Cebu’s AI talents take flight at MCIA

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) celebrated the conclusion of its CEB-i Hacks innovation challenge with Demo Day on 24 January 2025, showcasing Cabu’s brightest young minds in artificial intelligence.

The event marked the finale of a 24-week program where students applied AI solutions to reimagine the province’s tourism and travel industry.

Christine Villanueva, head of Strategy and Communications at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), said the program reflects MCIA’s vision of transforming Cebu into a smart and connected tourism hub. “Through CEB-i Hacks, we are opening the runway for young innovators to co-create solutions that will redefine travel and tourism in Cebu,” she said.

Rigorous selection process

A total of 87 teams comprising 448 students from 11 schools and universities across Cebu joined the competition. After a rigorous selection process, a Top 25 group of 113 students from five universities were chosen for intensive mentorship, which led to the Top 10 finalists presenting their final projects.

The finalists came from prestigious institutions including the University of the Philippines Cebu, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), and Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U).

They pitched their AI-driven concepts to a panel of industry experts, highlighting innovative approaches to enhancing airport operations and the overall tourism experience.

Team SRP declared champion

Team SRP Lines took the championship with their project Nofy. Team A.I.Con secured first-runner up for CeVIEW, while Team CeSAVY claimed second runner-up with SaBAI. The judging panel included representatives from MCIA, Globe Business, Google Cloud, and Mata Technologies, who evaluated the entries on innovation, feasibility, and real-world applicability.

The program, held in partnership with Google Cloud and Globe Business, offered students workshops and hands-on exposure to advanced AI tools. By linking the academe with industry experts, MCIA aims to nurture future entrepreneurs and technology leaders.

Support from The Sandbox Foundation and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) strengthened a collaborative effort to build a sustainable, tech-driven tourism ecosystem in the Visayas.

CEB-i Hacks positions MCIA not only as a premier transport hub but also as a driver of digital innovation. By empowering the next generation of innovators, the airport reinforces its commitment to smart tourism and sustainable growth, proving that the future of travel lies as much in technology as in destinations.