ComSci student's joins UNLEASH Ph Innovation Lab; team collab project earns 'Most Innovative Award

October 8, 2025

Jhon-Jhon Ortiz, a Computer Science student from the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies (CCMS), and teammates Dr. Maru Gawat, Dave Ang, and Erica Urquiaga, earned the Most Innovative Award at the UNLEASH Philippines Innovation Lab hosted by the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Sept. 25.

Chosen as one of the seven finalists from 32 teams, the team developed Alalay-Ani, a solution designed to support small-scale soybean farmers in the Philippines.

“Our student and his team showed how computing can drive inclusive and practical change for Filipino farmers. Alalay-Ani is innovation with purpose—grounded in real community needs and built with sound engineering,” said Assoc. Prof. Rodrigo Belleza Jr., CCMS dean.

“We are proud of Jhon-Jhon for representing MSEUF and of course, grateful for his team for showing excellence and heart.” Dean Belleza added.

The team also joined the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) Launchpad in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), where they collaborated with professionals and experts nationwide to address challenges across three thematic tracks namely Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems, Health Equity & Biomedical Innovation, and Sustainable Cities & Communities through Engineering Innovation.

Alalay-Ani supports smallholder soybean farmers by providing farmer-friendly decision support and workflow tools aimed at improving yield reliability and reducing losses—especially in resource-constrained settings.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger – strengthens smallholder productivity and food security through soybean support tools.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – applies engineering innovation and digital solutions to agriculture.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – promotes resilient, locally relevant systems for community livelihoods.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – indirectly supports nutrition through improved food supply chains.