Four 4th year students from the University of the Philippines emerged as Country Champions in The 3M Inspire Challenge, a regional case challenge by global science company 3M seeking solutions in Technology, Sustainability, and Innovation.
Representing the 3MPHANT group, Caleb Abrazaldo (BS Materials Engineering), Mariz Domingo (BS Materials Engineering), Lila Lu (BS Materials Engineering), and Joseph Paraiso (BS Business Administration) bested 15 other competing groups in the Philippines with their winning solution 3M Hypack.
Their proposal aims to offer a non-toxic pro-marine life compostable packaging to help solve the problem of plastic pollution. The group won $1,000 and an internship with 3M Philippines.
“We don’t have to choose between saving our planet or keeping our access to safe, efficient, durable plastic,” said Domingo.
Following the team’s victory in the national round, the challenge continues.
On September 21, they will proceed to the Regional-Level Finals where their team and five other hopefuls from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam will vie for the title of “Regional Champions” that comes with a $2,000 cash prize.
As they gear up for the next stage of the challenge, the team will continue to enjoy access to 3M mentors who will help them sharpen their ideas.
“I’m very impressed by the participants’ robust innovations and solutions,” said Kevin McGuigan, Vice President and Managing Director, 3M Southeast Asia Region and Country Leader in Singapore.
“These are critical in helping 3M elevate our business and solve challenges around the world. We are glad to offer platforms like this to support and empower the next generation of diverse leaders, thinkers, and creators,” he said.
The Regional-Level Finals will see a total of 21 students across six teams pitching their solutions to Southeast Asia’s leading subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds in manufacturing and supply chain, research and development, sustainability, branding and communications, as well as business management.
The experts panel includes Kiyoshi Endo – Vice President, Plant Operations, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Asia Pacific; Yen Sze Chan – R&D Operations Leader, Southeast Asia Region; Jun Lee – Sustainability Leader for Asia, Brand & Communication, Ethics & Compliance Leader for South Korea; and Napaporn Ratanasaenghirun – Southeast Asia Regional Business Group Leader, Consumer Business Group (name, designation, organization).