TUP Manila, MSU-IIT score top spots at Unlocked 2024 

Students from Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) won the top prizes at Unlocked 2024, a competition aimed at promoting integrated circuit design and semiconductor innovation.

According to Xinyx Design, which hosted the second edition of the competition in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on September 20, the students were tasked with showcasing ''cutting-edge ideas aimed at revolutionizing the tech industry.''

“[The theme] emphasized the capability of homegrown innovation to address urban challenges and drive the future of the high-technology industry,” the statement read.

TUP Manila’s “LiverScan+: An Automated Detection and Diagnosis of Focal Liver Lesions through AutoML-Based Triphasic Contrast-Enhanced CT Image Analysis Using Jetson Nano” was awarded P70,000 for winning first place in the Unlocked Innovation Challenge.

Colegio de Muntinlupa was named first runner-up for “Texto: Real-Time Audio-Visual Speech Recognition and Transcription using Multimodal Deep Learning Algorithm for the Hearing Impaired,'' while the Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila finished as second runner-up for their “Unmanned Amphibious Robot in Aiding Post-Typhoon Heavy Flooding Response Using LoRa-based Communication and YOLOv5.''

MSU-IIT was hailed as the 2024 Overall Champion of the IC Design Olympics after ruling the Custom Layout and Digital Design categories.

TUP Manila claimed first place in the Analog Circuit Design category.

Meanwhile, Diosdado "Dado" Banatao and Dr. Teresita Fortuna received the lifetime achievement award for their work in advancing semiconductor innovation and education in the Philippines.

“In education, it is essential that we integrate technology into our basic education system. We must ensure that our learners have access to digital tools and resources, no matter where they are, to fully equip them for the future,” said Department of Education Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera.

Unlocked 2024 was organized by Xinyx Design to encourage the new generation of Filipinos to pursue careers in engineering, particularly in microelectronics and IC design.

"We designed this competition not only to identify top talent but also to create a sustainable ecosystem where students, industry leaders, and educators can collaborate to close the talent gap and ensure the Philippines remains competitive in the global semiconductor market,” said Xinyx Design president Charade Avondo.

"Additionally, the government can play a more active role in promoting electronics engineering as a viable and attractive career path. By investing in the marketing and promotion of this field as early as the grade school level and beyond, the Philippines can position itself as a global hub for semiconductor talent, driving innovation and making a lasting impact on global society,'' she added.

''Further, the creation of a Philippine Institute of Microelectronics, modeled after Taiwan's successful rise as a leader in the semiconductor world, would serve as a national center for advanced research, training, and industry collaboration, ensuring the Philippines remains competitive on the global stage.'' —VBL, GMA Integrated News