OGIS IGNITE 2026
From 13 to 47 Teams: OGIS IGNITE Hits a Milestone Year
The Philippines' top student pitching contest just had its biggest year yet — 47 teams, 36 schools, and a brand-new Semifinals stage.
Something huge just happened in Philippine schools. OGIS IGNITE, the country’s top student pitching contest for young innovators, just had its biggest jump ever.
In 2025, only 13 entries joined. In 2026, that number exploded to 47 teams from 36 schools all over the country. That’s almost 4 times bigger in just one year.
47 Teams
36 Schools
From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao nationwide participation.
100,000
Grand prize, plus a trip to Osaka, Japan for the champion team.
Why Does This Matter?
IGNITE isn’t your usual school competition. It’s an idea pitching competition where student teams don’t need to know how to code. They just need a bold idea that solves a real problem.
This year’s theme is “Disconnected by Design,” built around the value of being unconnected and pushing students toward digital wellbeing, digital detox, responsible technology, offline-first thinking, and intentional disconnection. It’s a theme that rewards critical and creative thinking, and human-centered technology built for real learning and focus.
More teams joining means more schools believe in what IGNITE stands for: innovation in education and real experiential learning before students even graduate.
36 Schools Took the Challenge
This year’s growth wasn’t just in numbers, it was in reach. From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao, schools from all over the country stepped up:
- Adamson University
- Angeles University Foundation
- Arellano University Juan Sumulong Campus
- Batangas State University Alangilan Campus
- Bulacan State University
- Camarines Norte State College
- Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus
- Cebu Institute of Technology University
- De La Salle Lipa
- De La Salle University Manila
- Far Eastern University Institute of Technology
- FEU Alabang
- Gordon College
- Iloilo Science and Technology University
- Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna
- Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Inc.
- Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology
- Mindanao State University Main Campus
- Naga College Foundation Inc.
- National University Sports Academy (Laguna)
- Notre Dame of Marbel University
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Quezon City University
- Saint Louis University Baguio
- St. Paul University Iloilo
- Technological University of the Philippines Manila
- Technological University of the Philippines Taguig
- University of Cebu Banilad
- University of Nueva Caceres
- University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao
- University of San Jose Recoletos
- University of Southern Mindanao
- University of the East Manila
- University of the Philippines Diliman
- University of the Philippines Los Baños
- University of the Philippines Visayas
New This Year: The Semifinals Are Here
Last year, IGNITE went straight from entries to the finals. Not anymore. There were too many good ideas to skip a round, so 2026 added a brand-new battle stage: the Semifinals.
Here’s how wild the road to the championship looks now:
47
Teams
12
Semifinalists
5
Finalists
1
Champion
The 12 semifinalist schools have already been picked from the massive pool of 47. And the countdown is on. The Semifinals happen this Friday, August 28. Only 5 teams will survive to move on and fight for the title.
What Are They Really Fighting For?
This isn’t just a trophy on the line. The winning team walks away with:
- ₱100,000 cash prize
- A trip to Osaka, Japan
- A chance to represent the Philippines on the global stage
That’s real money, a real plane ticket, and a real shot at showing the world what Filipino students can build. Last year’s winner, Adamson University’s HomeHero team, got exactly that flown to Osaka to present their idea at the 16th Software Contest for University and Graduate Students, where it resonated with judges and students there.
This Is IGNITE's Biggest Year Yet
More teams. More schools. A brand-new stage. And a grand prize big enough to change a student’s life. The 5 finalists will be announced soon after Friday’s Semifinals.
Follow FIT Academy for more IGNITE updates.