On March 23, 2026, the ASOG Technology Business Incubator (TBI)—the innovation hub of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC)—formally inaugurated its Incubation Center at the CSPC Auditorium.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the facility operates under the banner program: Engineering and AI-Based Solutions for Food Value and Chain Management. Emphasizing the centerʼs collaborative mandate, Dr. Challiz D. Omorog, Professor VI and Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration, stated that “the ASOG TBI aims to foster business development and technology transfer opportunities among the academe, industry, society, and the government, thereby a new hub strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Bicol Region.ˮ
Following this outlining of the centerʼs vision, Dr. Amado A. Oliva, Jr., SUC President III, officially welcomed the attending stakeholders. In his message, Dr. Oliva reaffirmed CSPC’s institutional support for the facility and its commitment to driving regional innovation through academic and industry partnerships.
Utilizing a startup incubatee approach, the ASOG TBI is designed to provide startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the necessary resources, mentorship, and support. The primary objective is to assist these partners in developing technological solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability within the local food and agriculture sectors.
In his keynote address, Engr. Edward Paul Apigo, Senior Technology Transfer Officer and Program Manager at DOST-PCIEERD, discussed the strategic role of TBIs and academic institutions. He highlighted the “university effect,ˮ explaining that universities serve as critical starting points for the startup industry by functioning as talent incubators, technology transfer hubs, and networking centers. Leveraging specialized curricula, coworking spaces, and faculty research can significantly boost student-led startups and high-tech spin-offs, ultimately driving regional economic development and job creation.
The inauguration concluded with a Pledge of Commitment from attending stakeholders, affirming a shared, cross-sector effort to support innovation and entrepreneurship. Representatives present included national agencies such as the DOST and DTI; 5th District LGUs and MGUs; LGU Naga through the Investment and Tourism Promotions Office (ITPO); and various TBIs from across the region.
In conjunction with the physical launch, the ASOG TBI also announced its official website: asogtbi.com. The site serves as a centralized information hub detailing available programs and services, and features a dedicated registration portal for potential incubatees seeking support.
Written by: Xavier C. Ignacio | ITPO
