by Arianne Arenas
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines — On November 27, 2024, the Scholars Technopreneurship Training Program (STTP) – Region X, a collaborative effort between the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the Philippine S&T Development (PhilDev) Foundation, awarded three student-led innovations during the program’s finale Demo Day held at Cinema 4, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. This highly anticipated event marked the culmination of seven (7) months of intensive training, mentorship, and innovation, showcasing the transformative journey of the DOST-SEI scholars into future technopreneurs.
The program was designed based on PhilDev’s Technopreneurship curriculum. Over the course of the program, ninety-eight (98) DOST-SEI scholars, divided into 21 groups, engaged in workshops and mentorship sessions through design thinking exercises to develop their business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
Opening the Stage for Innovation
In his message opening the STTP Demo Day, Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, Director IV of DOST-SEI, emphasized the importance of fostering young talents to address the nation’s technological and entrepreneurial needs.
“We, at SEI hope to develop a generation of S&T professionals that is not only committed but also passionate about the welfare of the nation,” says Dr. Cornelio.
In his keynote message, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of DOST, highlighted how initiatives like STTP align with the country’s drive for science and technology-led development. “Continue to dream big for yourselves and for the country, as big dreams lead to innovations,” he said.
Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services; Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III, Regional Director of DOST Region XI; and, Dr. Josette T. Biyo, former Director and HRD consultant of DOST-SEI, reiterated the pivotal role of programs like STTP in equipping Filipino youth with tools to succeed in STEM and entrepreneurship.
A Platform for High-Impact Ideas
The highlight of the day was the pitch competition, where the top 10 finalist teams presented their innovative projects to a panel of distinguished local and international judges:
- Yukio Toyoshima, Special Advisor, PwC Japan
- Dr. Franch Lorilla, TBI Manager, CDO Bites
- Russ Neu, Founder & CEO, Social Collider
- Marrione Camacho, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Kickstart Ventures
- Yen Burao, Head of Finance and People, Kaya Founders
- Dr. Neo Kok Beng, Founder & CEO, NEO Aeronautics
- June Vidal, Head of Channel Partners, Alibaba Cloud Philippines
- Ho Yuen Ping, Senior Associate Director, NUS Enterprise
The judges assessed each pitch based on the following criteria: creativity and innovation, growth potential, feasibility and viability, relevance to market needs, impact, and the overall quality of the presentation. The top three teams competed for a total of Php 100,000 in funding, with the Champion receiving Php 50,000, the 1st Runner-Up earning Php 30,000, and the 2nd Runner-Up receiving Php 20,000.
In addition, the winning teams will gain access to CDO Bites’ FireStarter Program, an incubation initiative designed to help startups achieve solution-market fit. This program is set to officially begin soon after the Demo Day, providing a timely opportunity for the winning teams to further develop and refine their innovations.
After a rigorous evaluation, the winners were:
- Champion: Team Andana
- 1st Runner-Up: Team Peachi
- 2nd Runner-Up: Team Ga-Guard
In addition to the top three prizes, PhilDev Foundation also presented the Social Impact Award to two teams, Team Aquastitch and Team Aquasearve, in recognition of their innovative solutions addressing critical societal challenges. Each team received Php 10,000 as part of this special recognition.
Creativity on Display: Poster Competition
Running alongside the pitching rounds was the Poster Competition, where scholars visually presented their startup ideas and delivered one-minute elevator pitches. Judges included:
- Marco Rasos, Strategy Conversations Consultant
- Dr. Venessa Garcia, Director, Technology Promotions and Commercialization, USTP
- John Asuncion, Chief, Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center
- Karl Fajardo, CEO, Serial Disruptors
Emerging as winners were Team Ga-Guard (Champion), Team Napaka Lab (1st Runner up), and Team Andana (2nd Runner Up), each receiving cash prizes for their exceptional presentations. The competition showcased the scholars’ innovative ideas and communication skills, further underscoring the program’s success in fostering creativity and technopreneurial thinking.
A Milestone in Technopreneurship
The STTP Demo Day is more than just the conclusion of a program—it is a testament to the potential of Filipino youth to lead in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
“The past 7 months have been nothing short of transformational. Through the workshops, mentorship sessions, and this final showcase of innovation and creativity, you have proven that the entrepreneurial spark can indeed ignite in the most brilliant minds. I hope the learnings you have gained from this program will pave the way for successful entrepreneurial journeys, as you take these experiences forward and build ventures that make a difference”, says Engr. Elaine Macatangay-Morales, Executive Director for PhilDev Foundation, during her congratulatory message for all demo day participants.
To officially close the program, DOST-X Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Mr. Virgilio M. Fuertes, highlighted the significance of programs like STTP in driving regional development through innovation.
As PhilDev and DOST-SEI look ahead, the success of this program highlights the need for continued investments in education and innovation to build a brighter future for the Philippines.
For more information about the Scholars Technopreneurship Training Program and other initiatives, visit PhilDev’s website (www.phildev.org) or contact us via email at info@phildev.org.
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About PhilDev Foundation:
Philippine Development S&T Foundation, Inc. (PhilDev Foundation) is a nonprofit organization that operates at the intersection of Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. With a vision of a prosperous Philippines through the acceleration of science and technology for national development, PhilDev aspires to drive sustainable social and economic growth by empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.
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Media Contact:
Arianne Arenas (she / her)
Communications Officer
PhilDev Foundation
Email: arianne@phildev.org
