Sandbox Student Challenge

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 8

Public Health and Well-Being

We seek projects that contribute to a "Philippine-centric playbook" for health, focusing on the intersection of leadership, equity, and holistic wellness. Proposals should go beyond clinical solutions to address the social determinants of health and the promotion of total ecological wellness — integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health. We encourage initiatives that develop accessible healthcare models, mental health support systems, or community-based interventions that ensure quality care is inclusive and reachable for all sectors of society.

Social Cohesion and Peace

In a time of deep polarization, we invite projects that imagine new ways of bridging cultural, social, and political divides. This theme focuses on "transcending differences" through dialogue, empathy-building, and collective action. Proposals may explore peace education, inter-religious or intercultural dialogue, and innovations that combat social fragmentation or disinformation. We welcome creative approaches — from the arts to social sciences — that foster a sense of shared humanity and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.

Digital Transformation and Data Sovereignty

As we navigate an increasingly automated world, we seek projects that ensure technology remains a tool for human flourishing and the common good. This theme explores the "human side" of the digital shift, focusing on digital equity, data privacy, and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies. Proposals may focus on building inclusive digital infrastructure, tools for data sovereignty, or creative platforms that empower citizens to manage their own digital identities and narratives. We encourage innovations that bridge the digital divide while protecting the rights and dignity of every individual in the digital sphere.

Sustainable Development

In collaboration with the Ateneo Institute for Sustainability (AIS), the AIS x Areté Sandbox Grant challenges 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 these themes are prioritized, we also welcome out-of-the-box proposals that tackle other areas and offer inventive solutions to contemporary challenges.

Grant Benefits

Php 25,000 working capital
Priority access to the Eugenio Lopez Jr Makerspace (home to 3D printers, laser cutters, and large format printers, among others)
Dedicated workspace in the Eduardo J Aboitiz Sandbox Zone for the entire Residency period (June 2026 to May 2027)
Php 50,000 space-use grant for Areté facilities
Mentorship from an industry expert in interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation

Qualifications

The lead proponent must be an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at Ateneo de Manila University and must remain enrolled until at least December 31, 2026.
The Sandbox Student Challenge will support projects for a period of 12 months.

How to Apply

I. Fill up the Cycle 8 Sandbox Student Challenge - Application Form

II. Submit the following requirements

CVs of each team member
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 addresses a knowledge gap
- Emphasis on how play and experimentation drives your approach
Prepare a statement explaining your project’s potential
- for interdisciplinarity
- to merge the sciences and the arts.
Disclose any related research grants or additional funding sources associated with the proposal.

All applications must be turned in by May 25, 2026.

For further questions, please send an email to sandbox.arete@ateneo.edu.

Meet the Cycle 7 Sandbox Student Challenger

Sustainable Stagings:

Introducing a culture of continuity to technical theater spaces in the Loyola Schools campus

Sustainable Stagings is a project that aims to introduce a culture of continuity, in a social and environmental sense, to technical theater spaces within the Ateneo campus. Through collaborating with student theater groups in Loyola Heights, we champion behind-the-scenes sustainability and mindful organizational systems in the performing arts. With workshops and assessments, we aim to create accessible, practical, and relevant resource material and taxonomy to guide student theater activities in a volatile climate, while harnessing the optimistic creativity inherent to artistry.

EDUARDO J ABOITIZ SANDBOX ZONE

sandbox.arete@ateneo.edu

3F George SK Ty Learning Innovation Wing, Areté

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