Young Filipinos vie for Swiss Innovation Prize 2026

The Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, together with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and leading Swiss industry partners, successfully concluded the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2026, recognizing young Filipino innovators whose ideas aim to address real-world industry and societal challenges.

Widely recognized as one of the world’s most innovation-driven countries under the Global Innovation Index, Switzerland launched the Swiss Innovation Prize to strengthen industry-academe collaboration, foster a culture of innovation, and support the next generation of Filipino problem-solvers.

Now on its third edition, the competition introduced a more industry-focused approach by shifting from innovation strands to industry clusters, aligning the program more closely with current business priorities and industry needs.

More than 140 applications were submitted from across the Philippines, with finalists representing universities and institutions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — reflecting the growing reach and inclusivity of the initiative.

The competition featured three major industry clusters:

• IT-BPM
• Life Sciences and Digital Health
• Manufacturing and Construction

As part of the three-day innovation program, finalists joined workshops, mentoring sessions, and company immersions hosted by Swiss companies and organizations, including Zuellig Pharma, Avaloq Philippines, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Nestlé, Franke Foodservice Systems, and SGS Philippines.

The engagements provided participants with valuable exposure to Swiss innovation ecosystems, industry best practices, and insights from business leaders and technical experts.

The program culminated in a final pitching competition before a panel of industry experts, followed by an awarding ceremony honoring the most promising and impactful innovations. Winners received cash prizes of ₱100,000 for first place, ₱15,000 for second place, and ₱10,000 for third place in each cluster.

Winners of the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2026

IT-BPM Cluster

1st Place – Skill Bridge PH
(Ateneo de Manila University)

• Mr. Daniel Hans
• Ms. Karelle Martinez

2nd Place – NexusPro
(University of Perpetual Help DALTA – Las Piñas)

• Mr. Zacarias Lancelot Pangan

3rd Place – PERPSAT-1
(University of Perpetual Help DALTA – Las Piñas)

• Mr. Sean Kirk Cruz
• Mr. John Michael Robles
• Mr. Joshua Gran

Life Sciences and Digital Health Cluster

1st Place – STEMI Flow
(Cebu Institute of Technology-University)

• Mr. Thomas Manulat
• Mr. Malt John Solon
• Mr. Simon Escaño

2nd Place – Care-to-Cure
(University of the Philippines Diliman)

• Mr. Hans Labordo

3rd Place – C.O.R.E Health
(National University – Cebu)

• Mr. Leif De La Cruz
• Ms. Jennifer Tobes
• Mr. Matthan Furia

Manufacturing and Construction Cluster

1st Place – SIBOLution
(Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology)

• Mr. Harvey Melendrez
• Mr. Rodric Luceno
• Mr. Edison Limbaga

2nd Place – RHA Biosilx
(Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology)

• Mr. Glenn Maujon
• Ms. Maria Elisa Refugio
• Mr. Sean Manlupig

3rd Place – RePET
(University of Mindanao)

• Mr. Mark Angelou Siega

The Swiss Innovation Prize Competition reflects Switzerland’s continuing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meaningful collaboration among industry, government, and academe. By connecting young Filipino innovators with Swiss companies and industry experts, the initiative aims to help transform promising ideas into practical solutions with lasting economic and societal impact.