Innovative student-built digital solutions with direct use in farming, transport, and agriculture were showcased at the 18th Digital Expo of Foundation University, making Dumaguete City a growing hub for student-led technology development.
Held over three days at Robinsons Dumaguete, the expo featured prototypes and working systems developed by students from the university’s College of Computer Science. The projects were designed to address real-world community needs and were refined with faculty guidance.
Among the featured outputs was a mobile application that monitors water and soil quality for hydroponics systems, helping users track plant health in controlled environments. Another project, TapPark, allows users to reserve parking spaces in advance and streamline pay parking transactions through a mobile platform.
Students also presented an AI-aided prototype system capable of identifying cacao bean quality, a tool with potential applications for local farmers and agricultural processing.
“Since its inception, the Digital Expo has pushed the boundaries of our students’ creativity, inventiveness, and passion to help address community needs through technology,” said Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco, president of Foundation University. “In recent years, more student projects have explored real-world applications of what they learn in our tech-focused curriculum.”
Founded in 1949, Foundation University was among the first in the Philippines to introduce an iPad-based education program around 15 years ago. The institution has since expanded its use of digital tools to support personalized and technology-driven learning.
Sinco said the university aims to remain a training ground for future innovators as technology continues to evolve.
“Our goal has always been to deliver education that matches how the world is changing. As new technologies emerge, Foundation University must continue to serve as an incubator for the next generation of innovations,” he said.