WE ARE IXEAN TECH

Kurt Izak M. Cabanilla— the founder and CTO of Ixean— is a distinguished mathematician with extensive expertise in AI and applied mathematics. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in applied economics, magna cum laude, at De La Salle University under full scholarship. He also holds master’s degrees in quantitative economics from the same university and applied mathematics from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Mathematics at the prestigious Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) as a salaried scholar, specializing in AI and Machine Learning – further solidifying his standing at a globally renowned institution in the field.

As the co-founder and CTO of Amica AI, Izak spearheaded the development of a proprietary large language model for Haven Chat emotional support chatbot, showcasing his ability to bridge cutting-edge AI research with practical, user-friendly applications.

At Ixean, Izak spearheads the development of the company’s flagship products: Vulture and Owl, which exemplify Ixean’s vision for AI-powered solutions that enhance autonomy, resilience, and efficiency in tactical operations.

With a proven track record of designing proprietary AI systems and seamlessly integrating them into market-ready products, Izak brings unparalleled technical expertise to Ixean, driving innovation and ensuring the company’s position at the forefront of AI-powered technologies.

Edgardo Manuel Jopson brings unrivalled expertise in economics, data science, and government contracting to his role as CEO of Ixean. With dual master’s degrees in Economics from De La Salle University (DLSU) and Data Analytics from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), both earned under full scholarship, Edgardo combines his technical skill set with strategic leadership.

As Division Chief of the Business and Economics Division at the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), Edgardo has consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in managing complex antitrust cases, conducting rigorous policy analysis, and overseeing critical administrative operations. Over the course of his eight-year tenure, he has led investigations into numerous multibillion-peso mergers and acquisitions across different industries, including energy (conventional and renewable), banking, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, original equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, FMCG, construction, cement, and real estate.

Edgardo was instrumental in establishing the PCC’s Data Analytics Division, significantly enhancing the agency’s capacity to leverage advanced tools such as Network Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, and Time-Series Econometrics for efficiently undertaking difficult antitrust case analysis. His contributions underscore his deep expertise in market competition, regulatory frameworks, and economics, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding competitive markets.

In addition to his regulatory achievements, Edgardo has extensive experience negotiating business-to-government (B2G) contracts and navigating government procurement processes. As a private consultant for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and an active PhilGEPS contractor, he has honed his ability to execute successful public-sector bids, positioning Ixean to excel in government contracting.

Apart from his role at Ixean, Edgardo serves as a part-time faculty member at the University of the Philippines School of Economics and Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Economics, where he teaches Data Science and Econometrics.

Under Edgardo’ guidance and leadership, Ixean is set to harness his expertise in economics, advanced analytics, and public-sector engagement to drive innovation, technological advancement, and sustained growth in the ASEAN technology sector.

John Marc Esquibil is a highly accomplished CPA Lawyer with extensive expertise in law, finance, and information systems. A graduate of Saint Louis University, where he earned cum laude honors in both BS Accountancy and BS Management Accounting, he went on to pursue a Juris Doctor degree at De La Salle University under full scholarship, further solidifying his academic excellence.

JM’s professional career spans a wide range of roles that underscore his versatility and expertise. At SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co., he served as both a Financial Audit and IT Audit Senior Associate, refining his skills in financial analysis, risk assessment, and IT systems evaluation. As a Tax Accounting Supervisor at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, he specialized in tax compliance, audit preparation, and process optimization through automation tools.

JM is also a Bank Manager at the Land Bank of the Philippines. Prior to this, JM was an Attorney at the Philippine Competition Commission, where he has played a pivotal role in merger reviews, policy formulation, and investigations in critical sectors such as ride-hailing, banking, energy, and real estate. His expertise in competition law highlights his strategic thinking and commitment to promoting fair market practices.

JM also holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), proving testament to his unique ability to blend legal expertise with technical precision.

As Corporate Secretary and Head of the General Counsel at Ixean, JM is an invaluable asset, providing legal and strategic oversight to ensure the company’s growth and compliance with industry regulations. His dedication to best practices and multidisciplinary problem-solving repertoire serve as a firm pillars to Ixean’s organizational and administrative excellence and integrity.

Jordan Aiko Deja serves as the Director of Human-Machine Systems at Ixean, where he leads the research and development of creative and effective AI and robotics solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the ASEAN region. With over a decade of expertise spanning academia, industry, and community engagement, Jordan plays a pivotal role in advancing Ixean’s mission to deliver innovative, decentralized, and accessible technologies for tactical applications.

Jordan is currently completing his Ph.D in Computer Science with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) from the University of Primorska in Slovenia. His research focuses on adaptive learning systems, augmented reality, and human-drone interaction, equipping him with the skills to drive innovation at the intersection of AI and robotics. He has published extensively in international journals and conferences, earning recognition for his groundbreaking work in HCI and UX design.

Jordan is a full-time faculty member at De La Salle University, Manila, where he mentored aspiring engineers and researchers in software engineering, user experience design, and emerging technologies. He also serves as a co-leader of UX Philippines, the country’s largest professional UX community, where he champions design-led innovation and knowledge sharing.

Jordan’s leadership and tutelage ensures that Ixean’s talent pool of engineers and technicians remains best in class throughout the region, driven to push the boundaries of empowering communities through innovative, high-impact AI-tech solutions.

Tim Pron is an accomplished Data Scientist with over five years of experience in data mining, analysis, visualization, and the application of machine learning algorithms, vision models, and large language models (LLMs). Known for his ability to deliver actionable insights, strategic recommendations, and usable AI-driven products, Tim effectively marries highly technical expertise with tangible, practical outcomes.

Tim has kept his skills sharp over his five-year tenure at Thinking Machines, where he worked on advanced machine learning solutions and consulted on various AI projects. He also serves as a Machine Learning Consultant, providing expert guidance on implementing AI solutions to various business processes. Even more, Tim shares his knowledge as a part-time faculty member at Naga College Foundation, mentoring future engineers and data scientists.

An alumnus of Ateneo De Naga University, he holds a degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. With a multidisciplinary base of expertise supporting a seasoned hand as him, Tim is indeed a prominent and stable part of Ixean’s team of talents. As a Lead Engineer, Tim plays a pivotal role in developing advanced AI-augmented tools such as Vulture and Owl, driving the company’s mission to revolutionize tactical intelligence and defense applications.

John Peter M. Ramos is an accomplished Electronics Engineer with deep expertise in microelectronics, hardware prototyping, and parametric 3D modeling. Known for his technical proficiency in microcontroller integration—including Arduino and Raspberry Pi—and electronic circuit design, he bridges the gap between theoretical engineering and tangible hardware solutions.

Before dedicating his expertise to our systems, JP built a strong foundation in network operations and project management at Radius Telecoms. He is also a dedicated academic, actively sharing his knowledge as an Assistant Professor at Mapúa University and previously at De La Salle University and TUP. His commitment to engineering excellence is further evidenced by his fellowships and affiliations with the UP Resilience Institute, IEEE, and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines.

JP holds a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering (Microelectronics Track) from Mapúa University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Manufacturing Engineering at De La Salle University. With this multidisciplinary academic and practical background, he is a cornerstone of the Ixean talent pool. As a Senior Engineer, JP plays a vital role in the hardware development and prototyping of advanced AI-augmented platforms like the IXEAN LAWIN and IXEAN UWAK, pushing the boundaries of what our proprietary UAV technology can achieve

Christian Jay Mendoza is a highly skilled Robotics Engineer and AI Automation Specialist with extensive experience in designing embedded systems, AI workflows, and advanced robotic platforms. Known for his technical proficiency in C/C++, Python, and ROS2, Jay excels at seamlessly integrating hardware devices to build innovative automated solutions.

His dynamic career includes developing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater exploration and conducting research and development for advanced robotic systems supporting U.S. Department of Defense initiatives. Furthermore, Jay has proven his entrepreneurial agility as the Co-Founder and Head of Product & Growth for an AI startup , alongside his ongoing work deploying end-to-end AI agents. He is also a dedicated community leader and educator, having recently served as a main speaker at Arduino Day Philippines 2025.

Jay earned his Bachelor of Science in Electronics & Communications Engineering from FEU-Institute of Technology and honed his analytical skills through the Applied AI and Data Science Labs at WorldQuant University. With this powerful intersection of electronics, IoT, and artificial intelligence, he is an indispensable part of the Ixean team. As a Senior Engineer, Jay is instrumental in optimizing the embedded systems and AI capabilities of platforms like the IXEAN LAWIN and IXEAN UWAK, propelling our mission to revolutionize tactical intelligence and defense applications.

Hazel Gadiaza is a licensed Electronics Engineer and Electronics Technician with extensive experience in embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, and hardware design. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman, she was involved with the Smart Systems Laboratory and led a successful undergraduate research project on a oneM2M-based remote monitoring system. This project was presented at IEEE TENCON 2024 in Singapore and published in the IEEE proceedings.

Hazel offers Ixean a unique combination of technical engineering expertise, project leadership, and creative design skills, having also been a Creative Director and a student leader in several organizations.

At Ixean, she will focus on developing swarm technology and inter-drone communication protocols. Her multidisciplinary background and commitment to innovation make her an essential member of Ixean’s AI robotics team.

Christian Gortayo is a talented and driven Robotics Engineer specializing in Arduino-based systems and hardware integration. He has demonstrated outstanding skill in robotics and hardware development, earning recognition through notable victories in competitions such as the International Championship Summer Simulator Games 2020 and the 2018 International Robot Olympiad Preliminaries / Summer Sumo Games. These achievements reflect his ingenuity, technical aptitude, and commitment to excellence—qualities that make him an invaluable member of Ixean Solutions’ dynamic engineering team.

Christian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from the Makati Science Technological Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, combining strong academic grounding with practical expertise in robotics and automation.

As an Engineer at Ixean Solutions, Christian plays a vital role in the assembly, testing, and maintenance of the company’s flagship products—Vulture and Owl—ensuring their precision, reliability, and performance. His hands-on approach, problem-solving mindset, and drive for innovation position him as a rising talent in the fields of robotics and intelligent systems.

Dale Villa is a skilled software and embedded systems engineer with a strong foundation in full-stack development and hardware prototyping. A cum laude graduate of Electrical Engineering from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Dale combines his expertise in both software architecture and embedded hardware design to develop integrated AI and robotics solutions.

Before joining Ixean, Dale worked as a Full-Stack Software Engineer at Mahusai, contributing to scalable AI-driven platforms and mobile applications for international clients. His technical experience spans Python, Django, TypeScript, React, Docker, and Kubernetes, as well as hardware prototyping using Arduino, ESP32, and 3D printing technologies.

At Ixean, Dale applies his cross-disciplinary expertise to develop and refine AI-driven control systems and web-based interfaces for the company’s robotics and drone technologies, ensuring seamless interaction between intelligent software and real-world applications.

His unique blend of software engineering precision and hands-on hardware innovation positions him as a key driver in Ixean’s mission to deliver adaptive, intelligent, and high-performance autonomous systems.

James A. Oliveros is a Licensed Electronics Engineer, Electronics Technician, and a Mechatronics Servicing NC II holder, specializing in Robotics and Automation. A graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila, he drives AI innovation through the integration of Computer Vision and Machine Learning in intelligent robotic and autonomous systems. He has authored notable publications presented at Japan and Indonesia, James’ expertise in robotics design, embedded systems, and AI-driven automation fuels his passion for innovation, inspiring him to continuously explore and develop cutting-edge solutions in smart technologies and intelligent systems.

Diego Romero brings a diverse background in economics, market research, and business development, making him a key asset to Ixean Solutions as a Sales Executive. With experience at the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) as an Economist, Diego honed his skills in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and market studies, providing critical insights for mergers and investigations.

Prior to that, he worked as a Brokerage Analyst at Willis Towers Watson Insurance Brokers Philippines, where he specialized in negotiating pricing structures, conducting benefit utilization reviews, and leading sales meetings. His ability to communicate complex financial and economic concepts to stakeholders has made him highly effective in business development and client relations.

Diego holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Ateneo de Manila University. As an undergraduate working student, he served as the Head of Customer Relations and Operations for Huggimals Inc. where he conducted market research, demographic analysis, and sales strategy development, further sharpening his expertise in sales, negotiation, and customer engagement.

With a strong foundation in business analytics, strategic marketing, and executive communication, Diego plays a vital role in expanding Ixean’s reach, fostering B2B and B2G relationships, and driving revenue growth. His multilingual proficiency in English, Filipino, Japanese, and German also positions him well for regional and international business opportunities.

Diether Ong is a skilled Robotics Software Engineer with a strong foundation in embedded systems, machine learning, and hardware integration. A Cum Laude graduate of Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, Diether specialized in Robotics, Instrumentation, and Controls.

Before joining Ixean as a contributor, Diether contributed to cutting-edge R&D projects at Dyson Electronics, where he developed production-grade software for robotic systems using modern C++, Python, and embedded Linux environments. His experience spans robot behavior design, connectivity protocols, real-time systems, and rigorous testing practices, making him a valuable asset to Ixean’s AI robotics development.

With a background in both academic research and industry-level robotics, Diether brings a rare mix of hands-on engineering excellence and innovation-focused mindset to the team.

Niccolo Dejito is a versatile engineer with a broad range of expertise spanning software engineering, data science, and robotics. As a seasoned generalist, he excels in tackling technically complex problems and delivering tangible results across various domains, including product development, technology consulting, telecommunications, and finance.

Cholo holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Ateneo De Manila University, which laid the foundation for his analytical and problem-solving skills. He has further enhanced his expertise through prestigious certifications in Robotics: Computational Motion Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and Machine Learning from Stanford University.

John Mhel Policarpio is a skilled robotics engineer specializing in behavioral and motion planning for autonomous systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, major in Electronics, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, graduating with Latin honors as a DOST Scholar.

Mhel’s professional experience includes his current role as a Graduate Robotics Software Engineer at Dyson Electronics PTE. LTD, where he contributes to the development, implementation, and optimization of motion and behavioral planning features for autonomous robots. His work involves maintaining production-grade code in C++, optimizing motion planning algorithms for spatial and temporal efficiency, and creating robust testing pipelines to ensure product reliability.

During his academic career, Mhel gained expertise in drone technology through his thesis on wind velocity estimation using micro-drones, where he designed a flight control system, conducted wind tunnel experiments, and applied computer vision and machine learning to analyze sensor data. He also played a pivotal role in the Philippine Space Agency’s Nanosat Mission Ideation Contest of 2022 where his team developed imaging mission concepts for a CubeSat and won the competition.

At Ixean Solutions, Mhel in his capacity as a contributor has the freedom and opportunity to flex and further develop his diverse skill set in robotics, machine learning, and embedded systems to support the development of our AI-augmented hardware. His strong foundation in software engineering, combined with his penchant for problem-solving, makes him an invaluable member of the team.