Baguio City, Philippines – September 9, 2025 — Students from the University of the Cordilleras – College of Information Technology and Computer Science (UC CITCS) showcased their innovation and technical expertise after securing four of the six major awards at the AI-DEAS for Impact 2025 – Cordillera Leg, held on August 28–29, 2025, at the Newtown Hotel in Baguio City.
The two-day hackathon, organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) and the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), brought together young innovators from across the region to develop AI-powered solutions addressing real-world challenges. Guided by the UC Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (InTTO), two UC CITCS startup development teams earned top distinctions. Team Zenith Healthcare was named 2nd Runner-Up for developing an AI-powered healthcare platform that digitizes patient records and improves access to medical services, while Team Tarana.ai secured 3rd Runner-Up for creating an AI-driven itinerary planning tool designed to enhance tourism experiences in urban destinations.
In addition to the major awards, UC CITCS teams also received special recognition highlighting the impact and future potential of their innovations. Team Cre8tive Sync received the Community Impact Award for its AI-powered eye disease detection tool, which enables early screening and supports accessible healthcare initiatives. Meanwhile, Team Zenith Healthcare was further honored with the Most Promising Prototype Award for presenting a scalable and sustainable healthcare solution with strong potential for real-world application and industry adoption.
The AI-DEAS for Impact 2025 – Cordillera Leg served as a platform for collaboration, creativity, and technological advancement, empowering students to develop AI-driven innovations that address urgent societal needs. Through continued mentorship and support from the UC InTTO, UC CITCS reaffirms its commitment to cultivating future-ready innovators who harness artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to drive positive change in communities.
Empowering Students Through Experiential AI Innovation
Through participation in competitions like AI-DEAS for Impact 2025, UC CITCS provides students with valuable learning experiences that combine engagement, creativity, and the practical application of technical and analytical skills. By developing AI-powered healthcare platforms, tourism solutions, and community-focused tools, students were able to put artificial intelligence, software development, and problem-solving into practice in real-world scenarios, strengthening their critical thinking, innovation, and sense of social responsibility. With the guidance of mentors and a strong foundation in emerging technologies, hands-on participation boosted both confidence and professional competence. This experiential approach equips UC CITCS students to become forward-thinking innovators, capable of creating technology solutions that tackle societal challenges and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
SDG Alignment
The participation and success of UC CITCS students in AI-DEAS for Impact 2025 support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, particularly Target 3.8, which aims to achieve access to quality essential healthcare services. Innovations such as Team Zenith Healthcare’s AI-powered platform and Team Cre8tive Sync’s eye disease detection tool enhance accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency in healthcare delivery, contributing to Indicator 3.8.1, which measures coverage of essential health services.
The activity also aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, specifically Target 9.5, which focuses on enhancing technological capabilities and fostering innovation. By developing AI-driven solutions for healthcare and tourism, students contribute to Indicator 9.5.2, which tracks the number of researchers and innovators per million inhabitants, reflecting UC CITCS’s role in promoting applied research, creativity, and technology-based problem-solving.
Furthermore, the initiative supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly Target 8.2, which encourages higher productivity through technological upgrading and innovation. By equipping students with AI and startup development skills, the activity fosters entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and sustainable community impact.
