IDEAS Davao, DOrSU Host Provincial Startup Community Networking Event

The Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups in Davao Region (IDEAS Davao), in partnership with Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), hosted the first-ever “Plugin: Connecting Provincial Startup Ecosystem” on May 20-21 at the Davao Oriental State University Graduate School Library.

The two-day event featured a series of training workshops focused on technopreneurship, design thinking, and business model innovation. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with the local business sector, learn about various startup ecosystem development programs, including mentorship, R&D, and funding opportunities, and find potential mentors, partners, and investors for their businesses. A diverse group of participants, including MSME entrepreneurs, startup founders, faculty members, researchers, business coaches, consultants, and mentors, attended the event.

On the first day, participants were treated to an engaging Intro to Technopreneurship workshop by Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo, where students formed teams and identified their startup roles. Ms. Peng Sumarago, founder of Mugna Tech, conducted a Design Thinking Workshop, teaching participants how to understand problems and devise desirable solutions. A highlight of the event was the riveting “Ask Me Anything” session featuring the trailblazing Ms. Cherryanne Lee Angoy, founder of AIMHI Construction App. With her unparalleled insights and resilience, Ms. Angoy shared her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The first day concluded with an evening of networking meetups for entrepreneurs and innovators hosted by IDEAS Davao.

The momentum continued on the second day with Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo’s enlightening discourse on “Startup 101 and Ecosystem Mapping,” elucidating the fundamental principles of startups and the pivotal role of educators in fostering innovation. Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Day, President of Upgrade Innolab, facilitated a Customer Discovery workshop for DOrSU faculty members, helping them better understand their customers and identify market needs.

Dr. Misael B. Clapano, DOrSU’s Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, expressed his excitement about connecting and empowering startups in the Davao Region. He highlighted the University’s commitment to supporting innovative ventures, anchored on the university’s vision for regenerative futures that aim for regenerative societies and economies. DOrSU Director for Innovation, Assistant Professor Venson B. Sarita, also expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and collaboration of all attendees, underscoring the importance of such events in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Beyond the enriching workshops and sessions, the event served as a nexus for collaboration, facilitating meaningful connections between aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned mentors, and industry stalwarts. Participants seized the opportunity to network with local businesses, explore mentorship programs, and seek potential investors, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and ventures.

The event marked a significant step towards building a robust startup ecosystem in Davao Oriental, providing valuable resources and connections to support local entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in the region.