PLDT Inc., along with its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc., has partnered with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) to launch Innovation Generation 4.0 (InnoGen 4.0).
The initiative, themed “Innovation for All,” aims to inspire tech-savvy youth to develop technology-driven solutions that empower persons with disabilities.
“At PLDT Group, we envision a world where everyone has equal opportunities,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart. “And we are honored to share this passion with the NCDA, highlighting the power of technology to create equitable opportunities for all.”
InnoGen 4.0 is designed to tap into the innovative potential of young people while supporting NCDA and its partner agencies in implementing more inclusive business programs for persons with disabilities.
NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova emphasized the importance of collective efforts: “We are thankful to our partners in PLDT and Smart for providing this opportunity for persons with disabilities in Innovation Generation 4.0. We look forward to the applications that will be developed by the participants, because the sector is in dire need of innovations that will empower persons with disabilities to participate in economic activities and gain access to government programs.”
“We aim to inspire the youth to use their talents and creativity to innovate and create technology-based solutions to uplift communities so that no one gets left behind. Fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion, we can create a community where everyone can thrive. With the power of technology, we can build a smarter and more inclusive world, one innovative solution at a time,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
This year’s InnoGen 4.0 expands its reach to include students in vocational courses and out-of-school youth in adopted communities, alongside participants from senior high schools, colleges, and universities.
The program offers more than just financial and connectivity grants. Participants will have access to lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions, all designed to develop technological skills and encourage knowledge sharing.
In Phase 1, the top 100 ideas, or the “Kilo 100,” will undergo sessions on concept development, including design thinking, ideation, and proposal writing. The top 50 teams, known as the “Mega 50,” will move on to Phase 2, focusing on user research and mentoring to refine their solutions.
In the final phase, the “Giga 25” teams will develop a minimum viable product of their proposed solution, which they will present on Demo Day.
The program underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to meaningful innovation and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #10 on reducing inequalities.
