Globe backs student innovators with funding, 5G and AI tools

• Globe leaders join student innovators at Globe Launchpad 2026, where youth-led organizations gain mentorship, funding, and access to Globe 5G and AI-enabled tools to bring their ideas to life.

Globe brought together 120 student leaders from 50 youth-led organizations nationwide under Launchpad 2026, a program designed to help students develop ideas into projects for their schools and communities.

Held at Globe Telecom Plaza in Mandaluyong City, the program provided participants with mentorship, live pitching opportunities, funding, and access to Globe 5G and artificial intelligence-enabled tools.

Student organizations presented proposals covering education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital inclusion, sustainability, creative industries, and community development.

Globe leaders from marketing, communications, human resources, partnerships, and other business units mentored the participants and helped them refine their proposals based on practical industry considerations.

“Students have some of the most innovative ideas. What they often need is an opportunity to sharpen those ideas, receive meaningful guidance, and bring them to life,” Globe Chief Marketing Officer KD Dizon said.

“Through Globe Launchpad, we’re investing in the next generation of changemakers and pioneers by giving them access to Globe 5G, AI-enabled tools, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that prepare them to create solutions with real impact,” she added.

Following the presentations, Globe awarded grants to 12 student organizations under the Grand Visionary, Strategic Partner, and Emerging Partner categories.

The selected groups will receive funding to implement their proposed initiatives and deliver projects for their schools and communities.

Jesner Bauto Corbadura, president of the Midway Colleges Central Student Council, said the program encouraged participants to move beyond their comfort zones and become more confident in presenting their ideas.

“Globe Launchpad is the perfect platform for student organizations to turn their vision into reality. We almost backed out due to the intense pressure, wondering if we could truly compete,” Corbadura said.

“But this journey taught us that when you dare to step out of your comfort zone, nothing is impossible. It gave us the confidence to believe in our potential and take that first crucial step, proving that everyone can shine when given the right opportunity,” he added.

Globe General Manager for Greater Metro Manila Bong Rebutica also encouraged participants to test their ideas, accept feedback, and identify weaknesses in their proposals.

“My challenge to you is simple: Go outside your comfort zone. We invited you here so you could learn, find the courage to share what’s on your mind, and expose the gaps in your thinking,” Rebutica said.

“Use today to test your concepts, listen to feedback, and fail fast so you can build back stronger,” he added.

Participants were also introduced to Globe’s student-focused services and offers, including Globe 5G, GFiber Prepaid, Go+99 with Canva AI, Globe Rewards, and other student perks.

Globe said it will also conduct an online pitching leg to allow student organizations from other regions to present their proposals and receive mentorship from company experts.

Launchpad 2026 forms part of the Globe Student Program, which provides youth organizations with access to digital tools, industry expertise, funding, and other opportunities to support their proposed projects.