Blue Hacks 2026: A Thriving Collaboration for a Greener Future
- Steve Chaves
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
The much-anticipated Blue Hacks 2026, an annual hackathon that gathered the brightest minds from across the nation, successfully concluded on March 29, 2026. Organized by the Computer Society of the Ateneo (CompSAt) and co-presented by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) and the Ateneo Blue Nest, this year’s event proved to be a stellar showcase of innovation and creativity aimed at building green urban cities.
Held in Room 413, 4th Floor, PLDT-CTC Building at Ateneo de Manila University, the event brought together 25 teams, each with 3 undergraduate students, representing top universities and colleges. Over a span of two days, from 8:00 AM on March 28 to 7:00 PM on March 29, participants were challenged to design and develop applications that could address pressing societal concerns through the lens of sustainable urban development.
A Platform for Innovation and Growth
The hackathon's significance was not only in its competitive edge but also in its goal to provide a platform for young, talented innovators to make a tangible difference in urban development. The theme, "Innovating for a Greener Urban Future: Encouraging Sustainable Living in Cities," was revealed during the event, guiding participants to create solutions that contribute to sustainable living in urban environments.
In addition to the intense coding sessions, the event also featured a series of enriching talks and workshops led by industry experts. These sessions covered key aspects of technology development, sustainability, and the integration of green practices into city infrastructure. The educational elements added value by helping participants refine their ideas before diving into the hands-on, overnight project development session.
Winners: A Showcase of Excellence
The competition was fierce, with each team displaying exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills. At the end of the two-day event, the top three teams emerged victorious, with impressive prizes awarded for their hard work:
1st Place: The Walking Dev from the University of the East (UE) – Winning ₱15,000 and Incubation Services from Ateneo Blue Nest (worth ₱120,000), this team demonstrated outstanding innovation in their approach to making urban cities more walkable.
2nd Place: CodeQuerors from the University of the Philippines – Awarded ₱7,500 for their application focused on promoting a circular economy.
3rd Place: WeJustKen – A well-deserved finish for their solution that tackled simulation challenges in urban policy making and research, winning ₱4,500.
The participants' pitches were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from Vértere, AIPO, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). Their collective insights ensured that the projects not only showcased innovation but were also practical and impactful in promoting sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Blue Hacks 2026 was not just an event—it was a celebration of the possibilities that emerge when young innovators, industry leaders, and academic institutions come together for a common cause. With the success of this year’s hackathon, the organizers are excited to continue their mission of fostering creativity and practical solutions for the future of urban living.
The hackathon not only helped bring forward new ideas for green urban cities but also empowered the next generation of tech leaders and entrepreneurs. As the world moves toward more sustainable solutions, events like Blue Hacks are critical in shaping the future of urban development, one innovative application at a time.
Congratulations to the winners and all the participants who made Blue Hacks 2026 an unforgettable and successful event!
Need help with intellectual property, ideation, or startup incubation? The Ateneo Intellectual Property Office supports students, researchers, and collaborators who want to explore how ideas can move from concept to implementation. Reach out to AIPO through the official contact page. Reach out anytime. Earlier conversations are easier conversations. (AIPO)
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