The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is calling on Filipino innovators to bring forward artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies that can strengthen community resilience against environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future. 

Through its 2026 Socially Relevant Technologies (SRT) Contest, which carries the theme “AI-Driven Green and Inclusive Technologies for Climate-Resilient Filipino Communities,” IPOPHL highlights the growing role of AI in building solutions to address the country’s most pressing environmental challenges, from disaster preparedness and resource management to creating sustainable livelihoods and building resilient communities. 

As one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the Philippines continues to face significant climate and environmental risks. In 2025, it again ranked highest in the WorldRiskIndex, which assesses the vulnerability of 193 countries to extreme natural events and the adverse impacts of climate change. 

“We find ourselves at the intersection of two accelerating forces. The first is the worsening effects of climate change, to which the Philippines remains highly vulnerable, and the second is the rapid advancement and adoption of AI,” said IPOPHL Director General (DG) Teodoro C. Pascua. “The challenge before us is to harness one to help address the other, to leverage AI not only as a tool for innovation, but also as a force for building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Filipino communities.” 

Winners will receive cash prizes in two categories: 

Professional Category 

• 1st Prize – ₱75,000 

• 2nd Prize – ₱50,000 

• 3rd Prize – ₱30,000 

Youth Category 

• 1st Prize – ₱50,000 

• 2nd Prize – ₱30,000 

• 3rd Prize – ₱20,000 

Interested participants may learn more about the competition and register through the 2026 SRT Contest page on IPOPHL’s website on or before the deadline of June 30, 2026. 

The SRT Contest is an annual initiative that recognizes IP-protectable technologies that address societal challenges, promote sustainable development and demonstrate the transformative power of Filipino innovation.  

This year’s contest is aligned with four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications & Marketing Writer)