In a remarkable display of innovation and creativity, PNU North Luzon Team EduPlay and Team NL-Nalalaing emerged as standout finalists in the iDeaTech Challenge 2023. This prestigious event, held last September 19 and 20, 2023, at the Mango Suite Hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela, featured 45 entries from the region, with Team EduPlay securing a coveted spot among the Top 10 finalists and Team NL-Nalalaing making it to the Top 25 startup finals.

The iDeaTech Challenge 2023, themed “Fostering Smart and Sustainable Innovations: Igniting the Startup Economy using Smart City Technologies,” aimed to cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation thinking among students and participants in the Cagayan Valley Region. It sought to generate and explore innovative ideas in response to the challenges of creating smart and sustainable communities in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). Furthermore, the challenge encouraged collaboration, brainstorming, and ideation using design thinking techniques to stimulate the generation of novel and practical ideas for sustainable community development while strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Cagayan Valley Region. Participants also honed their skills in developing effective pitch presentations for their innovative technology ideas, which they presented to potential investors.

Team EduPlay presented their project, “A Data-Driven Behavioral Assessment Gaming Application for Kindergarten and Learners with Special Needs,” led by Project Proponents Dr. Leticia N. Aquino, Dr. Adelaila J. Leaño, and Prof. Jay-Ar G. Balauag. This application promises to revolutionize early childhood education and support learners with special needs through a novel and engaging approach.

Meanwhile, Team NL-Nalalaing showcased their project, “Modular Living Roof with Irrigation and Water Harvesting,” led by Mr. John Amiel Gaspar, Mr. Cris Seanjay Laslas, Ms. Charity Joy Apolinar, Mr. Frank Mark Cristobal, and Prof. Gizel Santiago. Their innovation addresses critical sustainability challenges by utilizing rooftops for both green living spaces and water conservation, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban landscape.

Both teams have demonstrated the potential to make a significant impact on their communities and beyond, showcasing the power of creativity, technology, and innovation in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future.