AIM Launches First-Ever Data Science and Innovation Summer Camp for High School Students
The Asian Institute of Management’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, & Entrepreneurship (ASITE) successfully concluded its inaugural AIM Nexus Summer Camp, a three-day discovery program designed to introduce high school students to the exciting world of data science, innovation, and business problem-solving.
Held from 27 to 29 May 2026, the summer camp brought together aspiring young learners eager to explore how data-driven insights are transforming industries and shaping the future of organizations. Through expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities, participants gained exposure to the fundamentals of data science and its practical applications in business and innovation.
The camp officially opened with welcome remarks from Prof. Christopher Monterola, School Head of ASITE, who encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning as essentials in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Across the three-day camp, students engaged in sessions covering Introduction to Data Science, Programming and Python Fundamentals, Machine Learning, Data Visualization and Storytelling, Design Thinking for Business Solutions, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation in a Data-Driven Era.
These sessions were led by AIM faculty members and industry practitioners, including Prof. Gino Borja, Mr. Jian Asiado, Mr. Maki Mitsuhashi, and Prof. Eric Caeg, who guided students through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case applications.
In his session, Prof. Gino Borja, Academic Program Director of BSDSBA & BBA, MIS emphasized the growing importance of data-driven skills in the context of emerging technologies and Industry 4.0. He noted, “When we talk about the future, we’re talking about not just AI, we’re now talking about the fourth industrial revolution, or the Industry 4.0.”
He further underscored the need to identify persistent gaps in real-world problems, adding, “When you think about the real data science problems, there’s still a lot of gaps.” He also emphasized that while advanced technology exists, access and literacy remain unequal, stating, “The future is already here, it’s just not very evenly distributed.”
A key highlight of the program was the mini-hackathon, where students collaborated in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Through mentorship and consultation sessions, participants refined their ideas, strengthened their presentation skills, and gained valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving.
The summer camp concluded with a team presentation showcase before a distinguished panel composed of Primitivo Jr. F. Paypon, Executive Director of the AIM–Dado Banatao Incubator; Prof. Gino Borja; and Gideon Catalan, Innovation Laboratory Manager.
The panel provided valuable insights and constructive feedback as students presented innovative concepts demonstrating how data-driven approaches can address business and societal challenges.
Beyond technical competencies, the program fostered creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Participants built connections with peers who share similar interests while gaining a deeper understanding of how data science intersects with entrepreneurship, business strategy, and technologies shaping the future.
The successful launch of the AIM Data Science and Innovation Summer Camp reflects ASITE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. By providing early exposure to data-driven thinking and emerging technologies, the program encourages students to explore future academic and career pathways in data science, business innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Interested students are invited to continue their journey with AIM through its undergraduate double-degree program.
Applications are currently open for the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Administration & Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Management Information Systems (BSDSBA & BBA, MIS). This program is designed to equip future leaders with the analytical, technical, and innovative capabilities needed to thrive in a dynamic digital economy.
As the first edition of the summer camp concludes, AIM looks forward to expanding opportunities for young learners to develop the skills, mindset, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world—empowering more students to pursue careers at the intersection of technology, business, and innovation.
