Enderun Colleges recently concluded the 13th season of its flagship business pitch competition, The Next Bright Idea: Change Makers: Empowering the Marginalized Through Business, with an awarding ceremony that spotlighted the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs. The event brought together the brightest senior high school minds from across the country, all eager to showcase their visionary business concepts.
This year’s competition drew an impressive 73 entries from schools nationwide. Following a rigorous screening process, 10 standout teams advanced to the finals, where they pitched their groundbreaking ideas to an esteemed panel of judges composed of industry experts and Enderun faculty leaders.
To prepare participants for the competition, Enderun hosted a series of Entrepreneurship Masterclasses – comprehensive workshops designed to equip all teams with essential business knowledge, entrepreneurial frameworks, and effective pitching strategies. These sessions ensured a level playing field, enabling all students to bring their best ideas to life.
Taking home the grand prize was La Salle Green Hills with their project, “Releaf” – a sustainability-driven initiative that transforms discarded pineapple leaves into durable, fully biodegradable bioplastic. More than a product, Releaf is a movement. It addresses two pressing issues – plastic pollution and agricultural waste – by turning overlooked byproducts into eco-conscious solutions, rooted in Filipino innovation.
The first runner-up title went to Life Academy International for “OG (Optical Recognition Glasses)” – a smart, AI-powered assistive device for the visually impaired. Equipped with camera, sensors, AI processor, and BLE module, OG allows users to navigate more safely and independently through real-time obstacle detection, voice interaction, and navigation support.
Landing the second runner-up spot was Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu with “Lifeline: Together, We Save.” This digitally coordinated, community-powered emergency response app is connected to Cebu’s 24/7 REAVO Emergency Operations Center. It links responders, barangays, and volunteers to ensure fast, organized, and life-saving action during emergencies.
The top three teams were awarded medals, plaques, and cash prizes of ₱50,000, ₱20,000, and ₱10,000, respectively.
The awarding ceremony was graced by prominent figures from Enderun Colleges, including Daniel Perez, Chief Operating Officer; Tricia Tensuan, Vice President for Marketing; Dr. Jun Salipsip, President; Lou Molina, Director for College Program Development and Branding and co-founder of The Next Bright Idea; Ray Estrada and Dr. Marivic Ignacio, faculty members from the College of Business; Mhyles Oliva, Director of Sustainability and Head of Academics; Atty. Frederick Cruz, Program Head of the Department of Economics; and Dr. Lyndon Avendano, Program Head of the BS in Business Administration.
At the culmination of Next Bright Idea 13, speakers highlighted not only the brilliance of the ideas presented but also the deeper purpose behind them.
Perez reflected on the need for innovation that goes beyond profit, touching lives and communities in meaningful ways. “We stand inspired by ideas that aim to create better opportunities for women and girls, children and youth, the elderly, persons with disability, indigenous people, migrants, refugees, and low-income families. To the student innovators, you remind us that a sustainable and inclusive business model can break barriers and build a more equitable future for us.”
Molina underscored the transformative nature of ideas and the importance of sharing them. “Every great thing starts with an idea. An idea that can inspire, can open minds, and move people to action. But a great idea is nothing when it is kept unshared – no door, no mind, and no eye opened. That’s why this event is special. Because this is where big ideas get their wings. By taking this one single step, you are letting your ideas fly.”
Cruz echoed this sentiment, drawing inspiration from a famous Nelson Mandela quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” He emphasized that the heart of the Next Bright Idea awards ceremony lies in the unwavering belief that no problem is too big to solve. “You can be the contributor to that change,” he affirmed, urging the students to continue pushing forward with courage and conviction.With another successful season wrapped up, The Next Bright Idea continues to serve as a launchpad for young changemakers across the Philippines – fueling their passion, sharpening their entrepreneurial skills, and turning their ideas into impactful solutions for the future.
