Forty students from Davao’s top colleges and universities, forming 10 teams, came together at the Byte Forward Hackathon organized by Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). They put forward tech-enabled solutions to address small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) challenges, ranging from inventory management to logistics efficiency.
The fourth leg of the highly anticipated hackathon series was held in Davao del Norte, with student participants from Western Mindanao State University, Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, and eight other schools.
The Byte Forward Hackathon series forms part of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo’s (PBC&E) lead-up activities chaired by Converge CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy. For Uy, the focus on technology and innovation distinguishes his chairmanship of the PBC&E from previous years.
Giving youth a platform for innovation
“The PBC&E’s regional hackathons give our youth a voice, a space to innovate, and a chance to shape the nation’s progress. By empowering them, we are building a future-ready Philippines where entrepreneurs compete globally, technology bridges gaps, and every youth dares to dream big and act boldly,” said Ron Puno, CEO of Rev21 Labs, the innovation arm of Converge.
Executives and officers from Rev21 Labs served as mentors to the student teams, providing them with problem statements and guiding their problem-solving efforts as they developed digital solutions.
Tackling real-world challenges
Among the key themes tackled by the students were digital food service management, agriculture cold chain technology, agricultural warehouse management, and e-health records management.
The teams that emerged triumphant were Team K-MAS from the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, Team Codeez from Western Mindanao State University, and Team Stuck Underflow from the University of Southern Mindanao.
Team K-MAS developed TaraTruck, a freight exchange platform designed to address the issue of empty backhauls for trucks—a cost burden and logistical dilemma. TaraTruck automatically matches MSME truckers with shipments to minimize empty return trips, offering both contract-based and spot bookings.
Team Codeez addressed e-health records management with HealthE, a solution that empowers patients with control over their health records through a secure, QR- and PIN-based electronic health record (EHR) system.
Meanwhile, Team Stuck Underflow introduced Abtik Data Hub, a patient digitalization program that converts paper charts into secure digital health records capable of producing AI-powered insights.
Building momentum across the regions
So far, Converge and Rev21, together with PCCI and DTI, have held four hackathons alongside the PCCI’s area business conferences in the National Capital Region, Visayas, Northern Luzon, and Mindanao.
The next leg of the Byte Forward Hackathon for Southern Luzon will be held in Bacoor, Cavite, from September 29-30, 2025. Champions from the regional hackathons will compete in a final tournament during the PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, scheduled for October 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. Prizes of up to P500,000 will be awarded.
To learn more about the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, visit https://www.philippinechamber.com/philippine-business-conference-and-expo.
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