PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) recently launched the third season of Innovation Generation (InnoGen) with the theme #ForwardTogether, highlighting the role of the youth in nation building through innovation and technology.
InnoGen is PLDT and Smart's innovation grant program for young and tech-savvy Filipino innovators whose passion and purpose are to bring major impact to their communities. Launched in 2020, InnoGen continues to be an avenue for the youth to exhibit innovation, showcase their talent in technology, and express their will to do good.
This season of InnoGen highlights the importance of purpose-driven and inclusive solutions in addressing not just the current digital divide but also the socio-economic gaps in our society.
PLDT and Smart, through InnoGen, recognize the critical role of youth in building a smarter and more inclusive world, one where no sector, regardless of age, gender, abilities, social status, and cultural background, is left behind. Part of this advocacy also aims to expand development opportunities in the areas of education, livelihood, digital wellness, disaster resilience, food security, governance, and sports through innovative and inclusive solutions.
“PLDT and Smart place great importance in inclusion and creating equal opportunities in the communities we work with. Through InnoGen, we aim to empower and enable the youth to become catalysts of change and contributors to building a smarter and more inclusive society,” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Cathy Yang.
“At PLDT and Smart, we believe that diversity, inclusion, equity, and advocacy are important drivers of business success and stakeholder value. We continue to uphold the elimination of discrimination in both the workplace and in the communities that we serve through our purpose-driven and inclusive programs,” said PLDT and Smart Head of Stakeholder Management Team Stephanie V. Orlino.
To date, more than 400 student-innovators from 35 universities across the country have embarked on PLDT and Smart’s InnoGen journey, with more than 90 project pitches that have moved forward, and 36 prototypes have been developed. InnoGen Season 3 also opens its doors to the younger groups, inviting Senior High School students to join the program.
Through InnoGen, PLDT and Smart also strengthen their commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), specifically UNSDG #10 Reduced Inequalities.
