The Byte Forward Hackathon 2025 wrapped up with an inspiring celebration of innovation and collaboration as young Filipino students showcased their groundbreaking ideas during the Grand Finals held at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the SMX Convention Center.
Organized by Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and Rev21 Labs, in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the nationwide hackathon brought together the country’s brightest tech talents to create digital solutions that address real-world business challenges. From over 200 participants across five regional rounds, 15 finalist teams advanced to the national stage to demonstrate how Filipino creativity and technology can shape a smarter, more connected future.
“When we launched the Hackathon, our goal was to partner with the largest economic force in the country—our SMEs,” said Rev21 CEO Ron Puno. “They drive much of our economy, and when connected to strong digital infrastructure, they gain the power to ideate, build, and innovate. Through our partnership with PCCI, we saw this firsthand—students taking real SME challenges and turning them into inspiring, practical solutions.”
After a series of intensive pitches and live demos, Team TECHMEHOW2DOUGIE from De La Salle University Manila emerged as the Grand Winner for their project Caya, an AI-powered inventory assistant designed to help small business owners make smarter restocking decisions. Caya automatically assesses profitability, negotiates with suppliers, and recommends restocking or discontinuing products—transforming complex data into actionable business insights.
“I’d really encourage aspiring developers to join hackathons—you learn so much from the experience,” shared Christina Sijera, one of the winning team members. “Even if you don’t win, you gain valuable knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.”
Teammate Brendan Castillo added, “Don’t let fear stop you. Anyone can think of a great idea, but you’ll never know what’s possible until you try.”
Team K-MAS from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao secured second place, while Team CABUYAO from the University of Cabuyao took third. Each team impressed judges with innovative solutions that showcased the vast potential of Filipino tech talent to make a real-world impact.
Beyond the competition, the hackathon featured workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities that connected students with industry professionals and business leaders, helping them refine their ideas and gain insights into the tech and business landscape.
“The Byte Forward Hackathon reflects our belief that Filipino innovators have the creativity and drive to transform communities through technology,” said Converge CEO and 51st PBC&E Chairman Dennis Anthony Uy. “By supporting programs like this, we’re bridging digital gaps and empowering the next generation to lead the country’s digital transformation.”
Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and PCCI, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving digital innovation across the country.
“Empowering young developers to build real solutions not only strengthens local businesses but also drives inclusive, technology-driven growth,” said PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio. “This kind of partnership is what truly moves our nation forward.”
The Byte Forward Hackathon is part of Converge SME Solutions’ broader initiative to strengthen the Philippines’ tech ecosystem—providing a platform that inspires innovation, encourages collaboration, and develops digital solutions that align with the government’s digitalization goals.
