The first day of the Startup (Transforming Higher Research and Innovation to Vibrant Enterprise) THRIVE Kick-off & Launching Program held at Microsoft Philippines on July 31, 2024 marked an exciting beginning for a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming homegrown academic research into dynamic businesses. Startup THRIVE, a university spin-off program seeks to empower faculty innovators by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to turn their research into successful enterprises.
The program began with an inspiring rationale from Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, Smart City TBI Project Lead, who outlined the significance of the Startup THRIVE initiative in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among academic researchers.
Dr. Orlando F. Balderama, ISU Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, and Training, encouraged the participants with his inspiring opening remarks, telling them to embrace the opportunities ahead and fully leverage the program’s potential for transformative success.
Mr. Matt Rodnie T. Matias of Smart City TBI then introduced the Startup THRIVE framework, highlighting its goals and expected impact. Ms. Dette Leonor, UPSCALE Ignite Program Lead, provided an overview of the innovation ecosystem, helping participants understand the broader landscape of entrepreneurial opportunities and resources available to them.
A key highlight of the event was the “Kwentuhan with Spin-Off Co-Founders” session, moderated by Atty. Charlene Quintos, Smart City TBI Project Assistant. This segment featured engaging discussions with spin-off founders including Engr. Leo Tayo, CEO of CHRG Electric Vehicle Technologies and Ms. Jannina Rose Castillo, UP Siklab Training Lead. The conversations offered invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and benefits of turning academic research into market-ready products.
Dr. Luis Sison, UPSCALE Project Lead, conducted a practical workshop on “Customer Discovery: Testing Your Venture Ideas for Product-Market Fit,” providing attendees with actionable strategies for validating their research results (technology) and aligning them with market needs.
Engr. Neil Christian Reyes from DOST PCIEERD RITTD delivered a compelling presentation on the role of the DOST in supporting regional innovation. His talk focused on the paths to commercialization and the critical support available for startups navigating this complex process.
The technological aspect of the event was highlighted by presentations from Mr. Tim Vergel de Dion and Mr. Dino Flores, Sr. Account Technology Strategists at Microsoft Philippines. Their sessions on Microsoft Copilot showcased how cutting-edge tools can enhance productivity and innovation for startups.
Startup THRIVE Kick-off & Launching Program has set a strong foundation for the participants. With a blend of expert insights, practical workshops, industry exposure, and collaborative discussions, the program empowered the participants, encouraging them to go for extra mile, turning their innovative research into successful enterprises.
