DOrSU, DNSC partner in startup roadshow for Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) partnered with Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) in the Provincial Startup and Innovation Roadshow on June 11, 2026, to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students, faculty members, researchers, and other stakeholders in the province.
The activity gathered participants from various sectors for discussions and workshops aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem in Davao Oriental and encouraging innovation-driven solutions to community and industry challenges.
DOrSU served as co-organizer of the activity upon the invitation of DNSC through its BUGSAI Technology Business Incubator (TBI). The initiative sought to promote innovation development, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and identify potential startup champions who can help advance entrepreneurship and technology-based solutions in the region.
Participants attended sessions on Startup 101, Problem-Opportunity Canvas, Lean Validation, and Customer Discovery. The sessions introduced the fundamentals of startup development and provided practical approaches to identifying opportunities, validating ideas, and understanding customer needs.
The activity also featured a Design Thinking Workshop facilitated by Val Cimafranca, board secretary of Upgrade Innolab Inc., which encouraged participants to develop innovative and user-centered solutions to real-world challenges.
Dr. Marichen M. Manatad, head of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Diffusion Management Unit, said the roadshow sought to identify potential startup champions and foster stronger collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and innovation stakeholders in Davao Oriental.
The roadshow formed part of continuing efforts to expand innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in the Davao Region and encourage greater participation in startup development programs.
The activity also aligned with DOrSU’s Regenerative Futures vision under the leadership of University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce. The initiative supports innovation, sustainability, and collaborative action in addressing emerging social, economic, and environmental challenges while contributing to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
