Empowering the youth to participate in rebuilding the nation amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has launched Season 2 of the Innovation Generation (InnoGen 2.0) Grant Program. The virtual launch of InnoGen 2.0 coincides with the celebration of the International Youth Day on August 12.
“Last year’s InnoGen Season 1 was a success, leading us to discover the innovative ideas of our student-participants which ranged from donation platforms to virtual computer laboratories designed to offer solutions to help their fellow students cope with the challenges of e-learning,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart. She pointed out that, ”We are moving on to Season 2 this year, to discover more innovations from today’s youth as they pursue their passions and purpose and put their minds together to help communities live smarter for a better world.
With this year’s challenge, “How can youth help the Philippines recover from the pandemic?” InnoGen 2.0 calls on all undergraduate and graduate students, 17-25 years old, and enrolled in SY 2021-2022, to join the Smart Prepaid innovation grant program.
Qualified student-participants may submit projects that tap the use of wireless or digital technology to create opportunities for community development in the areas of disaster preparedness, education, environment, governance, inclusion, livelihood, sports, and tourism.
How to Join
To join, students must form a team with a maximum of five members from any year level and discipline. The team must also identify a mentor from their school’s faculty members who will guide them through the course of the program.
Teams may then submit a one-minute video regarding their team and their project. Submission may be new or existing initiatives designed to respond to the challenge.
Receiving Grants
Connectivity and cash grants will be given to the teams who reach Phase 2, Phase 3, and the Demo Day. Up for grabs are grant packages as high as P60,000 which include cash and connectivity needed to scale up the winning team’s project.
On top of the grants, teams get to learn from experts and advocates through a series of exclusive online lectures designed to equip students with skills and knowledge to enhance their projects.
Bringing the Best Digital Technologies
Smart Prepaid InnoGen 2.0 is aligned with the vision of Smart and parent company PLDT Inc. (PLDT) to bring the best digital technologies to the Philippines. In 2020, Smart launched 5G live as a commercial service and made available the initial batch of 5G mobile phones that are certified to work best on the Philippines’ first 5G mobile network.
Currently, Smart’s 5G network is the fastest and most extensive in the Philippines, leading the 5G revolution in the country. It delivers superfast fiber-like mobile speeds that elevate digital experiences.
Smart Prepaid InnoGen 2.0 also demonstrates the application of ICT for development, in support of the Group-wide advocacy of PLDT and Smart to promote digital inclusion. The initiative also aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG #4 of providing quality education.
