Academic AI Research Labs
Academic institutions in the Philippines are at the forefront of AI research, with universities establishing dedicated centers for AI innovation and education.
Description
Launched on March 21, 2025, with PHP 18 million in funding from DOST-PCIEERD.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Gerard Francesco Apolinario (T.I.P. professor and project lead)
Notable Collaborations
- Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)
Additional Information
- Focus on developing hybrid quantum computing approaches for improving power systems
- Builds on DOST-ASTI's earlier efforts through its Quantum Innovation Laboratory
Description
The University of the Philippines has the country's first Ph.D. program in AI. Focuses on transdisciplinary AI research, ethics-driven AI development, and sustainable AI applications.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Not explicitly mentioned
Notable Collaborations
- DOST
- DepEd
- PLDT
- UNESCO
Additional Information
- UP faculty members and researchers are active in AI development
- UP has established principles for responsible and trustworthy AI including common good, empowerment, cultural sensitivity, privacy, accountability, meaningful human control, transparency, fairness, safety, and environmental friendliness
- Hosts the first Ph.D. program in AI in the Philippines
- Collaborates with international institutions on ethical AI frameworks
Description
Launched in December 2024, titled 'UNP Towards AI-Driven Education and Management: A Futures Thinking Capacity Building Project'.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna (Director, University Research and Development Office), Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna (University President)
Notable Collaborations
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)
- AI Labs (Malaysia-based AI application developer and education provider)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Additional Information
- Aims to position UNP as a hub for AI education support services in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
- Features workshops on AI application across key areas, research methodologies, practical uses in education and support services, and integration into educational management
Description
Conducts research on AI applications in diverse fields including agriculture, healthcare, education, and traffic management.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Department of Computer Science, UP Diliman
Notable Collaborations
- University of the Philippines Los Baños
- Various startups and SMEs
Additional Information
- Engages with startups and SMEs on projects such as the 'Development of an AI-based System for the Detection and Classification of Plant Diseases'
- Works on AI-driven traffic management systems
Description
Specializes in analytics and intelligence, developing data-driven AI solutions for business and industry applications.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Asian Institute of Management
Notable Collaborations
- Various startups and SMEs
Additional Information
- Works with startups and SMEs on analytics and intelligence projects
- Aids in enterprise AI deployment for commercial use cases
Description
Researches AI, machine learning, and data science with applications across multiple domains, including urban planning and industry solutions.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
De La Salle University
Notable Collaborations
- Local government units
- Various startups and SMEs
Additional Information
- Collaborates with startups and SMEs on various projects
- Developed an 'AI-based Traffic Management System' with a local government unit
Description
Focuses on AI and machine learning, particularly in educational technologies and learning sciences, to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Dr. Maria Mercedes T. Rodrigo
Notable Collaborations
- Various startups and SMEs
Additional Information
- Partners with startups and SMEs to develop AI-driven educational tools and learning platforms for commercialization
- Focuses on educational software development and learning analytics
Description
Launched on May 23, 2024, BUILD aims to advance the use of operations research, data analytics, financial modeling, generative artificial intelligence, and data platform services to enhance the economic competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in the Philippines.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
build.jgsom@ateneo.edu
Notable Collaborations
- Accenture
- Power Mac Center (PMC)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Additional Information
- Leverages expertise across the entire university to provide external stakeholders with research for data-driven decision-making
- Provides expertise across several domains outside of business, such as psychology, education, health, economics, computer science
- Centralizes research output in a repository named the Ateneo Integrated Open Library (AOLI)
- Supports student startups through programs like the AWS Activate Program
- Early support came from grants from Accenture, computer units from Power Mac Center, and cloud usage credits from AWS
Description
Concentrates on AI research and development, with a strong emphasis on data science applications in industry and enterprise settings.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Mapúa University
Notable Collaborations
- Various startups and SMEs
Additional Information
- Engages with startups and SMEs on AI projects
- Facilitates enterprise AI deployment and technology commercialization
Description
Focuses on AI, robotics, automation, ICT systems, green construction, intelligent agriculture, and intelligent manufacturing.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Mindanao State University – General Santos City
Notable Collaborations
- Local industries and communities
Additional Information
- Established by DOST and MSU-GSC
- Contains simulation software, programmable logic controllers, 3D printers, and robotic systems
- Part of a Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
Description
Focuses on image processing, machine learning for object detection and classification, biomedical applications, traffic and pedestrian monitoring.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Dr. Patricia Angela R. Abu
Additional Information
- Led by Dr. Patricia Angela R. Abu
- Focuses on improving detection and classification of objects using image processing and machine learning methods
Description
Explores algorithm development for optimization problems.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Dr. Proceso L. Fernandez, Jr.
Additional Information
- Led by Dr. Proceso L. Fernandez, Jr.
- Explores algorithm development for optimization problems
Description
Focuses on social media analytics, social computing platforms, social network analysis, agent-based simulations.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
Dr. Ma. Regina Justina E. Estuar
Additional Information
- Led by Dr. Ma. Regina Justina E. Estuar
- Established in 2012 to understand human and group behaviors through analysis of natural language and movements
Description
Focuses on AI & Robotics, autonomous drones.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
J. Rubrico, V. Kobayashi, J. Santillan, K. Ligue
Additional Information
- Key people include J. Rubrico, V. Kobayashi, J. Santillan, and K. Ligue
- Focuses on initiatives aligned with the nation's pressing needs and advancing AI adoption in the country
Description
Focuses on AI in teaching and learning.
Research Areas
Startup Friendly
Contact
University of the Philippines Open University
Notable Collaborations
- Various national agencies
- Higher education institutions
Additional Information
- Released guidelines on using AI in Teaching and Learning in January 2024
- Pioneer institution in online teaching and learning with mandated assistance to other institutions through Republic Act 10650 (Open Distance Learning Law)