The University of the Cordilleras (UC) recently concluded its impactful week-long Research and Innovation (R&I) Week 2025, which featured a series of events designed to foster student-led solutions and groundbreaking research. The week highlighted innovation as a campus-wide effort, bringing together students from diverse fields to tackle pressing community issues. A key highlight was the Make-A-Thon Workshop, where students were challenged to create solutions for real-world problems.
Make-A-Thon Workshop Tackles Local SDG Challenges
The UC Theater buzzed with creativity on July 29, 2025, as students from various colleges converged for the Make-A-Thon Workshop, a multi-disciplinary innovation sprint aimed at addressing local challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop opened with inspiring messages from Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag, who emphasized the importance of collaboration, and Arch. Donna Tabangin of the Baguio City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office, who presented the city’s SDG progress and key challenges.
Ten cross-college teams were randomly formed to embark on a rapid 3-day design sprint. The activity was facilitated by Tzar Umang of Makerspace Innovhub OPC, who expertly guided students through the innovation process. Mr. Brian Matthew Mamaril of the Saleng Mentor Group also provided a crash course on Lean Canvas and pitch storytelling.
In addition to sharing knowledge and showcasing our services, Makerspace Innovhub OPC joined the event to bring excitement and engagement to the students—offering fun, game, and prizes to keep the energy high and the spirit of innovation alive throughout the workshop.
Technopreneurship Demo Day 10 Continues the Make-A-Thon Spirit
The innovation continued during Technopreneurship Demo Day 10, where thirteen student teams from the College of Accountancy, College of Business Administration, and College of Nursing showcased their solutions. These included financial literacy platforms and community-focused services, proving that impactful ideas can come from all academic disciplines—not just technology-based ones.
The student teams pitched their ideas before a panel of esteemed judges from government, industry, and academia. Much like the Make-A-Thon, Demo Day demonstrated UC students’ creativity, resourcefulness, and passion for real-world change.
Community Partners and Mentors Drive the Make-A-Thon Success
The success of these events was made possible by the dedicated support of mentors and community partners. Special gratitude was extended to all the participating students, their faculty advisers, and the mentors from the Saleng Mentor Group and Makerspace InnovHub who provided invaluable guidance throughout the Make-A-Thon Workshop and the innovation process.
The winners of both the Make-A-Thon and the Demo Day were announced during the UC Research and Innovation Week 2025 Awarding Ceremony, celebrating the next wave of changemakers.
