The University of the Cordilleras (UC) College of Engineering and Architecture students made remarkable achievements at the 2025 Make-A-Thon, organized by the UC Innovation and Technology Transfer Office on July 29–31, 2025.
The three-day innovation sprint brought together ten multidisciplinary teams from across UC to develop rapid solutions addressing local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students from Computer Engineering Department and Electronics Engineering Department collaborated with peers from other UC colleges to conceptualize and prototype impactful technologies for the community and was given several main awards.
2025 Make-a-Thon Champion was Team Kinetiko with their Recycled Kinetic Energy Tile System, the team of Van Joseff Hero Facun, a Computer Engineering student alongside teammates from CBA, COA, CAS, and CTE. The 1st Runner-up was Team Binnovate with their Automated Waste Segregation and Pulverization Bin, featuring Computer Engineering student Christian Arvin Leynes, while 2nd Runner-up was Team Wastify with their Smart Reverse Vending Machine for Biodegradable and Recyclable Waste, conceptualized the team of Electronics Engineering students Jasper Gavina and Angela Esperonica Palangeo.
The innovative projects showcased in the 2025 Make-a-Thon strongly align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Team Kinetiko’s Recycled Kinetic Energy Tile System supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by promoting renewable and sustainable energy solutions derived from everyday human activity, as well as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through its potential applications in eco-friendly urban design. Team Binnovate’s Automated Waste Segregation and Pulverization Bin contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, encouraging proper waste management and recycling practices that minimize environmental impact. Meanwhile, Team Wastify’s Smart Reverse Vending Machine aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, fostering technological innovation to reduce waste and encourage recycling behavior. Collectively, these projects embody the spirit of sustainability, innovation, and community-driven environmental responsibility.
The Make-A-Thon formed part of UC’s Research and Innovation Week 2025, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and the university’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
