08/11/2024
๐๐๐๐-๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ-๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐๐
29-30 October 2024 | The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Regional Office IX, through the HEIRIT ReSEED: HERMOSA Consortium, spearheaded the inaugural ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ in Zamboanga City. This initiative was led by the DOST- AdZU AZUL Hub Technology Business Incubator (TBI), co-led by the RAISE WesMin - Agri-Aqua TBI (ATBI) of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and the SIDLAK TBI of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU). It was further supported by key partners, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) IX BASULTA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) IX.
The event was graced by DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, DOST-IX Regional Director Mr. Martin A. Wee, DOST IX Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services Mr. Ricardo J. Apolinario III, ADZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ, WMSU VP for Resource Generation Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, JRMSU KTTO Director Ms. Ma. Corina E. Camazo, DICT IX Regional Director Ms. Cheryl C. Ortega, and DTI-IX Provincial Director Ms. Grace D. Aduca. A ceremonial signing of a Quintipartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also held among the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) IX BASULTA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) IX, and the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office (NEDA) IX to establish a framework for collaboration and cooperation in the creation, development, and support of a startup and innovation ecosystem in ZamPen and BaSulTa. A key highlight of the summit was the parallel session pitching competitions for both professionals and students.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ | Topics presented by guest speakers included "Establishing a Startup Ecosystem and the Significant Roles of Its Key Enablers" by Ms. Diane D. Eustaquio, a National Startup Enabler, and "Empowering Local Startups and Entrepreneurs through the Innovative Startup Act" by Engr. Edward Paul H. Apigo from DOST PCIEERD. The first panel discussion showcased homegrown innovations, addressing the challenges and opportunities for local startups. Panel members from Farmer Bambuhay, TimeFree Innovations, and Meta Technologies Inc. participated, with the session moderated by Dr. French Maverick Lorilla, TBI Manager of CDObites and USTP Director for Research.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ | The plenary discussion focused on "Empowering Filipino Innovators through the Philippine Innovation Act," led by guest speaker Mr. Mark Sultan Gersava from the National Innovation Council. This was followed by a series of panel discussions: "Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs)," moderated by Ms. Diane Eustaquio with panel members from RDEC/RAISE-WMSU, AdZU, and JRMSU-SIDLAK TBI; "Policy and Innovation: Government Initiatives for a Thriving Startup Ecosystem," moderated by Ms. Jehan Forro, President of the Zamboanga ICT Council, with panel members from Local Economic Development, Investment, and Promotion Services (LEDIPS) of Isabela City, Basilan, the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council, and NEDA IX; "Boosting the Economy: Industryโs Role in Supporting and Scaling Startups," moderated by Atty. Armee Jay Cresmundo, Executive Assistant from AdZU, with panel members from the Western Mindanao Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee Industry Group of Zamboanga Inc.; and the final panel discussion on "Funding and Scaling Opportunities for Local Startups and Businesses," moderated by Mr. Richard Day, President of Upgrade Innolab Inc., with panel members from DOST PCIEERD, DOST RO IX, DOT, DICT IX, and DA IX.
The ๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ท๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ช๐ต 2024 is a strategic initiative designed to position Region IX and Western BARMM as leading hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable growth and contributing to the broader national agenda for inclusive development.
Photos credit to Ateneo de Zamboanga University
