Sprinting Towards Impact: Design Thinking powers Ateneo Projects

March 26, 2025 – Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City — A dynamic 3-hour Design Thinking Sprint took place at the Business Resource Center of the John Gokongwei School of Management, bringing together innovators from two key programs: the Lab-in-a-Box (LIAB) Project of Ateneo’s School of Science and Engineering and the AIPO X program under the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO).

Group photo with the DT Sprint facilitators, LIAB project members, and AIPO X project members

The sprint, organized by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) and facilitated by Ms Mariela Alcaparas and Mr Steve Chaves, offered a collaborative space for participants to tackle pressing challenges in innovation, education, and program outreach using the human-centered methodology of design thinking.

Hands-On Innovation Meets Entrepreneurial Drive

The Lab-in-a-Box (LIAB) Project, born from the need for accessible science education during the pandemic, continues to champion hands-on learning by developing portable lab kits in Physics and Chemistry. These kits empower students to conduct experiments from home or in the classroom, enhancing theoretical understanding through practical application.

LIAB Project Members with DT Facilitator, Ms Mariela Alcaparas (second from the right)

Meanwhile, AIPO X cultivates a new breed of technopreneurs through its three-tiered experience: Xplore, Xperience, and Xpedition—each one immersing students in global innovation ecosystems, startup collaborations, and venture building.

AIPO X team members with their expanded worksheet output

Despite their distinct missions, both groups came to the sprint with a shared goal: to amplify their impact and reach.

Design Thinking in Action

Participants were guided through the core stages of design thinking: empathizing with users, defining challenges, ideating solutions with action steps. Two key issues emerged:

1. How might AIPO X improve its client acquisition and build a stronger outreach database?

2. How might LIAB reach more of their intended audiences with their science education kits?

The outcome? Actionable strategies that push both programs forward. The AIPO X team conceptualized AIPO Xpo—a flagship awareness event that will spotlight the program’s international innovation journeys, including stories and takeaways from past participants. It will also serve as a platform to engage potential applicants, showcase startup success stories, and promote deeper understanding of the global startup ecosystem among students, faculty, and partners.

AIPO X team showing their ecosystem map

LIAB, on the other hand, crafted a targeted digital marketing strategy focused on content boosting, audience segmentation, and online outreach—ensuring their kits reach the classrooms and communities that need them most.

LIAB team members presenting their expanded ecosystem map

Collaboration Sparks Growth

One standout feature of the sprint was the energy during the plenary presentations, where cross-pollination of ideas occurred. Both groups shared best practices in audience engagement, content creation, and program implementation—sparking new ideas and potential collaborations.

“Bringing together LIAB and AIPO X in one room really showcased the power of interdisciplinary innovation,” said Mr Steve Chaves, one of the DT Sprint facilitators. “This sprint proved that design thinking isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building a shared language for growth.”

As both programs gear up for their next big milestones—AIPO Xpo and LIAB’s campaign rollout—this Design Thinking Sprint marks a meaningful step forward in empowering innovation, education, and entrepreneurship within the Ateneo community and beyond.

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Interested in how Design Thinking can help you or your team? Visit aipo.ateneo.edu/designthinking to check out our upcoming workshops. You may also send us a message at aipo@ateneo.edu.