Young innovators harness tech for public service solutions

Young innovators tapped artificial intelligence to address gaps in health care and social services during Hackamare: AI Hackathon, a daylong competition focused on developing data-driven solutions for communities in the National Capital Region.

The hackathon, themed “Igniting Innovation through Artificial Intelligence: Innovation and Social Change in NCR,” was organized by COMPILE, the School of Computing organization of iAcademy, which specializes in computing, business and design.

Student teams from technology and management programs were challenged to design AI-powered tools capable of analyzing real-world data and generating insights that could inform policy decisions and improve service delivery in NCR communities.

Projects were evaluated based on creativity and originality, technical execution, design and usability, relevance and social impact, as well as clarity of presentation and documentation. Judges assessed functionality, AI or large language model integration, system architecture and user experience, alongside the practicality of each proposal.

The judging panel was composed of industry professionals from IBM, including AI engineer Sean Nieva, client success manager Doni Andres and technical sales leader Jong Torres.

A total of 18 teams participated, representing iAcademy, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, National University and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Two teams from the Information Systems program of Benilde’s School of Management and Information Technology emerged as winners.

Team Try Catchers, composed of Xander Julius Abo, Gabrielle Ysabel Almirol and Yashley Joaquin Chua, was named overall champion for its project BantayAyuda.

The team developed a Python Django-based web application that integrates machine learning, geographic information systems and SMS automation to improve the distribution of emergency cash assistance to flood-affected communities.