Three teams from the Caraga State University, composed of students from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) and the College of Engineering and Geosciences (CEGS) won at the MindKraft 2026 Hackathon Fest X, an international hackathon competition organized by Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences in Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, from March 27-28, 2026. The competition drew participants from the Philippines, India, and several other countries, making the achievement all the more remarkable.
The competing teams tackled three distinct and meaningful categories, each requiring a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and critical thinking.
In the Portable Water-Purification Hand Pump category, the CSU team designed an innovative solution for flood-affected and rural communities grappling with the scarcity of clean, potable water due to contamination of local water sources. Their entry not only demonstrated engineering excellence but also a commendable sense of social responsibility. The team earned 2nd place, composed of Rommel D. Buenavidez (BSCS IV), Jembo Magbanua (BSIT III), Raven Jed Mendoza (BS-ECE III), and Ralph Angelo Gonzaga (BS-ECE III), under the guidance of their Faculty Coach, Mr. Ronel O. Cacho.
The second team competed in the highly technical Capture the Flag category, where participants are challenged to solve complex, security-related problems by ethically exploiting vulnerabilities within controlled environments. Demonstrating exceptional cybersecurity proficiency and analytical precision, the team secured 2nd place. The team was composed of Jhon Lawrence T. Pag-iwayan (BSIT IV), Wendel Rey C. Salaum (BSIT IV), Geen Caile L. Malagueña (BSIT III), and Ralph Vincent P. Tajantajan (BSIT II), guided by Mr. John Michael F. Cutamora, a faculty member of CCIS.
Meanwhile, in the Non-Invasive Diagnostic Hack category, the CCIS team developed AI-based tools designed to assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions with greater speed and accuracy, leveraging patient data and medical imaging technologies. Their work exemplifies the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the field of healthcare. The team clinched 3rd place, composed of Christian Balasabas (BSCS IV) and Lloyd Bill Lariosa (BSIT III), mentored by Engr. James Earl Cubillas, a CCIS faculty member.
The outstanding performance of students who competed on the international stage is a powerful testament to the quality of education, mentorship, and student development programs within the college. Their success reflects not only individual excellence but also the collective commitment of the CCIS and the CEGS community to producing globally competitive graduates.
The entire CSU family extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the student competitors and their dedicated faculty coaches. Your hard work, perseverance, and passion for innovation have brought great honor to Caraga State University, and this is only the beginning!
