Afternoon program of the 1st R-IT Congress: Region V Vela Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay 26 September 2026, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
The Quantum Technology and Computing Ideathon (also referred to as the Quantum Computing Ideathon) runs as the afternoon program of the 1st R-IT Congress: Region V, themed “Future-Proofing IT: Building a Resilient Future in an AI-Centric World.” The Ideathon itself carries its own theme: “Quantum Solutions for National Development.”
Unlike a traditional programming hackathon, this event is designed to develop innovative concepts, business use cases, and policy proposals using quantum-inspired, hybrid, or quantum technology. No prior quantum programming experience is required.
The Ideathon is organized by Invictus. Training. Solutions. in partnership with the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP), Salesforce, EC-Council, and Certiport, with the Computing Society of Sorsogon State University–Bulan Campus supporting as a local partner.
Speakers
Ian Agulo, PhD
Professor of Physics, University of the Philippines Baguio · Head, Machine Intelligence and Neural Dynamics Laboratory (MIND Lab)
Ian Jasper A. Agulo received his B.S. degree in Applied Physics (major in Instrumentation Physics) from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1996, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden in 1999 and 2007, respectively. He is currently a Professor of Physics at the University of the Philippines Baguio and Head of the Machine Intelligence and Neural Dynamics Laboratory (MIND Lab). His current research interests are in the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to a variety of systems, which include materials science, weather prediction, smart cities, and cybersecurity.
Menchie Belarmino
Solutions Designer, Stratpoint Global Outsourcing · Director, Creative Marketing, QCSP
Solutions Designer at Stratpoint Global Outsourcing with over three years of experience bridging business needs and technology across telecommunications, banking, aviation, retail, government, and tourism. A Bicol University graduate and proud Bicolana, she brings a business-side perspective centered on value, feasibility, and customer needs to the Ideathon's challenge framing.
Competition Tracks
Interdisciplinary teams (up to 8 groups) select one of four announced tracks:
- Track 1 — Quantum Computing Applications
- Track 2 — Quantum-Safe Cybersecurity
- Track 3 — Quantum for Government and Public Services
- Track 4 — Quantum Entrepreneurship
Program
| 1:30 PM | Opening Program (10 min) Welcome remarks, objectives, expected outputs, and introduction of facilitators. |
| 1:40 PM | Quantum Technology and Applications (45 min) A high-level introduction to quantum technologies—including quantum sensing, quantum communications, and quantum computing—and their potential applications across major industries such as finance, logistics, cybersecurity, healthcare, and energy. Ian Agulo, PhD |
| 2:25 PM | Challenge Presentation, Ideation Framework and Instructions (30 min) Presentation of local or sector-specific problems participants may address, discussion of the theme and tracks, and an introduction to the ideation canvas, judging criteria, and expected team output. Menchie Belarmino |
| 2:55 PM | Break and Team Formation (10 min) Participants form interdisciplinary teams and select a challenge. |
| 3:05 PM | Team Ideation Sprint & Mentor Checkpoints (45 min) Teams define the problem, stakeholders, proposed quantum approach, required data, and expected impact, while mentors assess technical relevance, feasibility, and whether quantum technology offers a meaningful advantage. |
| 3:50 PM | Concept Refinement and Pitch Preparation (20 min) Teams improve their proposals and prepare concise presentations. |
| 4:10 PM | Team Pitches (40 min) Approximately three minutes per team, depending on the number of teams. |
| 4:50 PM | Feedback and Recognition (7 min) Panel feedback, recognition of promising concepts, announcement of next steps, and awarding. |
| 4:57 PM | Closing and Group Photo (3 min) QCSP Volunteership sign-ups open. Closing remarks and event documentation. |
| 5:00 PM | End of Ideathon |
Judges
Jan Pabellon
Co-Founder & Chief Operations and Product Officer, Smile API
Jan Alvin Pabellon is co-founder and Chief Operations and Product Officer of Smile API, a Philippine startup providing employment and income verification data via API to fintechs and banks. A former NetSuite product manager for APAC, he holds degrees from UP and AIM, and has over 20 years in product, strategy, and operations in tech.
Sachie Mitsui P. Turiano-Academia
President & CEO, Fortem Auctrix, Inc. · Founder & Chief Educator, Global Markets Eruditio (GME)
Entrepreneur, economist, educator, program designer, and professional speaker specializing in business strategy, financial markets, workforce development, innovation, and leadership. A Magna Cum Laude Economics graduate of Bicol University, she began her career at the Philippine Stock Exchange and is active as a startup mentor, judge, and evaluator.
Frei Sangil
President & CEO, Layertech Software Labs, Inc.
Data scientist specializing in applied cryptography and cyber forensics. She co-founded Layertech Software Labs, Inc., a civic-tech R&D company in Albay, and leads projects on disaster preparedness, public data analytics, and inclusive digitalization. She advocates for women in STEM and ethical, community-centered technology.
Ma. Crestia C. Bañares
Executive Director, BiCoRSE · Technology Transfer Officer and Assistant Professor, Bicol University
Executive Director of BiCoRSE, a DOST-funded regional startup alliance led by Bicol University. She is also a Technology Transfer Officer and Assistant Professor at Bicol University, specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology commercialization, and startup ecosystem development.
Almira Shane Manlapaz
Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi College of Law
Ms. Shane Manlapaz is a Juris Doctor candidate at UST–Legazpi and a Sociology graduate of Bicol University. Formerly with DICT's ICT Industry Development, she worked on emerging technologies, digital transformation, startup ecosystems, and eGovernment partnerships. With certifications from Cisco Networking Academy and IBM SkillsBuild, her expertise bridges technology, law, policy, and innovation.
Prizes
To be announced. Prize details will be shared soon — follow the event updates on Facebook to be the first to know.
Learn more and follow event updates on Facebook.