A student from Mapua University bagged the first and fourth prizes in the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development’s first #PinoyInnovator TikTok Hashtag Challenge.

Engineering student Jeremy de Leon won P25,000 for his P35 microscope innovation and Flashlight Microscope-Projector projects.

“The innovation made by Mr. De Leon will give hope to our students and teachers at home who would like to do science exploration while being at home. We saw in his project the ingenuity of our Filipino researchers, scientists, and engineers and his skill in conveying his message to the audience in a clear and understandable manner,” Enrico Paringit, DOST-PCIEERD executive director, said.

“The #PinoyInnovator challenge aims to test the ingenuity of Filipinos, as they would have to develop a gadget using household items. De Leon used lenses from a laser, a hairclip, and a mobile phone,” he added.

TikTok head for Public Policy Kristoffer Rada expressed hope that more Filpino youth will be inspired to create their own technological innovations.

“TikTok has grown to be a home for a diverse array of creators and we are very pleased on how this competition has highlighted Filipino talents in science and technology. We hope to continually engage this vibrant community,” Rada said.