26 June 2026
The Benilde Hub of Innovation (HiFi) hosted the Industry Forum on Digital Transformation in Construction on June 16, 2026. The event introduced AIMHI, a Mindanao‑grown startup led by women entrepreneurs, as the newest trailblazer from the Benilde HiFi incubation program.
AIMHI presented its mobile app designed for construction sites where internet access is often unreliable. The app works offline and syncs data once connected, helping project managers track progress, log attendance, monitor inventory, and receive AI‑driven alerts. It tackles everyday problems in the field like fragmented workflows, poor connectivity, and delayed reporting.
AIMHI was founded in Mindanao by three women entrepreneurs: Cherryanne Lee Angoy, CEO; Monica Llamas‑Turrecha, CTO; and Atty. Ma. Janice Tejano, Chief Legal Counsel. Angoy brings 16 years of experience from the US tech industry, Turrecha contributes her expertise in system design and user experience, and Tejano anchors the team with her legal and governance background as Director of the Benilde Center for Intellectual Property Management, an IPOPHL‑accredited Innovation and Technology Support Office.
AIMHI Mobile is now available for download on Google Play, with an App Store release expected in the coming months. This makes the platform accessible to construction teams nationwide, even in areas with limited connectivity.
This launch showed how Benilde HiFi positions startups within a larger ecosystem of innovation and workforce development. AIMHI joins the roster of ventures nurtured by the Trailblazer Startup Program, following the success of 16 Benilde HiFi startups that entered the BAJ Accelerator 2025.
Hon. Cong. Romeo Momo Sr., Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works of the House of Representatives, sent a message delivered by Dr. Benito Pacheco, P.E., Consultant to the Committee. Cong. Momo, a civil engineer from Mindanao, spoke about the importance of AI in construction and the need to prepare workers for digital transformation. He pointed out challenges ahead, including how to keep data reliable, protect systems, and equip the workforce with new skills.
He said, “Today, we celebrate more than the launch of a mobile application. We celebrate a new way of thinking about infrastructure, project management, and nation‑building.” He added, “Artificial intelligence should never replace human intelligence; it should amplify it.”
The launch carried meaning beyond the startup world. It showed how Benilde links innovation to education by giving learners chances to apply ideas in real settings. When Benilde Senior High School was invited to participate at Animo Create, students from the ABM Strand practiced social innovation by turning concepts into projects. Benilde HiFi provides learners room to test ideas and turn creativity and practical skills into real opportunities.
Leaders from government, development institutions, and the Benildean community joined the forum. The presence of DOST, ADB, and TESDA showed how Benilde’s partnerships with national agencies link startups like AIMHI to wider efforts in education, industry, and infrastructure.
Among these collaborations, TESDA held assessor training for Garments NC II at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School earlier this year. Together with Cong. Romeo Momo’s committee on public works, such partnerships prepare people for enterprise and innovation.
Benilde HiFi’s strength in incubation is recognized nationally. The Department of Science and Technology ranked Benilde HiFi first among 27 universities to receive a Technology Business Incubator grant, accrediting it as a hub for technopreneurship. This recognition shows HiFi’s capacity to nurture startups into sustainable operations, provide technical and business development support, and create jobs through innovation.
Benilde HiFi supports aspiring entrepreneurs with a full suite of services that covers training, curation, crowdfunding, incubation and acceleration. If you have an idea or product you want to turn into a successful business, start your trailblazing journey today. Visit the Benilde Trailblazer Startup page, share your concepts at bit.ly/bigboxbenilde, or contact Benilde HiFi at 8230 5100 locals 8511, 8512 or hifi@benilde.edu.ph.
