Technology is increasingly shaping how students learn and how they will lead in the future. In line with this vision, Accenture in the Philippines and The Purposeful Mochii joined forces to host the annual Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges Hackathon, giving young innovators hands-on experience in using artificial intelligence (AI) to address real-world challenges.
The initiative builds on the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s 2025 memorandum of understanding to strengthen STEM proficiency among Filipino students. During the 2026 National Science and Technology Fair, DepEd encouraged learners to embrace technology as a tool for solving both local and global issues.
Now in its fourth year, the hackathon expanded from its original all-girls program into a co-ed competition, welcoming 47 junior and senior division teams from schools in Manila and Cebu. Participants, aged 10 to 17, were tasked with developing AI-powered prototypes tackling issues such as women’s health, gender equality in education and the workplace, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Accenture’s Country Managing Director and Technology Lead, Ambe Tierro, said the event reflects the company’s commitment to building AI talent early. “AI is rapidly shaping how we learn, work, and solve real-world problems, thus making it essential to build AI understanding and skills from an early age,” she noted, adding that the hackathon connects education to real-world application by empowering students to turn ideas into impact.
Among the standout projects was AllWays, developed by PAREF Woodrose School. The solution earned the Social Impact Award for its innovative platform that helps people with disabilities locate deaf-friendly, elderly-accessible, wheelchair-ready, and mute-friendly restaurants, stores, healthcare services, and restrooms.
To ensure the learning continues beyond the event, Accenture also provided participants with training vouchers for specialized courses.
For Mona Obedoza, founder of The Purposeful Mochii, the hackathon’s growth is proof of how much young people can achieve when given the chance. “It’s amazing to see the smiles on the kids’ faces, deliver their pitches, and to have a front row view to the amazing innovations they come up with,” she said. She emphasized that with AI becoming more prevalent, it is vital to teach children early about the responsible use of technology in solving real-world problems.
Obedoza hopes more students will join future hackathons, not only to gain practical experience but also to feel proud of building something meaningful with technology.
The Junior category winners are:
| Award | School | Application | Project Description |
| Champion | Homeschool Global | LOL (Label Out Loud) | AI-powered mobile app that helps people read medicine labels |
| Best Prototype | Elizabeth Seton School – South | Hey Bestie | App to help girls understand their emotions, bodies, and menstrual health. |
| Best Pitch | Cebu Institute of Technology University | PrenatalPal | A mobile app that helps BHWs and midwives monitor, remind, and guide moms through safe pregnancies and healthy babies |
In the Senior division, the awardees are:
| Award | School | Application | Project Description |
| Champion | Assumption College San Lorenzo (Team F) | TulayKamay | An AI-powered app that assists and bridges communication between the deaf and hearing community |
| Best Prototype | Ateneo de Manila Senior High School | SimplifAID | An AI-powered text simplification tool designed to support autistic individuals in processing information more comfortably and independently |
| Best Pitch | Assumption College San Lorenzo (Team C) | BasaBata! | A learning app designed to cater to Filipino children aged 4 to 7 who struggle with reading comprehension in a way that is fun, engaging, and accessible to children with different needs |
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