We would like to congratulate the five startup teams from our Idea2Startup partner institutions– Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Naga College Foundation (NCF), and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC). These startup teams have been awarded grants through the city’s Digital Innovation Fund, enabling them to build their prototypes designed to solve community problems.

As a collaborative effort between the city government and the academe, Idea2Startup supports innovation and pushes for technopreneurship, particularly by empowering students to turn their projects into startup ventures. The grantees have successfully completed Bootcamp, Ideation, Pitching Challenge and are now ready to execute their projects.

The following startup teams are:

Team RediSetCode, composed of students from the College of Computer Studies of NCF, secured 20,000 pesos for their startup project on gamified learning management system for computer-related subjects.

Team M.U.T.E, from the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering of BISCAST also received 39,400 pesos for the development of a device that eliminates unwanted noise in large areas using cancellation technology.

In addition, from ADNU, Team STUBU.AI, representing the College of Computer Studies, received 57,801.02 pesos for the development of a personalized learning platform leveraging Large Language Models. Likewise, Team Drain-Aid, from the College of Science, Engineering, and Architecture was awarded 56,000 pesos for a drainage monitoring system designed to revolutionize urban water management practices.

Finally, Team Patabang from UNC’s esteemed College of Engineering and Architecture was granted 53,400 pesos for their platform that aims to connect students to student tutors.

The Investment and Tourism Promotions Office disbursed a Digital Innovation Fund totaling to 226,601.02 pesos, affirming the city’s commitment to nurturing digital innovation. Following the awarding ceremony, an orientation on the Liquidation Guidelines was conducted, providing guidance to the recipients on the proper utilization and processing of their allocated budgets.

(Krizia Francine Coronel, ITPO)