Team Hyfoam wins at New Energy Nexus – Philippines hackathon

Three students from Ateneo de Manila's Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering (ECCE), Joshua Manuel Louise Kempis and Iris Nicole Carson, both fifth-year computer engineering (CpE) students, and Sean Jacob See, a fourth-year electronics engineering (EcE) student, showcased their innovative project at the New Energy Nexus – Philippines's Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy hackathon, held on 24 November 2023 at the Ateneo Blue Nest. The three made up the Hyfoam team, and they chose to tackle the theme of circular economy.

The team's entry, "Hyfoam: A bio-compatible & eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam," garnered attention and acclaim. The concept revolves around a sustainable alternative to styrofoam, promoting eco-friendliness and compatibility with the environment. The trio not only presented a compelling idea but also clinched the prestigious Best Pitcher Award.

Their remarkable innovation earned them one of the five coveted Future Energy Igniters awards under the student category, along with a cash prize of PHP 10,000.

The journey of Hyfoam began with Kempis's initial conceptualization, which had previously won accolades at the 2022 Wala Usik Challenge. Building upon this success, the Hyfoam team demonstrated their commitment to addressing environmental concerns and contributing to the advancement of sustainable solutions in the energy sector.

Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy, organized in partnership with the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD), aimed to fuel the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of clean energy. New Energy Nexus – Philippines conducts the annual clean energy and climate hackathon with the primary objective of cultivating an environment of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. This competition serves as a catalyst for the advancement of energy ventures and technologies capable of addressing the pressing energy challenges faced by the nation.