The Innovators Summit 2026: Design Thinking, Startup Development, and Pitching Challenge – Capiz Leg is underway today in Roxas City, Capiz, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, business leaders, professionals, students, and innovation advocates to explore opportunities for innovation and enterprise development.
A major highlight of Day 1 is the Capiz Fireside Chat co-organized by DOST Innovation Hub (iHub), featuring DOST Western Visayas Regional Director, Engr. Rowen Gelonga, alongside business and innovation ecosystem leaders. Joining him are Mr. Nic Caspe, CEO of HLGYN Clothing Co.; Engr. Fulbert Woo of PCCI Western Visayas; and Prof. French Dampog, IPMO Director at Capiz State University (CAPSU), with Mr. Jose Francisco Gerona, National Director for Business and Entrepreneurship, serving as moderator. The discussion offers participants practical insights on startup realities, market validation, technology, financing, and business growth.
The two-day summit, jointly organized by PCCI Western Visayas and JCI Roxas Makawiwili, in partnership with DOST, DTI, DICT, and local chambers in Capiz, aims to transform market, industry, and community challenges into customer-centered and scalable business concepts.
“If we want our country to progress, invest in science, technology, and innovation (STI) and pursue careers related to STI. If we want to raise the economy of the Philippines, collectively, we should decide to invest in STI,” Engr. Gelonga shared in his message of support.
In support of the investment in STI, Engr. Gelonga further highlighted the DOST Innovation Hubs (iHubs), which serve as collaborative spaces for students, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, “The iHub serves as both a physical and virtual space, providing the support you need during the initial stage of developing your idea. Once your idea has been assessed and developed to a certain point, the iHub can endorse you to a TBI, where they can further help you develop your business plan, connect you with other agencies that can provide the support you need, and introduce you to the market.”
As the Capiz Fireside Chat unfolds, participants gain valuable perspectives from leaders across government, business, and the innovation ecosystem, setting the tone for an engaging day of collaboration, ideation, and building the next generation of innovative ventures in Capiz and Western Visayas. The discussions today set the stage for the afternoon’s Design Thinking activities, where participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine innovative solutions toward the final startup pitching challenge. (MACGregorios/DOST Capiz; Photos by: RDIMS)
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