Dedicated to nurturing the seeds of innovation and promoting entrepreneurial culture in Region VI, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) was officially launched on February 12, 2025 at the Ground Floor, Engineering Building at Central Philippine University (CPU). CPUGAD is derived from CPU and a Hiligaynon word “pugad” which refers to “nest”; thus represents a supportive space where startups and innovators are empowered to expand and make their innovations a reality.
Through the instrumental support of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)’s Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Program which intends to prepare select universities committed to establishing a TBI to cater to the needs of the students, faculty members, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in terms of guidance in their pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and market-ready solutions, the CPUGAD is empowered to turn our vision of cultivating a generation of innovation-driven startups into reality.
In her keynote message, Ms. Russel M. Pili, head of the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD) of DOST-PCIEERD, emphasized the role of universities in economic growth, highlighting their contributions to innovation, workforce development, and knowledge transfer, and the TBI as the center of an enabling ecosystem.
On behalf of Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, the Regional Director of DOST Regional Office VI, Engr. Sheila L. Oberio, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST-Iloilo, also delivered a message underscoring that synergistic collaboration between the government, industry and universities drive economic development and quoted, “The most valuable support we can offer startups goes beyond funding—it includes guidance, mentorship, and a shared vision for a sustainable and impactful future. Central Philippine University is now at the heart of this transformation, and CPUGAD TBI is the perfect platform to drive this agenda forward.”
Congratulations to Central Philippine University and the CPUGAD TBI team for answering the call to establish more facilities to plan, execute, build, and help catalyze startup communities in the region. With its banner program focused on integrating sustainable and creative ICT solutions for the food industry, the DOST-CPUGAD TBI is poised to transform this sector, making it more resilient, innovative, and responsive to our communities’ needs. (RJDArcillas/IloiloPSTO)