Unveiling the Future: How the iThink Hackathon Showcased AI, Web3, and Blockchain's Game-Changing Potential
Last night, innovation took center stage as the brightest minds in technology gathered for the much-anticipated iThink Hackathon pitch and demo day.
In a world where staying ahead of tech trends can make or break a business, this event delivered a bold vision for the future.
AI, Web3, and blockchain were not just buzzwords here; they were the core tools that entrepreneurial teams used to address real-world challenges.
I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how these disruptive technologies are not just optional anymore—they are the future.
15 Ideas, One Vision: Solving Tomorrow’s Problems with Today’s Technology
From healthcare to finance, education to agriculture, the iThink Hackathon brought together 15 diverse projects that harnessed the power of AI, blockchain, and Web3 to solve everyday business problems.
What was immediately striking was the breadth of creativity—each team presented a unique, forward-thinking approach to using these technologies in their respective fields.
As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear: Businesses that want to remain competitive in the coming years must adopt these tools.
Whether improving operations, safeguarding data, or creating innovative customer engagement, AI, blockchain, and Web3 are redefining what's possible.
The Standout Projects: Innovation in Action
While every team offered impressive solutions, three projects stole the spotlight:
1st Place – Class Bytes: Imagine a world where kids, ages 8 to 16, learn to code while playing with virtual pets and interacting with colorful graphics.
Class Bytes turned that vision into reality. This gamified coding platform uses AI to make learning fun and accessible, proving that the next generation of tech experts can start early—while enjoying the process.
2nd Place – AgriCLTR+: Tackling one of the most critical issues in agriculture, AgriCLTR+ developed an app to track the quality and integrity of rice from field to warehouse using blockchain.
In a country where rice is a staple, this solution promises transparency and trust across the supply chain, ensuring product authenticity for consumers and businesses alike.
3rd Place – Par4: Blending decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain, Par4 offers a revolutionary loan app where cryptocurrency serves as collateral.
This could transform how businesses secure loans by introducing a transparent, secure, and decentralized process—reshaping the financial landscape.
Insight from the Organizers: Fostering Innovation in the Philippines
After the competition, I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Nelson Lumbres, co-founder of ICP Hub Philippines and a driving force behind the hackathon. He was proud of the results and shared the mission behind the event:
“The goal of the iThink Hackathon is to discover the top Filipino projects and builders, and I believe we achieved that goal. Our biggest challenge was bringing together the right people—those with a true entrepreneurial mindset, ready to create rather than just observe.”
Mr. Lumbres also highlighted that this hackathon is just the beginning. ICP Hub plans to continue nurturing talent with monthly activities and free coding camps, aimed at keeping the innovation momentum going within the community.
Why This Matters: AI, Web3, and Blockchain Are No Longer Optional
The hackathon was a powerful reminder that AI, blockchain, and Web3 are not futuristic technologies—they are today's reality.
As businesses across the globe grapple with digital transformation, those who don’t adapt will be left behind.
The ideas presented at the iThink Hackathon show that Filipino entrepreneurs are not only ready but are leading the charge in adopting these technologies.
For established businesses, the message is clear: it’s time to embrace these innovations, whether it’s improving customer experience, securing financial transactions, or optimizing business operations. The future is being built right now, and those who jump on board will be the ones to thrive.
What’s Next?
Leaving the event, I felt inspired by the projects and the broader tech community that is driving this innovation wave.
AI, Web3, and blockchain are reshaping industries, and the iThink Hackathon proved that the next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to take full advantage of these tools.
Curious about how these technologies can revolutionize your business? Stay tuned for my upcoming blog series, where I’ll dive deeper into each of these technologies and share actionable insights on how you can incorporate them into your business strategy.
Want to explore AI, blockchain, or Web3 for your business? Follow our blog for the latest updates, tech insights, and resources to help you stay ahead in today’s fast-paced world.
