Engineering the Future: Filipino Youth Showcase Drone and Wearable Research Technologies at Science Castle Grant 2026
History was made at Mapúa University on January 17–18 as the inaugural Science Castle Grant (SCG) 2025 Lockheed Martin Award reached its culmination. For the first time in the Philippines, this initiative provided a specialized platform for high school students to engage in real-world research applications, supported by grants and in collaboration with industry leaders, to advance research and development.
This showcase was not a traditional competition, but the culmination of a three-month journey. Three teams were given the unique opportunity to prove their technical skills and creative vision by addressing complex themes such as the future of flight, biomimicry, and aerospace sustainability.
Ms. Airiel Joy B. Baldemoro, Project Leader of the Science Castle Grant, opened the ceremony by highlighting the program’s mission to cultivate and nurture original research among high school students. She also acknowledged the mentorship provided by Atty. Jihwan Kim, Industrial Development Lead – Philippines, Lockheed Martin. During his engagement with the grantees, Atty. Kim emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven research, problem-solving grounded in real-world needs, and the value of perseverance in the research process. He encouraged students to view their projects not merely as academic requirements, but as early steps toward innovation that can contribute to industry, society, and global challenges.
In support of this initiative, the esteemed Advisory Board was formally introduced, composed of Dr. Yevgeny Asteer Dulla, Director at Leave a Nest Philippines; Ms. Abigael Go, Communications Lead at Lockheed Martin; and Dr. Ryan Corpuz, Founder and CEO of Nanolabs LRC Co., Ltd.
Throughout the event, student grantees shared their experiences and insights from their Science Castle Grant journey, demonstrating both their growth as young researchers and the real-world relevance of their projects. The Advisory Board actively engaged with the students, offering reflections and guidance that reinforced the Grant’s commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and sustained research development.
The Selected Pioneers: From Vision to Prototype
From left to right: Student representatives from Science Castle Grant Awardees G-1E, G-2E, and G-3E shared their research projects and research journeys
Over the course of three months (October–December 2025), these teams were supported through a PHP 15,000 research grant and professional mentorship from both Leave a Nest Philippines and Lockheed Martin. Below are the young minds and the groundbreaking technologies they successfully brought to the national stage:
Student representatives from Pagalanggang National High School during the Screening and School Visit for SCG.
1. Pagalanggang National High School (Bataan)
Project Title: SALIPAWIKAN: A Biomimetic Amphibious Drone Module for Enhanced Search and Rescue in Coastal and Flooded Environments
The Technology:
Inspired by the sea turtle (pawikan), this team developed a modular drone capable of transitioning seamlessly between air and water. By mimicking biological movements, the drone offers superior stability and versatility in the coastal and flood-prone environments typical of the Philippine archipelago.
Team Members: Marah Antoinette A. Esconde, Winrad Hendrix P. Valencia, Precious Jayne I. Baman, Angel Lyn L. Ladag
Adviser: Ysabel Angela V. Embile
Student representatives from Bansud National High School with their Adviser Alexis C. Albo
2. Bansud National High School for MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro)
Project Title: TESSERACT: Sweat-Powered, Self-Recharging Wearable Using Cotton–Golden Torch Fiber
The Technology: This project explored the intersection of textile science and energy harvesting. By coating natural fibers with conductive materials (PANi/MWCNTs) and utilizing a quasi-solid electrolyte, the team created a wearable device capable of recharging itself using human sweat—reimagining sustainable power solutions for future aerospace and athletic applications.
Team Members: Ave John Banal, John Glenn Calingasan, Christine Faith Enrico, James Oliver Labaguis
Adviser: Alexis C. Albo
Atty. Jihwan Kim from Lockheed Martin and Leave a Nest Mentors, conducting mentorship with student representatives from Valencia National High School with their Adviser Ace B. Cardeño.
3. Valencia National High School (Bukidnon)
Project Title: SmartMed Drone: An AI-Enabled, Biodegradable Medical Courier
The Technology:This team developed an AI-driven drone designed for the efficient delivery of medical supplies. Their innovation emphasizes environmental responsibility by utilizing biodegradable materials for the drone’s body—ensuring that the future of logistics reduces, rather than increases, the world’s ecological footprint.
Team Members:
Lyka Clanza, Blezyl Lloren, Lyka Duquinlay, Eunice Matias, Ayesha Cajutol
Adviser: Ace B. Cardeño
Proving the Power of Young Filipino Minds
The success of these presentations at Science Castle Philippines 2026 demonstrates that when industry leaders like Lockheed Martin partner with Leave a Nest, the results are truly transformative. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope, showing that the next generation of Filipino innovators is ready to shape the future of global technology with both skill and mindset.
About the Science Castle Grant
The Science Castle Grant is a youth research funding and mentorship program initiated by Leave a Nest Philippine supported by global partners such as Lockheed Martin, the program equips Filipino students with the funding, skills, and confidence to pursue research that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to the broader scientific and engineering landscape.
Beyond the grant period, Science Castle Grant emphasizes research continuity and sustainability. Grantees are supported through connections with researchers, industry practitioners, and mentors who can provide technical guidance and perspective as their projects mature. As part of the next steps, student researchers will be linked with experts including researchers such as Dr. Ryan Corpuz of Nanolabs LRC Co., Ltd. to refine methodologies, strengthen validation, and explore pathways for further development, collaboration, and real-world application. Through this networked approach, the program aims to encourage the sustained pursuit of research beyond the grant cycle.
Shape the Future: Join the Science Castle Ecosystem
The success of the 2026 showcase marks only the beginning. As we look toward the next cycle of innovation, we invite industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies to partner with the Science Castle Grant.
Connect with Leave a Nest Philippines to learn how your organization can support the Science Castle Grant 2026–2027. Together, we can empower more Filipino students to move from vision to discovery and understanding.