Filipino inventor wins gold at Silicon Valley invention festival

Filipino inventor Alejandro V. de Leon has won a gold medal at the 2026 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) in Santa Clara, California, for his interlocking concrete block system designed to improve construction efficiency and resilience.

De Leon, representing A & M Blocks and Bricks Inc., received the award for the ICBS45 (Inter-Connected Block System 45 degrees), which was selected by an international jury for its originality, practical design and potential applications in the construction industry. The award was presented during the festival’s ceremony on 15 August.

The SVIIF, described in the release as an international invention exposition, brought together entries from more than 40 countries. The event was held from 13 to 15 August at the Santa Clara Convention Center and was conducted in partnership with the International Invention & Innovation Federation Association, United Inventors Association and World Intellectual Property Organization.

The ICBS45 uses an interlocking concrete block design engineered at a 45-degree angle. According to the company, its geometry can eliminate the need for mortar in many applications, reduce material waste and improve structural stability.

The system is designed for residential and commercial construction, as well as disaster-resilient infrastructure projects.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the international jury and the global innovation community,” De Leon said.

“This Gold Medal is not just a personal achievement — it is proof that Filipino creativity and engineering can compete at the highest levels,” he added.

De Leon said he hopes the invention can contribute to safer and more affordable communities while encouraging more Filipinos to pursue innovation.

A & M Blocks and Bricks plans to expand partnerships and manufacturing capacity as it seeks to bring the ICBS45 system to wider domestic and international markets.