iACADEMY opened its doors to industry experts, leaders, businesses, and innovators in the field of technology to host the 5th Annual Poland-Philippines IT Business Summit held on the 7th of October 2026. Organized by The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila, Polish Investment & Trade Agency, and Spiderhook Technologies, the event, centered on the theme “The Art of Smart Cities”, served as a gathering point for people with ideas and visions in the creation of smart cities.
The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland, who joined the participants and guests in a memorable celebration of innovation, technology, and the enduring connection between Poland and the Philippines. During his visit, he delivered the IT Business Summit’s opening address and personally greeted the participants of the 24-Hour Hackathon, a competition that was likewise held at iACADEMY. As a lasting symbol of his visit, President Nawrocki signed the wall of iACADEMY’s Partners’ Hive—a space that celebrates the school’s valued partnerships.
October 7 also marked the end of the IT Business Summit 24-Hour Hackathon. Aided by their mentors, university and senior high school students took up the challenge of identifying the problems that affect Makati City and designing systems geared towards mitigating them. From pedestrian to commuter issues, the students demonstrated a keen eye for observing the everyday concerns people face and channeled their creativity into reimagining urban life through novel strategies. By the end of the Hackathon, Team LKD emerged victorious as the winner with their multi-platform program, Lakad, designed to focus on pedestrian safety.
From urban mobility and systems, public infrastructure, finances, and AI, to discussions of sustainability, connection, resilience and more—all of these important conversations that will shape the direction of smart city development took place within the halls of iACADEMY. The successful hosting of the event reflects the school’s commitment to its mission of addressing the ever-changing needs of the industry. Thus, iACADEMY will continue to carve out the necessary spaces where innovative ideas can be developed, shared, and turned into reality.
