Enderun Honors Student Innovators at The Next Bright Idea 14 AI Competition

Innovation, creativity, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence took center stage as nearly 100 senior high school students from across the Philippines gathered at Enderun Colleges for The Next Bright Idea 14: AI Game Changers – Youth Ideas that Lead the Future awarding ceremony.

The annual competition challenged the country’s brightest young minds to develop forward-thinking solutions powered by artificial intelligence. With students presenting bold concepts designed to address real-world challenges, the event once again proved to be a vibrant platform for the next generation of innovators.

Addressing the participants during the event, Lou Molina, Director of the Office of Student Life at Enderun Colleges, spoke about the responsibility that comes with powerful technologies such as AI. “AI is a tool. And just like any other tool, like a hammer for instance, it has the capacity to destroy and also to build. The difference rests on who uses it. From what we have seen in your work, you not only have the power to build but change the world. AI shouldn’t replace us, it should make us more human.”

Daniel Perez, Chief Operating Officer of Enderun Colleges, who highlighted the importance of staying informed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “With AI and technology so rapidly evolving, it is critical that innovators stay up to date and informed, to be in a position to leverage its capabilities.”

Perez noted that platforms such as The Next Bright Idea help students explore emerging technologies while sharpening the leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking required for future careers.

The judges evaluated the entries based on creativity, feasibility, potential impact, and the effective use of artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges.

During the recognition program, the top teams were honored for their outstanding innovations:

• Champion: Auralis — La Salle Greenhills
• 1st Runner-Up: PWeDe — The Mabini Academy of Lipa, Lipa City, Batangas
• 2nd Runner-Up: FlowState — La Salle Greenhills

Arvin Macahiya, coach of La Salle Greenhills, shared: “Our goal is always to start by truly understanding the theme, which Enderun Colleges consistently makes timely and relevant. From there, we guide our students through brainstorming, collaboration, and refining their ideas step by step. Of course, we aim for the prize, but I always remind them to value the journey – because the learning, teamwork, and growth along the way matter most. Any podium finish is simply a bonus.

What we appreciate about this competition is the level of professionalism and preparation that Enderun brings every year. The production, the organization, and the strong focus on innovation and business thinking make it a truly meaningful platform for students. It’s something we always look forward to participating in.”

As The Next Bright Idea enters its 15th year, it remains a testament to Enderun Colleges’ mission to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit across diverse disciplines – from technology and design to business and sustainability. By encouraging students to transform bold ideas into practical solutions, the competition continues to inspire a new generation of innovators ready to lead, create, and shape the future.