NAGA CITY – Twenty-one (21) chosen startup teams participated in the Pitching Challenge organized by the Naga City Investment and Tourism Promotions Office (ITPO) at the CMO Conference Room located in the City Hall Compound last April 25, 2025.
Student groups from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Naga College Foundation, and the University of Nueva Caceres delivered five-minute presentations to demonstrate their creative concepts to a panel of judges. Chaired by ITPO Executive Director Reuel Oliver, the judging panel included members of the Startup Development Committee. After each presentation, a comprehensive Q&A session was conducted to assess the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed initiatives.
After a competitive screening, the winner of the Idea2Startup Pitching Challenge will funding under Digital Innovation Fund .
Launched in 2021, the Idea2Startup Program acts as a core initiative of the Naga City Government as part of its Startup Ecosystem Development Program. It aims to support student-led senior-year or capstone projects with the potential to develop into successful startup ventures.
This year’s 21 teams comprise the fourth batch and come from different colleges. They are:
HARIBON – an innovative disaster response platform that optimizes relief distribution & rescue operations using real-time data, customizable mapping & optimal routing, and AI-driven logistics planning.
Atole, Martin Edgar
Perez, Albert Elezer B.
Vega, Kevin Guadalupe
Natividad, Justin Ira A.
Ateneo de Naga University
CITY VENTURE – a digital tourism platform that centralizes tourism information and services, making travel planning seamless while boosting visibility for local businesses.
Collao, Emmanuel V.
Clores, Rayven
Sanao, Lewis Wayne Q.
University of Nueva Caceres
OKIEDOC+ – an innovative blockchain-enabled telehealth platform that transforms healthcare access and management by providing secure, efficient, and patient-centric digital solutions.
Buena, John Pio Anthony A.
Sarmiento, Katrina M.
Mallapre, Phoebe Anne R.
Ateneo de Naga University
INTERNNOOK – a tech-driven platform that transforms the internship process by connecting academic institutions, companies, and students through AI-powered intern matching and digital contract automation.
Ong, Harvin, G.
Ramos, Ivan, A.
Naga College Foundation
DIGISTALL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – a stall management system that allows the rental stall owners to manage the stalls and stallholders, allows stallholders to pay online for their rent, and allows stall finders to view or apply for available stalls.
Archivido, Giuseppe Marie B.
Dejumo, Voun Irish Florence C.
Laurente, Jeno Aldrei A.
Luansing, Shimri Gabriel C.
University of Nueva Caceres
MARENA-a motorcycle and tricycle ride hailing mobile application designed to offer fast, competitively affordable, and reliable transportation in Naga City.
Guiruela, Selwyn John G.
Cabral, Christian Vincent D.
Ateneo de Naga University
NAGAVRISE – a VR platform that brings Naga City’s rich cultural heritage to life through interactive storytelling and virtual exploration. It aims to immerse students and tourists about the rich culture and history of Naga City.
Jarme, Jamie Marie A.
Castillo, Nicole B.
Ateneo de Naga University
EMISENSE– an IoT-based methane monitoring system for landfills, specifically targeting environmental and safety concerns.
Bathan, Karl Shandrick A.
Enriquez, Paul C.
Ateneo de Naga University
PHARMASSIST – a user-friendly mobile and web application allows users to scan prescriptions or search for medicines directly within the app.
Luntok, Aliyah Patrice P.
Abechuela, Karl Cydil Dwight
Pardinas, Mark Joseph
University of Nueva Caceres
INKAT – a digital platform that connects travelers with authentic local experiences – from secluded beaches to traditional craft workshops – while creating sustainable income opportunities for community guides and small businesses.
Visaya, Kristina
Villan, Hale Berry M.
Barrera, Marsha Faith M.
Magnifico, Pamela Kaye C.
Ateneo de Naga University
VETKITA – a platform that enables seamless booking for veterinary consultations and pet grooming, all in one place. Users can connect to nearby pet service providers, veterinary clinics, grooming shops as well as book appointments, check on their pet’s medical history ,access important pet care services, and avail pet products through one platform.
Penaflor, Gil Jose, F.
Bico, Ma. Louise Arsent, P.
Salen, Gian Roilo, P.
Natividad, Justin Ira, A.
Mien, Ma. Kristine, R.
Ateneo de Naga University
PETCO– Pet Collar with Real-time Tracking and Monitoring System
Bathan, Deoneil Raven N.
Parma, Francel Kaye
Colis, Lawrence
Naga College Foundation
S.T.R.A.Y – Project S.T.R.A.Y. (Support, Treat, Rescue, Adopt, Yield) – an online platform dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray animals by collaborating with veterinary clinics, shelters, and welfare organizations to promote responsible pet adoption.
Ricafort, Rosella Jade, A.
Ojeñar, Lester Liby V.
Jeremiah Martin D. Lirag
Adrian L. Reforsado
Ian Karl S. Esmabe
Ateneo de Naga University
STUDENT CENTRALIZED AUTOMATED PAPER VENDING MACHINE– an automated paper vending machine designed to efficiently dispense formatted engineering papers to students. It utilizes automatic paper feeding technology, similar to printers, to ensure smooth and repetitive dispensing.
Benedick San Gabriel
Augusto Miguel P. Ramos
Adrian Rey D. Santos
Yssa Mae Nivales
Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology
BUILDING & OCCUPANCY PERMIT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – a digital platform designed to streamline the process of building and occupancy permit applications. It enhances transparency, reduces delays, and improves coordination among applicants, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
Lumanta, Julian
Azada, Baby Jacqueline
Umali, John Timothy
University of Nueva Caceres
AIDVANTAGE– Simplifies online assistance applications and equips social workers with tools to manage and process requests efficiently.
Portuguez, Jovel B.
Gonzales, Graham Russell A.
Asoro, John Joseph P.
Paronda, Weneilyn
University of Nueva Caceres
ATLAS – an IoT-enabled weather station that logs and uploads local weather data.
Dagondon, Kyra Radji C.
Ng Suy, Justin Daniel L.
Nieva, Emmanuel C.
Ateneo de Naga University
TETHERX – a concept is a smart tracking bracelet that provides real-time location monitoring and automated entry/exit alerts for loved ones. It integrates GPS, NFC/Bluetooth, and SMS notifications to enhance safety and security in public spaces through partnerships with establishments.
Ricafrente, Nikko N.
Navarrete, John Kirk Y.
Naga College Foundation
LIFELINE ALERT – an AI-driven mobile app that serves as a personal emergency contact, partnering with hospitals, medical centers, and emergency services to provide users with instant access to critical medical assistance and care.
Delos Santos, Catherine Mae C.
Balabis, Charlene Ann R.
Naga College Foundation
IOT-BASED AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM – features a centralized open-access data repository, a mobile app and dashboard for real-time AQI, heatmaps, alerts, and predictive analytics.
Elmer C. Claveria Jr.
Cornelio G. Labrador II
Ateneo de Naga University
DORMEASE – a web and mobile platform designed to simplify dormitory searching, booking, and accreditation. It provides students with verified listings of dorms while helping dorm owners efficiently manage vacancies.
Rivera, Ela Mariz Z.
Dela Torre, Angelea O.
Dy, Isaac Paul C.
Ateneo de Naga University
Written by: Angelica May C. Clarito | Photos: Investment & Tourism Promotions Office
