Saint Mary’s University (SMU) representatives clinched the 3rd place in the iDeaTech Challenge 2023, showcasing their project, CitRUSH, at Mango Suite in Cauayan, Isabela, on September 19 to 20.

The team, composed of fourth-year Electronics Engineering students Ira Carreon, Cris Rodriguez, Christian Guerrero, fourth-year Accountancy student Jerry Felix, and their mentor Engr. Teofilo Sagabaen, presented CitRUSH, the first fully automated citrus-sorting machine in Nueva Vizcaya.

Additionally, other SMU projects—Project Orderna, Project DioCentral, Project RESQ’R, and Project Farm2Fork Cobots—secured positions in the top 25.

The iDeaTech Challenge aims to foster innovative ideas utilizing Smart City Technology and promote collaboration among Higher Education Institutions in the Cagayan Valley Region. The event serves as a catalyst in strengthening the startup economy.