By John Vincent L. Ceralvo
Startup Your World! & TrackTech by CPU’s Computer Science Society brought 79 students from CPU, UPV, and WVSU together for inspiring tech talks, interactive forums, and a hackathon creating innovative transportation and motorsports projects, with support from Arctech, TechLynx, and Globe.
On January 31, 2026, the Computer Science Society (CSS), in partnership with the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Modern Interactive Digital Artists Society (MIDAS), Centralian Developer Group (CDG), Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES), CPU – The Cipher, and the Information Technology Student Organization (ITSO), brought together aspiring developers, innovators, and creators for a day of learning and technological exploration through Startup Your World! & TrackTech. Students from Central Philippine University (CPU), along with participants from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and West Visayas State University (WVSU), took part in the event—turning it into a vibrant gathering of minds across institutions.
The morning session, “Start Up Your World!: CSS TechTalks 2026,” served as an inspiring gateway into the world of startup culture and digital entrepreneurship. Students were introduced to the realities of building technology-driven ventures—where bold ideas, calculated risks, and relentless creativity intersect. Industry professionals shared insights on launching startups, navigating challenges, and transforming concepts into solutions that create meaningful impact. Through talks and open forums, participants were encouraged not only to dream but to envision themselves as future founders, developers, and changemakers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The halls of AVR 1 and AVR 2 buzzed with curiosity and motivation as students exchanged ideas, asked questions, and reflected on how technology can be used not just for innovation, but for solving real-world problems. From app development to startup leadership, the morning program cultivated a mindset of possibility—where even the simplest idea could grow into something transformative when paired with purpose and perseverance.
As the afternoon unfolded, the energy shifted into high gear with “TrackTech: CSS Hackathon 2026,” a one-day competition that challenged students from different schools and academic backgrounds to apply what they had learned. Participants were tasked with creating educational and innovative projects inspired by cars, motorsports, transportation, and racing systems. Teams developed concepts ranging from traffic and road safety applications, automotive diagnostics tools, and data-driven fuel and performance algorithms, to racing strategy software, gamified learning platforms, and racing-themed educational games.
With the generous support of Arctech Laptops, TechLynx Computers, and Globe, the competition was further elevated by exciting cash prizes that motivated teams to push the limits of creativity and technical excellence.
What filled the venue was more than competition—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and technical skill. Every line of code, every design choice, and every system logic reflected the participants’ drive to turn imagination into functional innovation. As seven (7) participating teams from Central Philippine University (CPU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and West Visayas State University (WVSU) presented their projects, the room echoed with excitement, curiosity, and admiration for the ingenuity on display.
Through Startup Your World! & TrackTech, the Computer Science Society successfully created a space where learning met action and ideas met execution—proving that when students are given the right platform, they can build solutions that shape the future through technology.