Ateneo Marketing Varsity takes Red Bull Basement National Champion title, will represent PH at World Finals in Tokyo

Soj Gamayon (4 BS CTM) has clinched the title of national champion in the inaugural Red Bull Basement Philippines with his groundbreaking innovation, AgriConnect, beating over 3,600 entries around the country. This AI-powered solution is designed to revolutionize the agriculture industry by helping the Filipino rice farming industry manage critical, unpredictable factors such as diseases, pests, and weather-induced risks with greater precision and efficiency.

With his victory, Gamayon has earned the honor of representing the Philippines at the Red Bull Basement World Finals, set to take place from 2–5 December 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. Competing against top young innovators from over 40 countries, Gamayon will showcase his project on the world stage, spotlighting Filipino ingenuity and the potential of technology-driven solutions to tackle pressing issues in agriculture.

A Showcase of Atenean Talent

This year’s Red Bull Basement Philippines showcased remarkable Atenean talent, with six finalists from the Ateneo Marketing Varsity — the premier Ateneo case competition pool for marketing and communications — including Gamayon. Among the top 10 were Arista Illenberger (4 BS LM), Joshua Mateo (4 BS CTM), Bianca Lipana (4 BS MGT), Stanley Cenon (3 BS ME), and Cody Sespeñe (2 BS MIS).

AgriConnect: Rice Farming Innovation Rooted in Purpose

Gamayon’s AgriConnect stands out for its meaningful application of AI, specifically targeting the unique challenges faced by rice farmers in the Philippines. Growing up in a rice-producing province, Gamayon witnessed firsthand the hurdles farmers face daily. His solution is also influenced by his recent immersion in Singapore’s startup ecosystem, where he interned with a company specializing in risk management for shrimp farming. 

“Winning this is surreal. I initially joined to learn, and now I feel an even greater responsibility to bring home the title,” Gamayon shared. “It’s about creating solutions that empower our farmers and enhance the agricultural sector for the long term.”

As he heads to Tokyo, Gamayon will have the chance to participate in intensive workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The Red Bull Basement World Champion will also gain an invaluable three-week immersion experience in Silicon Valley in 2025, further equipping them to scale their project and broaden its impact.

About Red Bull Basement

Red Bull Basement is an annual competition that empowers young innovators and entrepreneurs to leverage AI in creating impactful, solutions-oriented projects. Participants from around the world use this platform to develop, refine, and showcase ideas aimed at solving real-world problems. This year’s event emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in addressing global challenges, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, public health, and agriculture.

Support Soj Gamayon’s Journey

Follow Red Bull Philippines (@redbullph) to stay updated on Soj Gamayon’s journey to the Red Bull Basement World Finals. Learn more about how young innovators like Gamayon are driving change and creating solutions for a better world through Red Bull Basement’s global platform.