The next wave of digital disruptors is stepping up. Students are leading the way to digital transformation at the Metro Manila leg of Byte Forward Hackathon, a 24-hour innovation challenge running from August 7 to 8 at Seda Vertis North.
Hosted by Converge ICT Solutions, in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the hackathon connects young tech talent with real-world business problems sourced from PCCI members and Converge SME partners.
Ten student teams from various Metro Manila schools are tasked with designing practical, tech-driven solutions to operational challenges faced by enterprises today.
“We believe the best way to discover talent is by giving them real challenges,” said Ron Puno, CEO of Rev21 Labs Inc. “We’re not looking for perfection—we’re looking for fresh ideas, critical thinking, and the drive to build something real under pressure. It’s this mindset and potential we’re excited to see in action.”
Participants will present working prototypes and live demos to a panel of judges from Converge, PCCI, and Rev21. Winning teams will receive cash prizes of P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000, plus free internet for a year for the top two placers.
The Metro Manila winners will move on to compete with counterparts from North Luzon, South Luzon, and Visayas for the national title and up to P500,000 in prizes at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, set for October 21 to 22 at SMX Manila.
Byte Forward Hackathon will culminate with a grand winner, chosen from the victors in NCR, North Luzon, South Luzon, and Visayas legs, who will take home prizes up to P500,000.
Held alongside the Metro Manila Business Conference 2025, the hackathon includes a Try-a-Tech Zone featuring breakthrough platforms in predictive health and wellness, spotlighting how digital transformation is reshaping industries today.
More exciting tech-exhibits, breakthrough ideas in action, and the final tournament and grand awarding of the Byte Forward Hackathon’s next-gen talents will be presented at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, scheduled for October 21 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
