Student Startup Ideas Tackle Social Issues in Benilde-SUSS Bootcamp
Student Startup Ideas Tackle Social Issues in Benilde-SUSS Bootcamp
19 June 2025
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) jointly hosted the Impact Startup Challenge from May 26 to 31 at the Peter D. Garrucho Innovations Institute. Reloom took the top spot as Grand Champion, while ThreadPrint and MoodMate were recognized for their standout ideas during the final pitch event.
The week-long bootcamp brought together students from Benilde’s Bachelor of Science in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship program as well as SUSS students to develop tech-driven solutions to real-world problems. Divided into eight cross-border teams, participants explored innovative concepts, ranging from artificial intelligence and blockchain to data analytics, with several teams focusing on addressing urgent social challenges.
The program was led by Gustav Liu, a seasoned entrepreneur and Consultant & Instructor at SUSS. With over 40 venture-building programs to his credit, Liu guided the students through a structured process of startup ideation, testing, and pitching.
The bootcamp is a direct outcome of Benilde’s strategic partnership with SUSS and is one of the College’s key internationalization initiatives. This collaboration, formalized in the 2024–2029 memorandum of understanding between the two institutions, aims to foster experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and research exchange.
Many participants saw the week as a chance to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration while applying their ideas in real-world scenarios. Judges from TechShake, Leave a Nest Philippines, and Bayan Knowledge Institute evaluated the final pitches and noted the event’s potential to seed future growth.
At the heart of the bootcamp is Benilde’s BS-SIE program, which is dedicated to nurturing change agents equipped to tackle community challenges. With an emphasis on sustainable business practices and ethical leadership, the program empowers students to translate innovative ideas into meaningful social impact. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and drive change in both corporate and community settings.
As the bootcamp wraps up, Benilde continues to expand its global partnerships, creating more ways for students to learn, connect, and turn ideas into impact.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
