Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a leading force in the country’s broadband and tech infrastructure, reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating homegrown innovation by powering the inaugural Byte Forward Hackathon from 19 to 20 June in Balanga, Bataan.
The 24-hour coding competition spotlighted the next generation of Filipino tech talent, drawing student developer teams from five North Luzon universities. Held in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the hackathon challenged participants to design viable solutions to real business problems.
Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, a longtime advocate for youth innovation, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on building technology hubs in regions like Pampanga. “We’re investing in infrastructure so these bright minds have the opportunity to thrive,” Uy said.
Organized with the help of Rev21 Labs Inc., a Converge subsidiary, the event provided mentorship, access to proprietary AI tools, and technical coaching. “We’re not just testing skills—we’re looking for high-caliber talent,” said Rev21 CEO Ron Puno.
The winning team, GG Well Code from EXACT College of Asia, developed a Smart Marketing and Business Finder Tool and won P50,000. Teams from Bataan Peninsula State University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataantook second and third place, respectively.
The hackathon is part of a broader initiative aligning youth innovation with corporate problem-solving. Regional legs will continue across the Visayas, NCR, Mindanao, and South Luzon, culminating in a national showdown at the PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in October, where top teams will compete for prizes up to P500,000.
