navigation tool that connects persons with visual impairments to seeing “companions” who guide them to their destination. The app includes text-to-speech, voice commands, and live location sharing.

Lead the way.
Three collegiate teams have developed wearable devices and safety systems to help users navigate their way around their communities.

techNerds from Pampanga State Agricultural University (Pampanga) created A-EYE, a cost-effective standalone device combining AI-powered navigation, voice-activated assistance, and intuitive mobility support.

TrackSense from the University of Cebu-Main (Cebu) offers a smart walking aid for persons with visual impairments. It features obstacle and stair-edge detection, GPS tracking, an emergency text button, and AI-powered smart glasses.

ClearPath Collective (C.P.C.) from Mindanao State University-General Santos City developed SafeStep, a pedestrian crossing system installed on street poles. It uses cameras and motion sensors to detect traffic lights to produce audible cues for safe street crossing.

You’re hired!
Five collegiate teams built platforms to connect job seekers with disabilities to employers and livelihood opportunities.

RevoTech from Jose Rizal University (Mandaluyong) developed a cloud-based job application platform called Thrive that matches persons with disabilities with jobs that fit their skills and accessibility needs. Integrated in the mobile app are speech-to-text and text-to-speech features, as well as AI for building resumes.

Apcas Tech-Alpha from Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies (Bataan) presents an online platform called KayaCo with three key features: an e-marketplace for products made by persons with disabilities, a job search tool, and online learning resources.

Konek.dev from the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (Laguna) introduces Kaya, an AI-powered employment app that matches job seekers with disabilities with prospective employers, builds resumes, and offers career coaching.

EM-Power Rangers from the Angeles University Foundation (Pampanga) created PWEDE, a localized job-matching platform using smart algorithms to pair jobseekers with physical impairments to employers in Pampanga.

Unique from University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu) developed AIDA, an AI-powered platform that connects persons with disabilities to employment and training opportunities.

Let’s talk.
Four collegiate teams developed software that can be integrated into devices to help persons who have hearing and mobility impairments communicate better.

PENTAVALENT from Bulacan State University (Bulacan) unveils REACH, a radar-based device that translates sign language gestures into text and speech, with mobile app integration.

Palabra from Mariano Marcos State University (Ilocos Norte) presents a smartphone-based communication tool using images and symbols to help children with hearing impairments communicate with peers.

Innovators from First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH Colleges) (Batangas) developed Speech Pal, a speech aid kiosk for children recovering from cleft lip and palate surgery, designed to support therapy sessions.

ICTDU Dragons T1 from Systems Plus College Foundation rolls out QuickGlance a mobile app that enables hands-free smartphone use through eye, head, and emotion-based controls.

Safe and Smart Living.
Teams also developed apps for health, mobility, and emergency response.

StaFit from Jose Rizal University (Mandaluyong) presents iCare, a telehealth app that connects Parkinson’s patients with specialists and offers educational resources.

Innovare from the University of San Carlos (Cebu) developed Chryssa, a private journaling app that uses AI to flag critical mental health entries for therapist review.

JEEPNIGO from Davao Central College (Davao) offers persons with mobility impairments a smarter way to commute via jeepneys. The app allows users to book seats in advance, track rides, and pay using cashless options.

Team ODI from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (Manila) introduces CloudCast, an inclusive emergency response app that sends geolocated distress signals to responders and agencies. It also allows users to send emergency SMS to others.

Team E.M.M.A. from University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu) developed an AI-powered app that helps users locate the nearest evacuation center via safe routes. It also supports LGUs in distributing relief goods and matching rescue facility needs with donors.

The InnoGen 4 Demo Day is the culminating opportunity for Giga teams to pitch their inclusive tech solutions to a panel of tech mavericks, startup incubators, government agencies, and private organizations—all championing greater opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Up for grabs are three major awards.

The Game Changer Award recognizes the most innovative solution. The honor celebrates creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

The Changemaker Award is given to the team whose solution creates the most significant positive impact on their community.

The Real MVP Award goes to the team with the most ground-breaking solution that has a lasting impact on their community and embodies what this season’s InnoGen is all about – inclusive, impactful, sustainable, and scalable.

Since its launch in 2020, Innovation Generation has welcomed over 1,500 participants into the program and conducted more than 55 learning sessions to help the tech-savvy youth build their digital solutions. In the past four seasons, 73 prototypes have been presented by finalists – six of which have been launched commercially.

InnoGen underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to meaningful innovation, advancing the PLDT Group’s contribution to the country’s pursuit of UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By championing accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities, the program also supports the Philippines’ commitment to an inclusive and sustainable ASEAN future, as the regional organization marks its 58th founding anniversary.