Meaningful change and sustainable innovation can start from humble beginnings.
These are the words of 26-year-old licensed aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon, the only Southeast Asian who secured a coveted spot in the prestigious Young Inventors Prize 2025, also known as the Tomorrow Shapers. Mark was given the recognition for his Pili Seal® invention – a bio-based sealant and adhesive alternative derived from the agricultural waste of Pili tree resin. He recently received his award where he also presented his invention during a recent ceremony livestreamed from Iceland.
The Young Inventor’s Prize is aimed at individuals 30 and under who are able to showcase the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognizes the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future.
“As the only Southeast Asian in this competition, it’s really an honor to raise our Filipino flag here (in Iceland),” Bantugon expressed.
On top of that, what also excited him was the opportunity to bring his family with him to witness this important milestone. “My parents and grandmother are here in the awards ceremony, so it’s already a big win for me to bring them here where they can witness this personal milestone as well as global recognition.”
He stressed the importance of their presence and support, noting his parents, especially his father was the inspiration for Pili Seal®. “The job of my father, being a farmer, inspired me to see the different opportunities in agriculture, specifically proving that meaningful change through sustainable innovation can start from humble beginnings.”
What started out as a thesis project for his undergraduate studies in public aviation, the Pili Seal® has grown into a highly recognized product that offers a locally sourced, biodegradable alternative in aircraft sealants. He also follows the circular model which means the residuals of the Pili can be converted into fertilizers so that the product won’t be adding to the disposal issue of the environment. The excess sealant can eventually be converted into safe fertilizer.
Thanks to his eco-friendly product, the aviation, can experience better safety while reducing the environmental impact. Soon, many more industries, from local to international, will enjoy many potentials of the Pili Seal®.
Undoubtedly, Bantugon is a testament that young Filipino inventors are resilient and resourceful. He concluded by reminding his fellow young Filipino inventors to not simply live and experience life but to use and embrace it as a catalyst for change. “My innovation journey started by sticking chewing gum on the leaky roofs of our house every time a typhoon hits our province.”
He further advised, “As a young Filipino inventor, you can take space and contribute to society through innovation, and through your bold and audacious ideas.”
Likewise, he urges various sectors to offer support to young Filipino innovators: “Young innovators have so much potential. You just need to give them the right platforms to be able to not only recognize but also feel the support and empower them and validating their ideas into reality as well.”
Find more information about the invention’s impact, the technology and Mark Kennedy Bantugon’s story here.
