WPH Digital and De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) have taken another step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 4 June 2026. Building on a partnership that began in 2023, the agreement marks a shared commitment to advancing artificial intelligence education and supporting practical innovation through the establishment of an AI Innovation Lab.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Christian George C. Francisco, Provost of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, and Vincent Leoh, Managing Director of WPH Digital, in the presence of representatives from both organisations.
The ceremonial signing was attended by Dr. Irene S. Gueco, Directorof the Linkage and Scholarship Office; Dr. Jose Aims R. Rocina, Director of the University Research Office; Marivic R. Mitschek, Dean of the College of Information and Computer Studies; Rolando B. Barrameda, Associate Dean of the College of Information and Computer Studies; Josephine T. Eduardo, Chair of the Computer Science Department; and Bjay Divinagracia, Partner Manager at WPH Digital.
The primary objective of the AI Innovation Lab is to bridge the gap between AI concepts and real-world implemenation.
Developed through the partnership between WPH Digital and DLSU-D, the lab will serve as a Proof of Concept (POC) and innovation centre where students, faculty, industry partners and government agencies can experiment, develop, test, and validate AI solutions using actual equipment and real-world use cases.
By providing access to practical technologies and collaborative learning opportunities, the AI Innovation Lab is designed to help learners gain experience beyond the classroom while encouraging the exploration of AI applications that address real businesses and societal challenges.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday business operations across industries, increasing the need for graduates who understand both the technology and its practical implementation.
The AI Innovation Lab will provide an environment where ideas can be explored, prototypes can be evaluated and AI applications can be developed in collaboration with academia and industry. As a shared innovation space, the lab will encourage knowledge exchange while supporting practical learning and experimentation.
The initiative complements the broader collaboration between WPH Digital and DLSU-D, which includes learning programmes focused on artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and digital transformation.
As organisations continue adopting AI, partnerships between universities and industry play an increasingly important role in preparing future technology professionals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to the digital economy.