Inaugural AI Engineering Scholarship Launched by AI Academy PH in Collaboration with DEVCON, Apper CloudSchool & Indigo Research
In a significant step towards democratizing Artificial Intelligence education across the nation, AI Academy PH, a dynamic collaboration between Indigo Research, Apper CloudSchool, and DEVCON Philippines, has proudly announced the launch of its very first scholarship cohort for the "AI Engineering Essentials" training program. This landmark initiative underscores a shared vision to equip aspiring Filipino tech professionals with the fundamental skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving world of AI.
Cohort 1 Scholars from Davao, Bicol, and Metro Manila
The AI Academy's Cohort 1 introduces a talented group of scholars from Davao, Bicol, and Metro Manila. This dynamic group includes Vanessa Recla, a data analyst and UP Mindanao alumna bringing strong data science and mathematical foundations from Davao City; Kyla Ronquillo, a high-achieving BS CS student with notable accomplishments and volunteer work based in Naga City; Cheyenne Valdez, a graduating IT student and DOST scholar interning as an AI Engineer from Asia Pacific College in Metro Manila; Renz Canoy Linga, a Metro Manila-based data analyst in the renewable energy sector and a PUP graduate, aiming to connect green energy with AI; Piolo Justin Cabigao, a senior BS CpE student and AI/ML leader from PLM in Metro Manila, actively involved in tech communities; and Tyrone Mariano, a BS Mathematics student from UP in Quezon City, exploring AI applications in life sciences. This diverse cohort, extending from Mindanao to Luzon and encompassing a wealth of academic backgrounds and AI interests, will benefit from direct mentorship by industry leaders.
Laying the Foundation: "AI Engineering Essentials"
The pilot "AI Engineering Essentials" program has been meticulously crafted to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the core principles underpinning Artificial Intelligence and their practical application. Emphasizing a strong technical approach, the curriculum empowers students with the industry tools required to build and deploy AI solutions effectively. Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and methodologies, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The "AI Engineering Essentials" program by AI Academy PH emphasizes a hands-on and technical approach by equipping participants with crucial AI tools and methodologies. The curriculum provides invaluable practical experience with industry-relevant software and platforms like Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and essential libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-learn for core development tasks, including data manipulation, model building, and experimentation. Furthermore, the program delves into cloud infrastructure using platforms like AWS, enabling students to understand better deploying and scaling AI solutions. This technical focus, coupled with mentorship from industry leaders, ensures graduates possess the tangible skills necessary to immediately contribute to the rapidly growing field of AI Engineering in the Philippines.
A cornerstone of the "AI Engineering Essentials" program is the unparalleled opportunity for direct mentorship and guidance from key movers in the Philippine tech industry.
The inaugural cohort will have the distinct privilege of learning from the extensive experience and insights of:
Marica Uchida: is the COO and Co-Founder of Indigo Research, with a background in Computer Science and a passion for making technology more accessible and impactful. She leads initiatives in AI education, community building, and digital innovation, and is a startup mentor and co-organizer of Project Philippine Indie Games Initiative, which supports indie game developers through mentorship. Her work bridges tech, education, and the creative sector—building ecosystems that empower Filipino talent and homegrown innovation.
Francis Bautista: CEO and Co-Founder of Indigo Research and an AI engineer focused on data science, machine learning, and real-world AI applications. He leads teams developing natural language and computer vision solutions for agriculture, healthcare, defense, and fintech sectors. Francis has also led data and analytics initiatives for national-scale projects and held leadership roles at Qairos and Talas Data Intelligence. At Indigo, he helps grow the next generation of AI and data professionals through hands-on programs and industry-driven solutions.
Diwa del Mundo: Co-Founder and President of Apper Digital, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner based in Manila that helps businesses innovate through cloud implementation and managed services. With over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, he has taken on roles such as software engineer, architect, engineering leader, and technical co-founder across fintech, payments, video streaming, and cloud technology. Diwa is also a graduate of the Master in Entrepreneurship program at the Asian Institute of Management, blending technical depth with business strategy to support digital transformation across industries.
- Dom De Leon: Executive Director of DEVCON PH, the largest non-profit organization for Filipino developers, where he champions inclusive innovation and tech empowerment. Formerly VP of Venture Design & Incubation at a global fintech venture studio, he led a high-performing design team serving startups across the Philippines, the Middle East, and the U.S. Dom also previously led customer experience design at Dentsu DigitX, driving strong revenue growth through design-led Innovation & Consulting services. He is an IMMAP-certified digital marketer with 10 years of experience in advertising and creative agencies. His work has been recognized by global organizations such as AME New York Festival, MaGIC Malaysia, and the United Nations. Dom holds a Master of Science in Innovation and Business from the Asian Institute of Management.
AI Education Democratized and For Good
Recognizing the traditionally limited access to AI education concentrated in select academic institutions, this program offers an accessible pathway for aspiring Filipino AI leaders nationwide. Beyond technical training, the initiative emphasizes "AI for Good" by integrating Sustainable Development Goals SDG- aligned projects, challenging participants to apply their tech skills to address real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable development across the Philippines, evidenced by the diverse representation in the inaugural cohort spanning Bicol, Davao, and state universities Metro Manila. This commitment to accessible, purpose-driven AI education directly supports the Philippines’ National AI Strategy on workforce development, fostering a more inclusive and impactful AI talent ecosystem for the Philippines' future.
Stay tuned for updates!
While this inaugural cohort marks a significant milestone, AI Academy PH is committed to continuous growth and impact. We are actively exploring program partners, sponsors, and collaborations to further expand AI education opportunities in the Philippines. Stay connected with us for updates on potential initiatives involving educators, specialized trainings, and introductory coding camps designed to ignite a passion for AI in individuals of all backgrounds. Visit https://www.aiacademyph.xyz/ for more updates!
About the Collaborators:
AI Academy PH: A collaborative initiative dedicated to democratizing AI education in the Philippines. By partnering with leading organizations and industry experts, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in Artificial Intelligence and contribute to the nation's technological advancement.
Indigo Research: An applied artificial intelligence startup focused on product development, AI research, and innovation. Our team of former researchers, engineers, and designers specializes in building machine learning and natural language AI products grounded in real-world impact. We’ve deployed systems across healthcare, FMCG, defense, marketing intelligence, and embedded technologies. Alongside our technical work, we’re deeply committed to education, developing and delivering hands-on AI learning experiences for future talent.
Apper CloudSchool: Empowering the Philippines with accessible and high-quality tech training. As an educational platform developed by Apper Cloud Labs, CloudSchool is dedicated to fostering a skilled and future-ready workforce. Our commitment to excellence is further strengthened through a strategic partnership with AI Academy PH, ensuring our learners receive cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in the most in-demand technologies.
DEVCON PHILIPPINES (Developers Connect Philippines) empowers IT students and professionals through innovation and collaboration. With 11 active chapters of the Philippines’ largest tech community, we drive the future of tech in the heart of Filipino tech talent with knowledge and expertise, open-source technologies, and opportunities to solve impactful initiatives for the community.
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