Brilliance Unleashed: Quantum Computing and Blockchain Hackathon '25 ignites innovation at AdNU

Bright minds converged at the Chito Madrigal Amphitheater, Ateneo de Naga University, for the Quantum Computing and Blockchain Hackathon 2025 last June 19, 2025. Spearheaded by the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) in collaboration with the Ateneo Information and Communications Technology Center (ADNU ICTC), the event gathered student innovators from across Bicol to tackle emerging challenges in tech, blending the power of quantum computing with the promise of blockchain.

The hackathon served as the culminating activity of the QCSP lecture series, which spanned from March to June and toured several universities—from De La Salle University-Manila to Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, and finally, Ateneo de Naga University. The series was held as part of the global celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

Seven student teams participated in the hackathon, each presenting innovative solutions they had developed over a four-week prototype-building journey.

Anchored by insights and support from leading experts from the DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), DICT Region V - Bicol, CamSur BroadCache, DEVCON LEGAZPI, CSPC ASOG TBI, and ADNU - MAGIS TBI, participants immersed themselves in seminar talks before unveiling their final projects.

The amphitheater buzzed with energy as prototypes came to life, ranging from quantum-secure financial systems to blockchain-powered transparency solutions. Industry leaders, technologists, and academic mentors served as judges, rigorously evaluating the projects based on innovation, feasibility, and societal impact.

The day concluded with the much-anticipated awarding ceremony. NFTPadala, a blockchain-backed chain-of-custody web app that promotes transparency and accountability in courier and delivery services, took home the championship title. The winning teams were:

Champion - Team NFTPadala

• Selwyn John Guiruela
• Martin Edgar Atole
• Jorge Creiann Jarme
• Justin Ira Natividad
• John Kristoffer Bicierro
• Coach: Kevin G. Vega

First Runner-Up - Team W

• Divino Franco R. Aurellano
• Jayson A. Asiado
• Mark Wayne M. Cleofe Jr.
• Gian Carlo Bata
• Jayp S. Bazar

Second Runner-Up - Team HAHWIW

• Mark Daniel Z. Lotino
• Vince D. Balbin
• Kathlyn B. Marzan
• John Carl O. Ogayon
• Angelie L. Orticio

As the curtains closed on the one-day hackathon, what remained was a spark—igniting curiosity, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. Warmest congratulations to all participants, mentors, and organizers for making the Quantum Computing and Blockchain Hackathon 2025 a remarkable success—proving once again that in Bicol, brilliance thrives.