Where Innovation Is Forged: BPSU conducts the first-ever Bataan Startup Day 2024

History was made on November 29, 2024, as BPSU co-organized the inaugural Bataan Startup Day 2024 at the Bataan Tourism Center Pavilion along with the Provincial Government of Bataan. The event marked a turning point for Bataan's entrepreneurial landscape, drawing honorable government officials, industry leaders, and bright young minds to create, celebrate, and strengthen the province's startup ecosystem.

The day began on a solemn note, with a moment of silence honoring the late Mayor Nelson C. David of Limay. Following this, BPSU President Dr. Ruby B. Santos-Matibag delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the university’s leadership in Region 3’s innovation efforts. She expressed pride in BPSU's proactive role, highlighting its SIKAT-TBI and SINAG-ATBI offices, which empower innovators to turn ideas into impactful solutions. She also lauded the university’s recent academic achievements, such as reaching Top 4 in the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exams and Top 10 in the Agricultural Licensure Exams, solidifying BPSU’s reputation as a leader in both education and innovation.

The event brought together notable figures and partners, including Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia III; Balanga City Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia; Atty. Antonino "Tony" Roman III, Board Member for the Province of Bataan; Mr. Abul Khayr Alonto the 2nd, Department Head of the BPPPIC; Mr. Bryan Joseph A. Banzon, President of PCCI-Bataan and Member of the BPSU Board of Regents; Engr. Steffan Dale Dean G. Martensen, Provincial Head of the DICT; Engr. Robert Enriquez, Multi-Sectoral Governance Coalition President; Ms. Reina D. Elayda, DOST III PSTO Bataan; Mr. Luke Fernandez, Founder of Zapmo.AI; Ms. Marella Jem Castro, RIIC-3 Adviser of THRIVE Central Luzon; Mr. Benjamin Lewis Co, Executive Vice President of JCI Bataan; Ms. Roneth Santos, COB-MISO Head; Ms. Mariel Yraola, from the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan; Ms. Ann Kimberly Bernal-Bantoy, ACLC; Ms. Liezel R. Romero, PWU CDCEC Bataan; Ms. Vee Lozano of Web3 and Engr. Jayven Gozon, Quality Manager and Electronic Engineer from Talino Venture Labs.

Prof. Monica B. Tanchiatco-Hipolito, VP for Research, Extension, and Technology Transfer, thanked the Technology Entrepreneurship and Transfer Office (TETO) team for making the event a reality and promised to strive even bigger and better on the next startup day event. BPSU has already been making headway in the startup scene, as observed by the recent projects, journeys, and partnerships undertaken by her office. Galvanizing the attendees, she expressed her shared vision with the University President and BPSU to one day see Bataan as the center of startups that bring together students, government agencies, and industries to inspire entrepreneurial vision.

Dr. John Ryan “Kokoy” C. Dizon, TETO Director, emphasized his office’s efforts in nurturing startups, announcing BPSU’s inclusion in the Start2 Philippine Startup Ecosystem Map as a major mover in the education sector. He explains that we have to plan, be a community, and be intentional in what we do when it comes to this new ecosystem.

Governor Garcia also shared his personal startup journey with Technistock, mentioning that the startup economy is one of the most important parts of a developing province, and perhaps even a developing country, highlighting the potential of Bataan to become a center for innovation with initiatives like the Bataeño Pass and solar-powered EV charging stations. He assured everyone involved that the road ahead will be a difficult endeavor, but a fulfilling one nonetheless.

Lastly, Engr. Enriquez explained what startups are and why they’re important to the province. He inspired the attendees to imagine startups as catalysts for Bataan’s progress and development, and how such developments begin with our students and the young minds of Bataan.

Following these messages, the attendees were introduced to startup fundamentals by Engr. Karla Mae Tanagon, SINAG-ATBI Project Manager, who explained the Innovative Startup Act of 2019 and the distinction between startups and traditional businesses.

Keynote addresses were also given by Mr. Alonto II, unveiling the 1Bataan SANDBOX Initiative, a hub for startup experimentation, and Atty. Roman III inspired the attendees to adopt a startup mindset to tackle modern challenges, expressing the need to diversify industries, branch away from tradition, and be quick and ready to experiment.

In providing support for digital startups, DICT’s Engr. Martensen announced the newly launched Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP), offering resources and support for budding entrepreneurs, and presenting the government-backed initiatives designed to help startups prosper, such as financial support, venture capital opportunities, and public-private partnerships.

A Fireside Chat, moderated by Engr. Camay Villaruz, TETO Consultant, brought together startup pioneers and local leaders to discuss the future of innovation in Bataan. Panelists included VP of Product for Talino Lab Ventures Mr. Mark Colentava; Co-founder and Chief of Operations and Technical Lead for Board Prep Solutions, Inc. Mr. Toffee Perez; Co-founder of ReGen Ms. Stephanie Rose Basilio; Department Head for the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Mr. Edmer Fabian; Manager for TETO-IPU Engr. Tinao; and Co-founder and Business and Brand Development Head for KloudTech Mr. John Christopher Ilano.

The afternoon breakout sessions delved into trends and challenges in the startup ecosystem, culminating in a pitching competition where creativity took center stage. Nine teams presented innovative ideas, with Team Fishao clinching the top prize of ₱15,000, followed by Team Reblocs and Team Naiad. Honorable mentions went to Team Koios and Team EvoGrade.

The event concluded with a Startup Commitment Ceremony, where officials pledged their support for Bataan’s growing startup community. Closing remarks by Ms. Andrea De Jesus, OIC of the TBI Unit, and Ms. Elayda of DOST reflected optimism for future collaborations. Specialized consultancy services were offered to attendees by JCI Bataan and KloudTech, ensuring that ideas shared during the event would have practical pathways to success.

Overall, Bataan Startup Day 2024 was a huge step forward in building a visible startup ecosystem that is distinctly Bataan, underscoring the province’s mission to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship among its younger generations and rising industries. With key stakeholders united and a clear vision for the future, there is no doubt that Bataan is poised to become a beacon of progress in the overall startup ecosystem of the Philippines. BPSU shares 1Bataan’s vision for our province to become one where ideas turn into impactful solutions, and where collaboration fuels transformation.