Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan’s Team e-FISHIENT emerged as one of the top winners in the national finals of the Disruptor-X 2026 Startup Pitching Competition, a prestigious event that brought together student innovators and aspiring technopreneurs from across the country to present solutions to pressing real-world challenges.

Competing against 305 entries nationwide, Team e-FISHIENT impressed the judges with its innovative technology-driven solution aimed at optimizing aquaculture practices and improving productivity for local fisherfolk. Their outstanding pitch earned them the 2nd Runner-Up award in the College Category, along with a cash prize of Php 50,000.

The winning team is composed of three second-year students from the College of Engineering: Nea Salomsom (BS Chemical Engineering), Kathlyn Uba (BS Chemical Engineering), and Clark Bation (BS Electronics Engineering).

Guiding the team throughout the competition were their dedicated mentors: College of Engineering Dean Christine May C Salvaloza, and Electronics Engineering Department Chair Engr Kristoffer O Flores.

The achievement highlights the ability of Xavier Ateneo engineering students to go beyond classroom learning and apply their technical knowledge to address practical challenges faced by communities. Through e-FISHIENT, the students demonstrated how engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship can work together to create meaningful and sustainable impact.

More than a competition victory, this milestone reflects the growing culture of innovation within the College of Engineering, where students are encouraged to transform ideas into solutions that benefit society. The success of Team e-FISHIENT serves as a reminder that impactful innovations do not have to wait until thesis defense or graduation, they begin with a vision, determination, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

As they move forward, Team e-FISHIENT aims to further develop and refine their solution, bringing them one step closer to transforming their award-winning concept into a tangible technology that can help improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk and contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry in the Philippines.

The Xavier Ateneo community celebrates this remarkable accomplishment and looks forward to the continued success of Team e-FISHIENT as they pursue their mission of creating innovative solutions for real-world problems.