Ateneo launches BS IDE program with French engineering school Icam

On 16 September 2025, Ateneo de Manila University celebrated the launch of its brand new engineering degree program.  Co-developed and co-implemented Ateneo’s School of Science and Engineering and by Icam, a French grande école and one of the most important engineering schools in France, the new degree program is called Bachelor of Science in Innovation Design Engineering or BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam).  The BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) program aims to produce world-class design engineers through active pedagogy and a problem-based learning approach. Students will engage the major engineering branches, such as aeronautical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical engineering, but will also engage other disciplines in management, social sciences, and more. The program also requires its students to study for one school year in one of the Icam campuses in France.

Gracing the event were special guests Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Philippines and Micronesia, and Commissioner Desiderio R Apag III of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).  Industry and company partners, such as Engie, Euroasia Group, and Dyson, were also present at the event. 

The Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, Dr Raphael A Guerrero opened the program, while guests were welcomed by a message from Vice President for Higher Education Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, delivered by Officer-in-Charge Dr Roberto Martin Galang.

Her Excellency Ambassador Marie Fontanel delivered a keynote message celebrating the launch of the BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) program, describing it as a milestone for both institutions. She also noted how both Ateneo and Icam have strong commitments to innovation, ecology, and cultural diversity alike, citing their strong record of student and faculty exchanges, joint projects, and community impact. She highlighted that “joint projects between Ateneo and Icam, along with the connections forged between our people, have translated into meaningful engagement with communities and industry partners,” citing how a good portion of Ateneo mobility alumni who became entrepreneurs credit their Icam experience.  She also proudly shared how Ateneo-Icam research students were able to help bring electricity to a remote island in the Philippines by implementing off-grid solar panels. To conclude, Ambassador Fontanel acknowledged the successful intake of the pioneering batch of BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) students and expressed gratitude to Ateneo, Icam, as well as industry and government partners for their continued collaboration and support in fostering and strengthening France-Philippines higher education ties. 

Mr Ivan Lam, Engie Operations & Project Director, shared his insights and experiences on the Ateneo–Icam partnership for the BS IDE program.  Engie has been a close industry collaborator of  Icam in France, and is set to begin welcoming BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) students to its offices as student-interns.

Dr Reese Macabebe, Chairperson of the Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering, gave an overview of the program curriculum and its requirements, emphasizing the high level of standards that is expected of its students.  

The pioneering batch of BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) students then proudly performed a high energy dance number, and presented a video montage of testimonies in support of the new BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) program.  The truly impressive performance garnered applause and cheers from the audience.

In response, CHED Commissioner Desiderio R Apag III shared his thoughts about the new program, expressing his support for the program and expressing anticipation for the BS IDE’s potential impact on higher education in the country. 

Icam representative Mr Matthieu Vicot, Icam Deputy General Manager for Higher Education, expressed gratitude to those who made the launch of the BS IDE program possible. He highlighted the shared Jesuit roots and influences of both Ateneo and Icam, noting their common mission of accompanying young people in creating a future full of hope and walking alongside the poor and excluded. He also acknowledged that the world faces many crises, but most especially the ecological crises, which he believes the BS IDE program can help address by producing well-trained engineers. That being said, he is confident that the BS IDE program meets the needs of not just the Philippines, but the world as a whole.

Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, President of Ateneo de Manila, closed the program via a pre-recorded video message, sharing his hope that BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) students will become “empowered critical thinkers and value driven leaders who will courageously shape a better, just, and more sustainable world.”  Fr. Yap thanked the “unwavering dedication and collective spirit of everyone from Ateneo and Icam, who shared knowledge, skills, resources, time, and energy to build the BS IDE program.”  Finally, Fr. Yap also thanked the pioneering batch of BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) students for their “enthusiasm in embarking on this journey.”

After the formal program, participants and guests were invited to the Leong Hall Roofdeck for lunch and socials. This provided an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and industry partners to build connections as well as engage in meaningful conversations with one another. 

The launch of the BS IDE program builds on the 25-year partnership between Ateneo and Icam, which has also included faculty exchange programs under Erasmus+ KA107/171 as well as student exchange programs. The launch of the BS IDE (Ateneo-Icam) program underscores Ateneo’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and innovation, and to bridging cultural divides through global collaboration.