CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Student innovators and local technology enterprises highlighted artificial intelligence and commercial digital solutions during SOX Innovate 2026, held Oct. 26 to 27 at Greenleaf Hotel.
Organized by the GenSan Chamber of Commerce as part of TRAIN SOCCSKSARGEN AI & Innovation Week, the two-day event combined an AI-Powered Investment and Digital Business Summit with a competitive Venture Sprint.
Venture Sprint
During the Oct. 27 Venture Sprint, Team Connection and its industry partner, DJL-Innovations Software Development Services, captured the Best Venture Award after pitching a market-ready business solution.
The winning student roster included BS Information Technology students Heart M. Añana, Renz O. Mamon, and Marc Christian P. Pelletero; BS Computer Engineering students Tresia Diane Bolotaolo and Gil O. Lazarito Jr.; and BS Computer Science students Princess C. Lerio and Jonard James B. Leyva.
Student Pitch
Fourth-year BS Information Technology students from the Mindanao State University–General Santos Junior Information Technology Society also earned recognition during the summit's presentation sessions.
Delegate Jalel Prince Gayo received the Best Presenter award under the guidance of technical mentor Bretch Guire Garcinez, showcasing how computing majors can translate software development into viable enterprises.
Industry Backing
Centered on the theme "Digital Business and Sustainable Growth," the Oct. 26 summit connected Information Technology, Computer Science, and business students with industry executives to address real-world commercial challenges.
Connectivity partners Sonic Networks PHL, Inc. and Wireless Link Technologies, Inc. backed the regional gathering, emphasizing that dependable internet infrastructure remains vital for business innovation across SOCCSKSARGEN.
