How can we make innovation more accessible to young people, women, and communities outside Metro Manila?

@Arbijei, care to share your insights?

A case in point is Philippines improving its rank from 53rd to 50th in the Global Innovation Index. How is this translated exactly in the lives of people who are intended to benefit from innovation?

We can make innovation more accessible by bringing opportunities closer to communities through local hubs like Kapeguid, mentorship, and inclusive funding. We also need to simplify processes, highlight regional success stories, and co-create solutions with young people and women so everyone feels empowered to lead change.

An important question, I agree. With all these ranking that shows the improvements of our country, how does it being felt by ordinary Filipinos?

Most importantly, trust young people with real resources and responsibility. When we invest in them early, we help their ideas, and their impact, go even further.

Thank you! Yes, I completely agree. That gap between planning and implementation is where innovation really needs to happen as well. We already have so many great ideas and plans, but the challenge is how to translate them into tangible, people-centered outcomes.

I think that’s where collaboration among sectors becomes crucial. Like bridging design, policy, and community engagement so innovation actually reaches the ground.

Correct. Empowering young people must include trusting them with resources and responsibilities. Couldn't agree more on this one.

Agree to @Arbijei Gatchalian 100%. Young people right now have unique ideas, and with internet, all resources are available.

What about for you @Anjelou Estrella, how can we make innovation more accessible to young people, women, and communities outside Metro Manila?

We must be intentional in ensuring that innovation translates to the common good. One of Dr Romesh Wadhwani's initiatives is funding a AI Center for commmon good. Translating what @Keithlyn Bernardino point on ensuring that researches and capstone projects will come full circle and not just end in the archives of libraries.

Speaking of supporting the youth. DOST is establishing innovation hubs in all provinces in the country. This is open to everyone including the youth.

This one I actually know. Efforts like this deserve more spotlight.

This is great news!

Bumping this for @Anjelou Estrella

Innovation hub or ihub is a place where people can consult their innovative ideas with technology and business experts and access resources. If they are willing to be assisted, DOST personnel will help them develop their ideas into an actual startup business.

This a safe place for young people to experiment (build-measure-learn), make mistakes and gain confidence. We are one with DOST in this initiative. Young people should be given the opportunity to imagine and make reality a future that they deserve!!!!

Let's move on our other panelist, @Ar. Kaira Claire how can we make innovation more accessible to young people, women, and communities outside Metro Manila?

Yes! Wadhwani is with us and many more! Basically, iHub is a community of innovators and innovation-enablers.

Great question Mart!

I believe we make innovation more accessible by bringing it closer to people. Not everyone has the same access to resources or networks, especially outside Metro Manila.

So it starts with mentorship, local programs, and safe spaces where young people and women can share ideas and actually get support to make them happen. Innovation shouldn’t feel exclusive it should be something anyone can take part in, wherever they are.

iHub by DOST is a really good start. Then partnerships with academe so these programs could reach students and youth.

What about you @KC, how can we make innovation more accessible to young people, women, and communities outside Metro Manila?

We can make innovation more accessible by bringing opportunities to communities, not just expecting them to come to the city. That means investing in local hubs, digital access, and mentorship programs in the regions - especially for young people and women. Innovation thrives when it’s rooted in local stories and lived experiences.

Yeah. This reminds me of the people in the islands and remote areas where there is no internet and electricity. How can we bring them in our innovation efforts?

I think we bring them in by meeting them where they are. That means co-creating solutions with local leaders, investing in community infrastructure like solar power and offline learning tools, and recognizing their knowledge as innovation too. When people in remote areas are seen not just as beneficiaries but as partners, innovation becomes more inclusive and truly national in scope.

Yes! We should have more opportunities in the local communities and advocates like us should also to there. I love this insight.

Sorry for missing this but these are my thoughts: To make innovation accessible to young Filipinos outside Manila, we need to strengthen regional education, digital access, and local innovation ecosystems. This means building innovation labs in schools, expanding internet connectivity, and creating regional startup hubs with mentorship and funding support. By empowering local talent and connecting them to national and global networks, we can spark inclusive, community-driven innovation across the Philippines.

True! I think access to technology has to come first. Even basic digital literacy should be part of community programs, so people feel confident using tech. Once that’s there, it becomes easier for young people and women and even those outside Metro Manila to join in and to be able to create their own ideas.

Welcome back! I think we can all agree with this one. We need to see more localize efforts for innovation, where moving to the big city is no longer a necessity but only an option to create and scale our innovative ideas and solutions.

Thanks, Martin and everyone! Let’s have more conversations like this. :)