MANILA, Philippines – Globe has conducted its large-scale discovery event called Innovania 2025: The Builder’s Blueprint – Student Discovery in its firm commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators by uniting students, educators, and industry leaders.
Held simultaneously across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the two-day event was primarily aimed at creating a unique nationwide platform for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learners to showcase their creativity and ideas, Roche Vandenberghe, Globe’s chief marketing officer, said.
Vandenberghe said more than 100 students from 19 universities and organizations nationwide participated during the event in learning sessions on 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and gamification, followed by an Ideathon where student teams pitched real-world solutions to pressing challenges.
As part of Globe’s program, the initiative focused on engaging students in Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Engineering.
By exposing them to the latest developments in technology, the program aims to inspire tech students to explore how digital solutions can help advance the country’s economy and communities, according to Globe, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the country.
“By providing a platform for student ideas to flourish and go for their dreams, we are investing in the country’s next generation of technology leaders,” Vandenberghe said.
During the event competition, the winning teams received a Cubikit and mentorship from Cubicore, enabling them to continue refining their projects with professional guidance.
The students were also introduced to Globe’s Student Program, which offers immersive learning experiences such as internships, volunteer opportunities, and guided tours of its offices and data centers.
These initiatives provided them with a clear view of how the country’s largest digital solutions platform operates and innovates at scale, the company said.
Cubicore co-founder Carl Rowan said that Globe Innovania 2025 has allowed them to fulfill their mission to evangelize IoT technology to Filipino youth.
“We are very excited to work on the ideas presented during the IoT Ideathon. This is a crucial step in inspiring students to innovate by deploying real IoT solutions created by themselves,” Rowan said.
The IoT Ideathon highlighted breakthrough projects from student innovators who impressed the judges with their creativity and drive to make a difference.
The De La Salle University – Google Developer Group team shared that winning the Cubicore Ideathon was a surprise, given the level of innovation from other participants.
“It’s a testament to the talent in the Philippine student tech community,” the team said as it added that it was grateful to work with Cubicore and use the Cubikit to “bring their idea to life.”
For the PUP-REC Manila team, winning at Globe Innovania 2025 meant more than just recognition, it was a chance to serve.
“We thank Globe for opening doors for innovators like us and Cubicore for equipping us with the Cubikit and mentorship that will help make our vision a reality,” it said.
The UST (University of Santo Tomas) Computer Science Society, recipient of the Model Community Award, expressed its gratitude to Globe for recognizing their hard work.
“This achievement marked an unforgettable experience for our team, especially as it was the first experience of its kind for most of our members. We feel truly honored to have received such a prestigious award on our very first endeavor in such a big competition,” it said.
Innovania 2025 demonstrated the importance of close collaboration between the academic sector and private industry, according to Globe.
By giving the students a chance to apply classroom learning to real-world contexts, Globe is helping to close the gap between theory and practice, Vandenberghe said.
The program also strengthens the country’s talent pipeline by equipping future engineers and innovators with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Through initiatives like Innovania, Globe calls on the youth to #GoForIt, pushing boundaries, turning bold ideas into action, and leading the way toward a more connected, inclusive future.
