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From the Nest to the Global Stage: Team HEX Technologies represents the Philippines at the Startup International League 2026

by | Jun 26, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By CPUGAD TBI

 

The DOST-CPU CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (CPUGAD TBI) proudly announces that HEX Technologies: AIrduino Architect has been officially selected as the only team from the Philippines to compete in the prestigious Startup International League 2026, one of the highlight events under the Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo (SITE 2026). The international event will be held from June 25 to 27, 2026, at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand.

Organized by the National Innovation Agency (NIA) Thailand, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, SITE 2026 has been positioned as one of Southeast Asia’s premier innovation and investment platforms. Anchored on the theme, “Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,” the event seeks to connect promising innovations with investors, strategic partners, and opportunities for international expansion.

More than a startup competition, the Startup International League serves as a convergence point for emerging ventures from across the region, providing a platform where ideas are evaluated not only for their technological novelty, but also for their market viability, investment readiness, and potential for global impact.

Selected alongside top-tier startup teams from seven participating countries, Team HEX Technologies will showcase AIrduino Architect, an innovative visual, block-based integrated development environment (IDE) designed to simplify Arduino programming and make embedded systems development more accessible to learners, makers, and engineers. Through real-time simulation and AI-powered code generation, the platform bridges the gap between conceptual design and physical implementation, empowering users to create complex embedded systems with greater ease and efficiency.

Representing Team HEX Technologies are:

  • Gelvie C. Lagos – Chief Executive Officer (Project Leader, CPUGAD TBI; Faculty, Electronics Engineering Department)
  • Kleio Alfric S. Tobias – Chief Strategy Officer (Faculty, Mechanical Engineering Department)
  • Matt Rafael M. Genito – Chief Operating Officer (BSPkgE Batch 2026)
  • Jed Matthew P. Mamosto – Chief Technology Officer (BS SE 4)
  • Rhoem Ryle D. Tubongbanua – Chief Product Officer (BS ECE 4)

Guiding the team as mentor is Mr. Mark Gil D. Peraman, General Manager of CPUGAD TBI, whose leadership and mentorship continue to support the growth and internationalization of promising Filipino startups.

This milestone stands as a testament to what strong innovation ecosystems and collective efforts can achieve. It demonstrates that when communities come together to nurture innovators, ideas evolve into market-ready solutions capable of competing and thriving on the global stage. As the only Philippine team participating in this year’s Startup International League, HEX Technologies carries with it the creativity, resilience, and ingenuity that define Filipino innovation.

From the heart of Iloilo to the center of Bangkok, this achievement affirms a clear truth: world-class innovations can emerge from Philippine shores and create impact beyond borders.

At the core of this momentum, CPUGAD TBI continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for innovation by mentoring, building, and accelerating startups toward global competitiveness while creating meaningful linkages among ideas, industry, talent, and investment opportunities. Through these efforts, the incubator remains committed to shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurship and advancing the country’s presence in the global innovation landscape.