GCash is turning to young Filipino innovators for technology-driven ideas aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) tackle financing and operational challenges as digital financial services expand their role in the small-business economy.
The e-wallet platform brought together more than 2,385 students for ImaGnation: GCash Innovation Challenge 2026, a three-day hackathon and case competition centered on solutions for Filipino entrepreneurs.
The event drew 477 teams from 10 regions, with more than half of participants coming from outside Metro Manila, including CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Central Luzon and Northern Mindanao.
Under the theme “Negosyo Nation: Powering the Rise of the Filipino Entrepreneur,” participants explored how GCash payments, credit, insurance, merchant services and analytics could be combined to address common MSME needs. They also used artificial intelligence, prompt engineering and app-prototyping tools through GCash’s InnovLabs platform.
Ten teams progressed to a bootcamp at GCash headquarters in Taguig, where 50 students worked with product leaders, technical coaches and employee mentors to turn their concepts into prototypes. The teams also tested their business cases against actual MSME requirements and fintech regulations.
“Empowering local entrepreneurs is one of the most vital economic missions in the country today,” said Rowie Zamora, chief strategy officer of GCash parent Mynt Inc., emphasizing the need to anchor technology development in real customer problems.
Five teams ultimately presented their solutions to GCash executives.
Beyond the competition, the program provides a potential entry point into the fintech industry for participants. Winning teams will receive guaranteed internship placements at GCash, giving students an opportunity to further develop their ideas while gaining hands-on experience in digital financial services.
The initiative underscores the growing push to connect student talent, emerging technologies and the needs of smaller businesses, particularly beyond Metro Manila.
