BSU students win 3rd iTHINK Hackathon

Students from Bulacan State University (BSU) won the recently concluded 2024 iTHINK Hackathon with a digital platform that aims to close the job market gap. 

Team Open Soars bested six teams from different universities with their Web3 innovation dubbed “Communitask.” The program seeks to bridge the job market gap by connecting individuals with micro-opportunities. 

Members of the BSU team include Ryka Gene Austria, Mary Queen Casaclang, Richard James Bagay, and Janniel Andrei De Jesus.

Team CobraBytes from Central Luzon State University ranked second with their tokenized educational credit system, empowering students to earn tokens for educational achievements and exchange them for materials within the university ecosystem.

Team spcF.coMeLex from Systems Plus College Foundation clinched third with Attend.ly, their innovative blockchain mobile app that incentivizes student engagement and simplifies attendance management.

“We are shifting the narrative for Filipinos from mere users of technology to active builders shaping the future of Web3. We’re partnering with universities all over the country, reaching out to communities far and wide, and rolling out free, hands-on blockchain education. This is more than just teaching people about blockchain; it’s about lighting a spark, inspiring a new generation of Filipinos to innovate and create,” said Nelson Lumbres, co-founder of ISLA Camp (ICP HUB Philippines).

“The Philippines is a breeding ground for some of the most talented innovators in the world. ISLA Camp (ICP HUB Philippines) recognizes this potential, and our goal is to establish the Philippines as a global hub for Web3 developers, attracting international investment and creating a thriving tech ecosystem,” he said. 

iTHINK Hackathon focuses on projects utilizing Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), a game-changing blockchain technology offering significant advantages over traditional blockchains in terms of scalability, security, and performance.

Those who excelled in the iThink Hackathon have the opportunity to access additional funding provided by the DFINITY Foundation. 

As a key contributor to the ICP blockchain, this non-profit research and development organization has a $20 million grant to support the growth of Web3 and AI initiatives in Asia.

The next iThink Hackathon will be held online from April 6 to 30, 2024. It has a prize pool of up to P225,000. — VBL, GMA Integrated News