Consumer finance company Home Credit Philippines (HCP) held its first “AI in UX Fintech Hackathon,” bringing together students and fresh graduates to design artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for real-world finance use cases.
The nationwide event, organized in partnership with KadaKareer, gathered more than 400 participants from over 60 schools across more than 15 provinces. Participants were tasked to create AI-driven tools to help improve user experience in financial services.
The hackathon combined academic learning with practical application. Students received mentorship from Home Credit experts and KadaKareer coaches, attended sessions on structured pitching, and worked through challenges similar to those faced by fintech teams in actual business settings.
After the initial rounds and mentoring sessions, the Top 10 teams advanced to the finals held at Home Credit’s head office in Bonifacio Global City on Dec. 11. They presented their proposals before company executives and technical leaders. Three teams, composed of 14 students, were named top performers and were granted internships with the company as part of its talent development program.
Home Credit executives, including president and CEO David Minol, Deputy CEO Teeraphong Mahatham, chief information officer Susan Ong, and head of Collections Technology, AI, and Delivery Rahul Sharma, attended the event.
“While technology evolves rapidly, true innovation happens when people are empowered to think differently, learn continuously, and apply new ideas with purpose,” Mahatham said. “This hackathon proves that young talents can effectively harness emerging technologies to create solutions that respond to real consumer needs, reinforcing our confidence in a bright future for consumer finance.”
“This partnership with Home Credit gave students the chance to work on actual business challenges, present their ideas with confidence, and see their potential recognized. For many, the experience changed how they view their future,” said Sean Kalzada, program operations manager of KadaKareer.