A First for the Country, A Milestone for Filipino Talent
In September 2025, the Philippines hosted its first-ever UNLEASH Regional Innovation Lab, bringing together 150 innovators from all 17 regions of the country at the University of Santo Tomas. From bustling cities to remote islands, participants converged to design solutions addressing the Philippines’ most urgent challenges in health, food security, and sustainable infrastructure.
This landmark program was part of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) Launchpad, connecting Filipino talent with the global innovation ecosystem.
Turning Ideas Into Action
During the week-long lab, participants applied the UNLEASH Innovation Methodology, a proven design-thinking process previously used in Denmark, Singapore, India, Rwanda, and Brazil. In just seven days, innovators moved from problem framing to ideation, prototyping, and pitching, guided by 14 international facilitators.
The result? 34 early-stage solutions ready to advance to the prototyping stage—each one rooted in Filipino creativity, informed by local realities, and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovation With a Human Touch
Jackie Stenson, Managing Director of UNLEASH, emphasized that solving global challenges requires more than just technology.
“Technology on its own isn’t enough to solve big problems. You have to understand and serve the whole system—the people, the communities, and the structures around it. That’s what we encourage at UNLEASH: solutions that create real-world impact.”
Building a Diverse Community of Changemakers
What made UNLEASH Philippines truly unique was its inclusive approach. Participants represented a wide spectrum of disciplines—engineers, scientists, health professionals, creatives, and community leaders—showing how collaboration across fields sparks stronger, scalable ideas.
Supported by UST’s TOMASInno Center Technology Business Incubator, the lab provided an environment where students, researchers, and professionals could access the same networks, skills, and mentorship—leveling the playing field for all Filipino innovators.
From Local Impact to Global Reach
UNLEASH Philippines proved that Filipino youth are ready to take on global challenges. With structured support and international connections, these innovators are not only building for their communities but also shaping solutions that can benefit the world.
The journey doesn’t stop here—participants now continue refining their prototypes, with the potential to scale into impactful ventures across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Learn more about UNLEASH and how young Filipinos are driving innovation by visiting their official website