The University of the Cordilleras came alive with innovation and purpose during the Robotics Ideation Prototype Pitching 2025, held at the UC Theater and participated in by talented Grade 12 STEM students from across the region. The two-day event, which kicked off with the screening round on June 18 and culminated with the final pitches on June 19, featured groundbreaking prototype ideas aimed at addressing real-world challenges through robotics and automation. As one of the judges and the current Program Chair of the Computer and Mechatronics Engineering Department, Engr. Denmel Paul S. Saavedra, was inspired by the participants’ technical skills, creativity, and deep understanding of how technology can serve society.

Projects such as the “Smart Waste Sorting Bot,” which promotes efficient segregation and recycling, and “AquaGuard,” which monitors water quality in rural areas, reflect how these young minds are responding to global issues through localized, tech-enabled solutions. These prototypes are not just functional concepts—they contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which emphasizes building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. This event aligned perfectly with SDG 9, as it created a platform where students could apply engineering principles to develop impactful solutions that can potentially be scaled for real-world use.

Judging criteria included Innovation, Technical Feasibility, Relevance to SDGs, Presentation Clarity, and Team Collaboration. Alongside fellow experts, I provided insights into embedded systems, microcontroller integration, sustainable coding practices, and how automation and data can enhance their designs. It was truly remarkable to witness how these students embraced feedback and applied multidisciplinary approaches with enthusiasm and maturity.

Robotics Prototype Pitching 2025 proved that innovation and social responsibility can start as early as senior high school, given the right mentorship and opportunities. As an educator and judge, Engr. Saavedra left the event hopeful—these students are not only future engineers; they are current agents of positive change. To all participants: your ideas matter. Keep innovating, coding, and dreaming—you are already building the future we need.