Co-Create Camp 2025: Empowering Students to Innovate for Society’s Future

Ateneo Intellectual Property Office [AIPO]
Oct 1, 2025
3 min read

Ateneo de Manila University’s Co-Create Camp 2025 brought together students, experts, and mentors for a five-day, immersive learning experience designed to ignite entrepreneurial creativity and problem-solving skills. Organized by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) in partnership with the Management Honors Program (MH), the camp took place across five Saturdays in August and September 2025. It was an integral part of the university's Lux-in-Domino Strategic Plan, which seeks to foster innovation that benefits society.

Building the Future of Entrepreneurship

Co-Create Camp 2025 was more than just an educational event—it was an interactive, hands-on journey that immersed students in the core principles of design thinking and lean entrepreneurship. The event’s main objective was to equip participants with the tools and frameworks to develop sustainable, innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.

Over the course of the camp, participants developed key skills through experiential learning, which included creating value propositions, conducting customer journey analyses, and mapping out empathy with target audiences. They also had the unique opportunity to engage directly with real-world stakeholders from the fields of health, education, ecology, and more.

The camp received significant support from key Ateneo leaders. Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM), expressed his enthusiastic backing for the event, noting its alignment with the school’s goals to nurture future leaders and innovators. He even shared his vision for scaling this program and integrating it into other initiatives within JGSOM. Dr. Proceso “Jon” Fernandez, Director of AIPO, also voiced his strong support, highlighting the importance of innovation in today’s rapidly changing world. He stressed that the camp embodied the university’s commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and challenged participants to carry forward the lessons learned and apply them beyond the program.

Expert-Led Sessions and Field Immersion

The camp brought together notable keynote speakers and domain experts, including Dr. Genejane Adarlo (Universal Health), Ms. Ana Kristelle Ortiz (Education Reform), Mr. Luis Ramon “Cito” Lorenzo (Integral Ecology), and Dr. Mary Racelis (Bridging Cultural Divides). These experts led thought-provoking sessions that encouraged participants to think outside the box and develop solutions with a societal impact in mind.

More photos during the Co-Create Camp learning sessions

A standout feature of the event was the field immersion day. Students explored firsthand the complexities of urban life by traveling on the Pasig River Ferry and engaging with government organizations such as the Manila Health Department and DepEd Manila. This immersive experience gave them deeper insights into the challenges facing these sectors, which they then used as the foundation for their design thinking process.

Collaboration and Networking Opportunities

The mentorship sessions were another highlight of the camp, where participants worked in interdisciplinary teams alongside Ateneo’s Management Honors alumni and industry professionals. Students had the chance to develop their ideas with the guidance of experts, refine their pitches, and present their concepts to a panel of judges.

This emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration was crucial for fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving, encouraging participants to break down silos and approach challenges from various angles. The panel, consisting of leaders from AIPO, Business Development, and Management Honors, evaluated the teams’ pitches and provided valuable feedback.

Financial Support and Partnerships

The camp was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors from the alumni of the Ateneo Management Honors Program. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the program’s success and providing essential resources for participants.

Looking Ahead

The Co-Create Camp 2025 was a resounding success, but as with any great initiative, it’s clear that the journey doesn’t stop here. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting follow-up sessions and more immersive experiences. The next iteration of the camp hopes to build on these insights, strengthening partnerships with external stakeholders and expanding the diversity of participants.

The program also demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary learning and hands-on entrepreneurship, providing students with the essential skills needed to address today’s challenges in a meaningful and innovative way. By continuing to scale the program and incorporate feedback, Co-Create Camp has the potential to become an annual flagship event that will inspire future generations of innovators.

Interested in AIPO services? If you're inspired by the Co-Create Camp and want to implement similar programs at your organization, AIPO is here to help. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurial workshops, IP education programs, or design thinking training, AIPO can support your efforts in fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

Get in touch with us today to explore how we can help bring your ideas to life and create impactful learning experiences for your community!