In the third iTHINK Hackathon, organized by ISLA Camp as part of the International Conference on Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (IRCITE) 2024, four student developers from Bulacan State University emerged victorious, signalling a transformative shift in the Filipino tech landscape.
Nelson Lumbres, ISLA Camp's co-founder, expressed their mission to empower Filipinos to become active creators of Web3 technologies, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation. Through strategic partnerships with universities and community outreach initiatives, ISLA Camp is democratizing blockchain education, igniting a passion for innovation among Filipinos.
The iTHINK Hackathon showcased the talent of six teams of Web3 developers from various universities, with Team Open Soars from Bulacan State University clinching the top spot. Comprising Ryka Gene Austria, Mary Queen Casaclang, Richard James Bagay, and Janniel Andrei De Jesus, guided by coach Gabriel Galang, their project "Communitask" seeks to address unemployment by connecting individuals with micro-opportunities through a digital platform.
Meanwhile, Central Luzon State University's Team CobraBytes secured second place with their tokenized educational credit system, and Team spcF.coMeLex from Systems Plus College Foundation claimed third with Attend.ly, a blockchain mobile app incentivizing student engagement and simplifying attendance management.
Beyond recognition, the iTHINK Hackathon offers teams the chance for additional funding from the DFINITY Foundation, which has allocated a substantial $20 million grant to support Web3 and AI initiatives in Asia. ISLA Camp (ICP HUB Philippines) serves as a crucial conduit for identifying and nurturing emerging talent in the region.
ICP Hub Philippines, a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of promoting the adoption of Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) in the Philippines, driving forward the country's involvement in the global Web3 ecosystem. Through their initiatives, they aim to empower Filipino innovators and position the nation as a key player in the future of decentralized technologies.
