Some things are worth the wait. For five graduates of the University of Cebu–Main Campus, finding jobs was briefly set aside so they could pursue something bigger — a device to transform the lives of persons with visual impairments.
That device, TrackSense, recently won the Real MVP Award at PLDT and Smart’s Innovation Generation (InnoGen) Season 4, besting 16 collegiate teams nationwide.
“We were speechless when they announced that we were the Real MVP. All our hard work paid off,” said team presenter Kyle Andre Lim, joined by John Jeric Andrade, Angela Monique Alba, Rey Aaron Buaya, and Ronald Dave Lazarte.
TrackSense is a safety mobility system combining a smart cane with obstacle sensors and a GPS tracker. It pairs with smart glasses that use AI to describe the environment and report the weather, helping users plan their routes.
The idea came after the group observed visually impaired individuals struggling outside their school. “They often depend on a seeing guardian. We thought it would be great if a device let them move on their own,” Lim recalled.
Kyle Andre Lim of University of Cebu Main demonstrates the features of TrackSense.
Originally a capstone project, TrackSense became a 3-in-1 kit after instructor Jeff Salimbangon urged them to join InnoGen 4. “I suggested AI vision,” said Salimbangon who became their faculty advisor in the competition. “I once saw a visually impaired person struggle at night, and thought the kit should be able to assist in such conditions.”
And these features elevated TrackSense, enabling the team to qualify for InnoGen 4. But cramming high-tech gadgets in a device alone does not guarantee a successful product. Through InnoGen, the group had a rich learning environment through lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions, enabling them to refine their innovation.
“At first we focused too much on the solution rather than the problem,” said Kyle. “That is the number one thing that our mentors impressed on us - think of the problem, not just the solution.”
Under InnoGen, PLDT and Smart extended financial and connectivity support to the 25 Giga finalists, with 20 teams successfully presenting their prototypes on Demo Day. The UC Main team invested their resources in cameras, sensors, and 3D-printed casings to house the components.
Debugging hardware and software was tough. “There were a lot of glitches, but we had fun solving these problems,” recalled Kyle.
User testing proved pivotal. Persons with visual impairments tried the prototype and gave practical suggestions. Salimbangon noted, “That feedback helped refine the kit into something that truly benefits its intended users.”
Roby Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart, tries TrackSense.
Not only did TrackSense prove to be helpful to persons with visual impairment, but it also gave its creators confidence to launch their careers. But it’s not over for the all-in-one safety kit, as the team has bigger plans for the award-winning solution. “We’re looking at adding voice command capabilities, so the user can simply talk directly to the smart glasses, and the device will process his command,” said Kyle.
Launched with the National Commission on Disability Affairs (NCDA), InnoGen Season 4 welcomed 96 teams from 17 schools and 79 colleges and universities under the theme ‘Innovation for All’, encouraging participants to design technology that empowers persons with disabilities.
During Demo Day, six teams emerged as winners:
• Real MVP Award: TrackSense (University of Cebu – Main) and Deafy (Kapalong National High School, Davao del Norte)
• Game Changer Award: HearMate (The Mabini Academy Senior High School, Batangas) and REACH (Bulacan State University)
• Changemaker Award: EYEGO (Jose Rizal University Senior High School, Mandaluyong) and Kaya (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
“Through Innovation Generation, we champion youth development by giving innovators the platform, mentorship, and support they need to bring their ideas to life. What makes this program special is that these ideas go beyond technology — they are solutions that uplift communities and create lasting impact,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.
InnoGen underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to meaningful innovation, advancing the PLDT Group’s contribution to the country’s pursuit of UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By championing accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities, the program also supports the Philippines’ commitment to an inclusive and sustainable ASEAN future, as the regional organization marks its 58th founding anniversary.
