The University of the Philippines (UP) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a new generation of Filipino tech leaders equipped for an AI-driven global economy.
The partnership, formalized in a ceremonial signing at UP’s Quezon Hall, will focus on key technology areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, and digital business transformation. It aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs, particularly benefiting students in UP’s AI, Computer Science, Engineering, and Business programs.
UP president Angelo Jimenez hailed the initiative as a transformative alliance between education and industry, while Converge CEO Dennis Uy emphasized the need to build a strong pipeline of globally competitive digital talent.
The agreement features a phased rollout beginning with the “Future Forward Management Trainee Program,” a nine-month intensive training for graduating students. Future phases will introduce joint innovation projects, AI-focused hackathons, industry speaker series, and co-developed curricula.
The partnership also includes plans for a “Converge Innovation Lab @ UP,” a dedicated research and prototyping space, and faculty-industry exchange programs to foster bi-directional learning. Social responsibility initiatives will support high-potential students from underserved communities.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda lauded the collaboration as a model for accelerating national digital transformation and improving government digitalization efforts.
With annual reviews and potential for extension, the UP-Converge alliance sets a new benchmark for integrating academic excellence with technological innovation in Philippine higher education.
