The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is calling on Filipino innovators to create artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies that help communities adapt to climate change and environmental risks. This call was made during the launch of the 2026 Socially Relevant Technologies (SRT) Contest.
Theme and Objectives
Carrying the theme “AI-Driven Green and Inclusive Technologies for Climate-Resilient Filipino Communities,” the annual competition seeks innovations that leverage AI to address environmental challenges. Key areas include disaster preparedness, resource management, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.
Climate-Related Risks
IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua emphasized that the contest comes at a critical time when the Philippines faces increasing climate-related risks while AI technologies advance rapidly.
“We find ourselves at the intersection of two accelerating forces. The first is the worsening effects of climate change, to which the Philippines remains highly vulnerable, and the second is the rapid advancement and adoption of AI,” Pascua said.
“The challenge before us is to harness one to help address the other, to leverage AI not only as a tool for innovation, but also as a force for building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Filipino communities,” he added.
The Philippines remained the most disaster-prone country in the world in 2025, topping the WorldRiskIndex, which measures the vulnerability of 193 countries to natural hazards and climate-related events.
Contest Details
The SRT Contest recognizes intellectual property-protectable technologies that address societal challenges and promote sustainable development. It is open to both professional and youth innovators.
This year’s competition supports four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
