GCash challenged close to 600 next-gen leaders to put on their thinking caps, use their imagination, and turn to their ideas into innovation through this year’s “ImaGnation,” a four-day competition designed to challenge third- to fifth-year undergraduate college students to come up with a holistic strategy that will help GCash address the issue of accessibility to digital financial services and ensure inclusion among its users.
ImaGnation is GCash’s platform to engage students in developing innovative ideas that align with the company’s vision of a sustainable future. This is also a platform to identify a new breed of talent in the emerging fintech industry, providing them with opportunities to be equipped with skills and knowledge to join the workforce.
This year’s challenge called on students to present a cohesive strategy that addresses at least two UN Sustainable Development Goals, which will then determine new product features, marketing executions, and other solutions to address identified challenges.
Out of 217 teams, which were narrowed down to 15 finalists, three were chosen as the contest winners. The top prize—Php60,000 GCash credits for the team and an Apple iPad 10th Gen for each member—went to team G na G!, whose winning pitch reimagined financial inclusion through P2B micro-lending, aimed at empowering MSMEs and everyday Filipinos.
Team ADMUPDLSU took home the second-place prize of Php40,000 GCash credits and a pair of Apple Airpods Pro for each member, for their innovative strategy that delves into accessibility features that cater to the PWD sector.
In third place was team Baler Nights, whose pitch focused on how GCash can build a more sustainable, resilient, and future-proof agriculture industry, winning Php20,000 GCash credits and an Amazon Kindle for each member.
The winning strategy will be incorporated into GCash’s Sustainability plans and initiatives, as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators driving financial inclusion for a more sustainable future.
“At GCash, sustainability is a way of life. Financial inclusion for every Filipino is not just one of our agenda—it is our agenda. I look forward to seeing these ideas brought to life, to drive a positive impact to Filipinos through their financial journey,” said GCash VP and Group Head of New Businesses and Wealth Management Winsley Bangit, who was one of the competition’s judges, along with Jong Layug, Head of Wealth Management; Maricor Adriano, Chief Legal Officer; and Rowie Zamora, Chief Strategy Officer.
The winning teams have also been guaranteed slots in GCash’s Jumpstart Internship Program, where they can further hone their innovation skills. They will also be taking home with them a wealth of knowledge from their bootcamp on Design Thinking & Business Storytelling Frameworks, Business Case Essentials, and Sustainability in Business, as well as mentorship sessions with GCash Managers, Senior Managers, and Assistant Vice Presidents from different groups within the company, such as Product, Marketing, Technology & Operations, New Businesses, Lending, Wealth Management, Legal, Finance, and Sales.
Fourth and fifth placers, Teams Autobots Rollout and Matja, also received a consolation prize of Php15,000 GCash credits.
“As we welcome a fresh generation into the emerging FinTech Industry, we at GCash want to give them opportunities through ImaGnation,” said GCash Chief People Officer, Robert Gonzales. “This contest has proven that these students are very articulate and have a fresh set of perspectives that will be advantageous for them, should they join the Fintech industry.”
This year’s ImaGnation reached 105 schools from 16 regions across the Philippines, and the Top 15 finalists were shortlisted based on the overall quality, feasibility, and uniqueness of their initial idea pitches. Among the Top 15, one team came from Cebu, and another from Pangasinan—showing how many talented innovators from all over the country are simply waiting to be discovered.
“This is just the beginning. GCash is committed to nurturing the ideas, talent, and energy of young people to drive financial progress for all Filipinos. I hope everyone here will continue to help us pursue our vision of Finance for All through these ideas and in your own ways,” Bangit said.
