Areté’s Sandbox Student Challenge offers undergraduate students the resources they need to dive headfirst into uncharted territory. Through this grant, Areté supports young innovators’ journey in exploring a problem space that has the potential to spark creative solutions.

Themes for Cycle 2025

1. Philippine Education Reform

Projects that address gaps and challenges in the Philippine education system, including access to quality education, digital literacy, teacher development, and inclusive learning environments. Proposals may focus on innovative teaching methods, education policy, or tools to empower learners and educators.

1. Data-Driven Urban Resilience

Projects that explore ways to make cities more resilient to environmental, economic, and social challenges using data and technology. This may include predictive models for disaster preparedness, sustainable urban planning solutions, and participatory tools that engage communities in building resilient futures.

1. Sustainable Development - In collaboration with the Ateneo Institute for Sustainability (AIS)

Projects that challenge educators, designers, and innovators to explore, develop, and test creative proposals aimed at balancing environmental, social, and economic dimensions for long-term growth. Initiatives may involve campus sustainability, climate and disaster resilience, renewable energy, waste reduction strategies, circular economy models, or community-driven sustainability practices that address local or global challenges.

*While there are 3 main project themes, out-of-the-box proposals that tackle other areas and offer inventive solutions to contemporary challenges are also welcome.

Grant Benefits

1. Php 25,000 working capital

2. Priority access to the Eugenio Lopez Jr Makerspace (utilization of 3D printers, laser cutters, large format printers, among others)

3. Dedicated workspace in the Eduardo J Aboitiz Sandbox Zone for the entire Residency period

4. Php 50,000 space-use grant for Areté facilities

5. Mentorship from an industry expert in interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation

Other Details

1. Teams must consist of 3 to 5 undergraduate students from Ateneo de Manila University, with representation from at least 2 distinct schools or academic disciplines.

2. The Sandbox Student Challenge will support projects for an entire year.

Application Requirements

1. CVs of each team member

2. A 1,000 to 2,000-word write-up detailing:

• The problem space you aim to explore,

• How your project can offer a fresh perspective, explore a solution, or address a knowledge gap,

• How play and experimentation influence your approach,

• How your project champions interdisciplinary collaboration,

• How your project can bridge the worlds of art and science,

• Disclosure of any other research grants or funding sources connected to the project.

Application Process

• Fill up the application form at bit.ly/SandboxStudentChallenge2025

• Deadline for applications is November 23, 2024.

Groups under the 2024 Sandbox Residency may apply for a one-year extension. A second year would extend the Residency period through 2025. Note that projects that were already renewed in Cycle 2024 can no longer apply for a Year 3 renewal.

Those that wish to renew their Residency must take note of the following questions:

• What were you able to achieve during your Sandbox residency period?

• What directions do you intend to pursue during this renewal period?

• What benefits would extending the Sandbox Residency bring?

Grant Benefits

1. Php 100,000 working capital

2. Priority access to the Eugenio Lopez Jr Makerspace (utilization of 3D printers, laser cutters, large format printers, among others)

3. Dedicated workspace in the Eduardo J Aboitiz Sandbox Zone for the entire Residency period

4. Php 50,000 space-use grant of Areté’s facilities

5. Participation in workshops on creative thinking, ideation, and problem-solving

Application Details

1. Team members may come from both Ateneo and external institutions.

2. The lead proponent must be a full-time faculty member from any unit of Ateneo de Manila University (AGS, AJHS, ASHS, AHE).

3. Each team must have at least three (3) members, ideally coming from more than one (1) discipline.

4. The Sandbox Residency Grant Renewal will continue supporting ongoing projects for another year.

Application Requirements

1. CVs of all team members

   • Lead Proponent must be a full-time faculty or staff member of Ateneo de Manila University

2. A 1,000 to 2,500-word proposal outlining:

   • The problem space being explored

   • How your project can offer a fresh perspective, explore a solution, or address a knowledge gap,

   • How play and experimentation influence your approach,

   • How your project champions interdisciplinary collaboration,

   • How your project can bridge the worlds of art and science,

   • Alignment with any of the university’s strategic priority areas:

     • Bridging Cultural Divides

     • Education Reform and Transformation

     • Integral Ecology

     • Universal Health and Wellbeing

   • Disclosure of any other research grants or funding sources connected to the project

Application Process

1. Fill up the application form at bit.ly/SandboxResidency2025RenewalApplication

2. Deadline for applications is November 23, 2024.