ASHS ProgVar clinches "Best Prototype" award at Breaking Barriers Hackathon
19 Mar 2026
The Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) community celebrates a significant technological milestone as Grade 11 Programming Varsity (ProgVar) students Lucia Imbong (11-Realino), Nicole Santos (11-Realino), Toni Monterozo (11-Mayer), and Josh Chua (11-Mayer) clinched the Best Prototype award in the Senior High School category at the Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges Hackathon. The event was held at Uptown Bonifacio Tower 2 in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, on 14 March 2026.
Innovation for Accessibility
The Ateneans impressed the judges with their innovative application, SimplifAId, an AI-powered tool designed to restructure information presentation. The app specifically aims to reduce communication barriers for individuals with autism, making complex data more digestible and accessible. The project stood out not only for its technical execution but also for its commitment to responsible AI, a core requirement of this year’s competition.
A Rigorous Path to Victory
During the finals, each team underwent a demanding evaluation process. The ASHS representatives delivered a concise five-minute project pitch followed by a technical Q&A session, defending their prototype before a panel of industry experts.
A Year of Firsts
Organized by The Purposeful Mochii and Accenture, this year’s hackathon marked two significant shifts: the official invitation for male students to join the competition and the mandatory integration of ethical AI practices.
In a statement on their official Facebook page, The Purposeful Mochii shared their admiration for the participants' "creative approaches to tackling women's health, gender equality, and accessibility." They noted that they were "blown away by the diverse range of submissions" and encouraged the young innovators to "continue to shape a more innovative and equitable world."
The ASHS salutes its student-programmers for using their skills to create person-centered solutions for a more inclusive society.
AMDG!
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