Xinyx Design, a prominent integrated circuit design engineering firm, is proud to announce the launch of the second edition of UNLOCKED, an innovation pitching contest aimed at fostering creative thinking and ingenuity within the academic community. This year, UNLOCKED is set to be larger in scale and more impactful, offering students the platform to showcase their ideas for solving community issues and turning them into reality.
UNLOCKED stands as a cornerstone initiative within Xinyx’s Campus Connect program, which strives to raise awareness of the Philippines’ microchip design capabilities, promote IC Design as a viable career path, and underscore Xinyx’s dedication to nurturing a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country.
Innovation Pitch Contest
Undergraduate students nationwide pursuing degrees in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering are invited to submit their innovative ideas for the chance to present them to a distinguished panel of industry experts and investors. With a focal point on addressing ongoing urban challenges, the second iteration of UNLOCKED continues its thematic journey titled, “From Problems to Possibilities: Building Tomorrow’s Cities Today.”
The inaugural contest, held in December 2023, attracted engineering talents from all major island groups, spanning from Northern Luzon to General Santos City in Mindanao. With over 60 submissions, the competition was intense, resulting in the selection of ten finalist projects. These projects showcased a diverse range of innovations, including advancements in agriculture to enhance irrigation systems and support farmers, healthcare applications such as a portable glucometer, and solutions for solid waste management.
The grand prize was awarded to a team from FAITH Colleges in Batangas for their development of “GestuLearn,” an interactive learning system that utilizes real-time hand detection, tracking, and gesture recognition to aid in teaching students with disabilities. Ivan Renz Eser, a young engineering student who led the winning team, is currently undertaking his on-the-job training at Xinyx Design as a Design Automation intern. This serves as a testament to how UNLOCKED not only creates pathways for career opportunities but also drives innovation in the Philippines.
Prizes and Recognition
On top of the chance for their ideas or inventions to get picked up by an investor, prizes are available for the Top 3 student groups. Php 70,000 goes to the grand winner, while first and second runners-up will win Php 20,000 and Php 10,000, respectively.
Join the UNLOCKED Roadshow Online
To learn more about the event and how to participate, students, faculty, and technology enthusiasts are invited to join the UNLOCKED Online Roadshow via Zoom on June 8th, 2024. Those interested may register online through the Xinyx website at https://www.xinyxdesign.com/unlocked/
