A TEAM from the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) emerged as champion in the Agri-Tech Innovate: Bootcamp and Mentoring Session held recently in Quezon City.

The delegation was composed of mentor Prof. Mercedes Maceren-Pates of the Department of Marine Science and students Mary Emily Aguilar, Alessandra Elaine Miñoza, and Theo Mata.

The group clinched first place and the Best Presentation Award for their pitch on Smart Environmental Aquatic Monitoring (SEAQUA), a sustainable solution for aquaculture.

“This achievement highlights MSU-IIT’s commitment to fostering innovation, advancing research, and promoting sustainable solutions in agriculture and technology,” the university said.

It added that “the victory also reflects the university’s strong collaborative culture, where expertise from diverse fields—marine science, physics, and information technology—comes together to create impactful solutions.”

The team’s innovation, SEAQUA, is a smart Recirculating Aquaculture System that integrates the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and biofiltration for efficient aquaculture management.

The system aims to modernize fish farming by improving water quality monitoring, enhancing productivity, and reducing environmental impact.

Organized by the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture, the bootcamp gathered 12 teams from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who advanced to Phase 2 after winning the Ideation Workshop.