DLSL's Team X-03 Bags IGNITE 2026 Championship; Beats 46 Other Teams

MANILA, Philippines — September 25, 2026. After an afternoon of bold pitches from five finalists at the OGIS IGNITE 2026 Finals, Team X-03 from De La Salle Lipa was crowned champion. The event was held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center, Makati City.

The Biggest OGIS IGNITE so far

OGIS IGNITE is a student pitching contest by FIT Academy under OGIS Philippines. Student teams present ideas that solve real problems. No coding skills are needed, only a strong idea and the courage to share it.

IGNITE has grown from the 13 teams who joined in 2025 to 47 teams from 36 schools across the Philippines; almost four times the number of contestants from the previous OGIS IGNITE. Read more in From 13 to 47 Teams: OGIS IGNITE Hits a Milestone Year.

With all these aspiring contestants, a new Semifinals round was added this year. The field narrowed 47 teams to 12, then to 5, and finally to one champion, who receives ₱100,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Osaka, Japan this December.

This Year’s Theme: “Disconnected by Design”

Students were asked: what if the smartest technology knows when to step back? Teams created ideas for digital wellbeing, stronger relationships, and using technology with purpose.

The Final Five

After a grueling series of pitches and multiple rounds of refining their presentations, only five teams emerged to take center stage in the finals.

Their shared message was clear: technology should not always take our attention. Sometimes, it should help us take it back.

The Idea That Defined “Disconnected by Design”

Have you ever wanted to put your phone away but worried, “What if I miss something important?” Team X-03 built AFK to fix that problem. “AFK” means “away from keyboard,” and that is exactly what Team X-03 wants to help people be. AFK works like a smart helper while you take a break from your screen. It lets only the most important calls and messages through. It also encourages healthy offline habits. When you come back, it gives you a short summary of what you missed. You can switch off without losing touch.

That is “Disconnected by Design” at its best: technology that helps you step away, not stay longer. AFK does not force anyone to disconnect. It gives people a reason to relax, because they know they won’t miss anything important. Instead of adding more screen time, it protects our attention and gives us more room for the people and moments in front of us.

Second Try, First Place

This was Team X-03’s second time making it to the finals. In IGNITE 2025, they were a Top 5 finalist with “Dream WeAI-ver.” They did not win then, but they did not give up. Team members Tyron Scott Lucena and Nhat Le returned with a new idea, a new teammate, Mikaela Shane Estrellanes, and their coach, Ms. Donna Garcia. This time, they won.

The Future of IGNITE

Last year’s champion, Adamson University’s Home Hero, also represented the Philippines in Japan. Read about it in IGNITE 2025: Adamson University’s “Home Hero” Crowned Champion at IGNITE Philippines 2025. Now, Team X-03 will follow in their footsteps, taking their winning idea to the international stage at the OGIS-RI Headquarters in Osaka.

IGNITE is only getting started. More schools, more teams, and a bigger stage await the next generation of young innovators.

To every student who joined: you were brave enough to try, and that is how every great invention begins. If you did not win this year, remember Team X-03. Keep trying, and come back stronger.

Innovation starts with a dream. When dreams are coded with passion, they can shape the future.

See you at OGIS IGNITE 2027.