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By ̽����ѡGAD TBI

̽����ѡGAD TBI and UMWAD Western Visayas hosted Central Launch 2.0, uniting 150 innovators in workshops and pitching, with UP Visayas’ Think Tankers winning grand champion.

The entrepreneurial landscape of Western Visayas received a significant boost with the successful conclusion of the Central Launch 2.0: Western Visayas Startup Hackathon. Presented by the DOST PCIEERD-̽����ѡ ̽����ѡGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and UMWAD Western Visayas, organized with DOST Innovation Hubs (iHubs) in collaboration with DOST Region VI, DTI Region VI, DICT Region VI, DEPDev VI, PCCI – Iloilo, and Innovate Iloilo. This event is officially recognized as a Community Event of Philippine Startup Week 2025—the country’s premier celebration of Filipino innovation. The two-day event brought together over 150 innovators forming 17 teams from across the region to collaborate, learn, and compete, positioning ̽����ѡGAD TBI as a crucial center for regional innovation and inter-TBI collaboration.

A Convergence for Regional Innovation

The hackathon kicked off with a compelling Welcome Remarks from ̽����ѡ President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, setting a tone of vision and commitment. Mark Gil Peraman, General Manager of ̽����ѡGAD TBI, provided the crucial Rationale, underscoring the event’s importance in driving forward Western Visayas’ technological future.

A core focus was Ecosystem Alignment, addressed through panel discussions featuring key government agencies: the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium. Messages from their regional directors—Ma. Dinda Tamayo (DTI), Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy (DICT), Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga (DOST), and Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut (UMWAD)—focused on accelerating MSME growth, driving digital transformation, advancing R&D commercialization, and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. Their activities and support were delivered by their esteemed representatives who also sat as panelists on the topic, “Ecosystem Alignment: How DTI, DITC, DOST, and UMWAD are Moving Western Visayas Forward,” moderated by Christine Faith Germinal of UP Visayas:

• DTI Region VI: Mr. Angelo Patrimonio (Senior Trade-Industry Specialist and Head of the Management Informations Systems (MIS) Unit, DTI Region VI), highlighted the critical role of innovation in “Accelerating MSME Growth and Startup Competitiveness through Innovation and Industry Development.”
• DICT Aklan: Mr. Marvin Manuel (Provincial Officer, DICT Aklan), delivering the presentation, focused on “Driving Digital Transformation and Future Skills for Inclusive Innovation in Western Visayas.”
• DOST Iloilo: Ms. Raisheine Joyce Arcillas (Science Research Specialist II, DOST Iloilo), emphasized “Advancing Science, Technology, and R&D Commercialization for a Stronger Western Visayas Innovation Ecosystem.
• UMWAD Consortium: Engr. Shariz Rose Garrino (Regional Ecosystem Development Coordinator, UMWAD Western Visayas), provided insights on “Fostering Startup and Spin-off Development for a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem in Western Visayas.”

Equipping Innovators with Essential Skills

Recognizing that strategy must be paired with practical tools, the event featured intensive Plenary Sessions designed to equip participants with non-negotiable startup skills:

• Design Thinking Essentials: Engr. Gelvie C. Lagos (Project Leader, ̽����ѡGAD TBI) trained teams on “Turning Insights into Solutions,” providing the framework for user-centric product development.
• Innovating for Inclusivity: Kenneth Lerona (Cornelius Magnate) championed “Accessibility, Human-Centered Innovation, and Localized Solutions,” challenging teams to build ethical and relevant technologies.
• Mastering the Pitch: Christine Faith Germinal (UP Visayas) sharpened the critical ability to communicate value with her session on “The Startup Pitch: How to Communicate Your Big Idea.”

̽����ѡGAD TBI: A Hub for Inter-TBI Collaboration

A unique highlight of Central Launch 2.0 was its demonstration of ̽����ѡGAD TBI’s role as the only private university-based TBI acting as a crucial node for collaboration across the region. This cooperative spirit was evident in the selection of mentors and panelists:

• Mentorship: The hackathon featured a robust mentorship program across five tracks (Packaging Technology, Agritech, Food Systems Innovations, Renewable Energy Innovation, and Smart Cities and Communities), drawing expertise from institutions like ISAT U and CAPSULE TBI, alongside industry leaders.
• Panel Discussion: The panel on “Navigating Innovation Forward: Success Stories from Western Visayas Startup Founders,” moderated by ̽����ѡGAD TBI General Manager Mark Gil Peraman, brought together successful founders from various incubation centers, including UPV Coastline, Kwadra TBI, BINHI TBI, and the host, ̽����ѡGAD TBI, showcasing the collective strength of the regional network.
  • Matt Rafael Genito, CEO, PackUp, ̽����ѡGAD TBI
  • Gelvie C. Lagos, Founder, HEX Technologies, ̽����ѡ Faculty Member, and Project Leader DOST – ̽����ѡ, ̽����ѡGAD TBI
  • Soledad Garibay, Algacon Aquafeeds Manufacturing, UPV Coastline / FyrLab Accelerator
  • Teofy Clarisse Decatoria, CEO, DigiHwy, BINHI TBI / FyrLab Accelerator
  • Carl Alexander Macias, COO, EcoSpun, Kwadra TBI

High-Stakes Pitching and Expert Evaluation

The competition culminated in the Startup Pitching Session, where the teams presented their solutions before a distinguished panel of judges from diverse sectors, ensuring a balanced evaluation:

• Fave Rounet Mirasol (DICT)
• Sheila L. Oberio (DOST Iloilo)
• Renjo B. Debil (PCCI Iloilo & ̽����ѡGAD TBI EIR)
• May Angeli Tayona (DTI Region VI)
• Ma. Shariz Rose Garrino (UMWAD Consortium)
• Moonyeen E. Bolivar (DEPDEV Region VI)

Before the final results, the atmosphere was charged with inspiration from Lightning Talks by regional founders like Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio (Kuray Innovations), Carl Alexander Macias (EcoSpun), and Matt Rafael Genito (PackUp), who shared their real-world entrepreneurial journeys.

Wrapping up the 2-day event, here are the teams that topped the five thematic tracks and secured the ultimate title:

Track Winners and Incubation Awardees:

• Best Packaging Technology Innovation:
  • Think Tankers from University of the Philippines Visayas
• Best Renewable Energy Innovation
  • SOLMATE from ̽����ѡ
• Best AgriTech Innovation
  • The CTRL Freaks from Iloilo State University of Fisheries, Science and Technology
• Best Food Systems Innovation
  • MapaKaon from ̽����ѡ
• Best Smart Cities and Communities Innovation
  • VanGuard Devs from Bago City College

Grand Champion: Overall Best Startup Idea

• Think Tankers from the University of the Philippines Visayas

Special Awardees

• Best Presentation: Thinks Tankers from the University of the Philippines Visayas
• People’s Choice Award: Vanguard Devs from Bago City College
• Best Pitch Presenter: Thinks Tankers from the University of the Philippines Visayas

The Central Launch 2.0 successfully achieved its goal, not only by identifying the next generation of regional startup talent but by solidifying the ̽����ѡGAD TBI’s role as an essential center for collaboration, skills development, and ecosystem alignment in Western Visayas. The event confirmed that the region’s future is being built through strategic partnerships and empowered innovators.