Student teams from Cebu, Iligan, and Rizal took top honors at the 9th imake.wemake innovation competition, with projects focused on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in environmental monitoring, public safety, and agriculture.
Held on March 26–27, 2026 at Citadines Bay City Manila, the competition drew 49 entries nationwide, with 20 teams advancing to the finals.
San Carlos School of Cebu won for its project CHUM (Cellular Holistic Universal Microscope), an AI-powered microscope that automatically identifies and counts zooplankton to support faster water quality monitoring.
Iligan City National High School was also recognized for SALAIN (Smart AI-Powered Layered Analysis and Integration in Sewer Filtration and Notification), a system designed to detect sewer blockages and pollution and send real-time alerts.
Rizal National Science High School completed the list of winners with SISIW (Sensor-Integrated Sex Identification Incubation Window), which uses sensors and AI to identify the sex of duck embryos before hatching to help farmers improve efficiency.
Each of the three teams received a ₱200,000 grant, while their teacher-coaches were awarded ₱20,000 each.
Other recognitions were also given during the event. The Young Scientist Award was conferred on Yzza Gwyneth Cecilio of Camarines Sur National High School, Jayden Magpantay of Oriental Mindoro National High School, and Michaela Louise Bagtas and Beatrice Mae Goto of Rizal National Science High School. The award includes eligibility for a scholarship grant.
Meanwhile, several teams received special awards for their projects, including Regional Science High School III, Las Piñas City National Senior High School – Talon Dos Campus, and Bucal National Integrated School.
For Rizal National Science High School student Chris Angelo Rollon, the competition provides a platform for young innovators to develop ideas into real-world solutions.
“It gives young people like us the platform to turn our ideas into something that can impact our nation. Nabibigyang halaga yung ideas naming mga kabataan para hindi lang manatili bilang ideas kundi magkaroon ng mas malawak na impact,” he said.
The 2026 edition also marked the first time the competition was held as part of the global Arduino Day celebration, linking Filipino students to a broader international community of innovators.
