The DOST-NEUST Technology and Business Incubator (TBI) and Innovation Management Office (IMO) hosted the 3rd Teknovation Expo 2025 at Nieto Hall, Sumacab Campus, on March 24-25.

With the themes “Innovate, Integrate, Elevate” and “Supporting Startup Success Through Local Governance,” the expo gathered key officials, students, faculty, and staff from various NEUST campuses and institutions, including the College of the Immaculate Conception, Wesleyan University-Philippines, Gen. De Jesus College, and PHINMA Araullo University.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET), highlighted the event as a platform for knowledge exchange and partnership-building.

“This expo serves as a dynamic platform for visionaries and entrepreneurs to exchange insights and forge strategic partnerships that will shape a new era. We are not just witnessing the future; we are building it,” she said.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo encouraged all attendees to embrace creativity and collaboration.

“Teknovation is not just an expo; it is a platform for breakthroughs, a celebration of ingenuity, and a launchpad for ideas that can transform lives and communities,” said Dr. Jugo.

The talks began with Dr. Julius Cesar Sicat, Regional Director of DOST Region III, who shared insights on advancing regional innovation through the DOST Harmonized R&D Agenda and Strategic Initiatives.

Following this, Dr. Lucrecio Delgado Jr., Regional Director of the Wadhwani Foundation, gave a talk on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting an initiative for the future, saying, “Teachers, we need to increase the capacity of our students, and we must guide them to reach their full potential. You never know—the next John Gokongwei, Henry Sy, or Steve Jobs could be sitting at the back of your classroom.”

Mr. Alfee Rei Galapon, the Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist from DTI, wrapped up the series of talks with a presentation on how empowering startups and MSMEs could help communities.

Several competitions took place during the event, where the Graduate School won first place in the Booth Competition, followed by the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in second place and the College of Architecture in third; the Poster Competition awarded first place to “Eco Vendo” from the College of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), second place to “Treasure Bin” from San Isidro Campus, and third place to “Kid Ready” from Atate Campus; and the Pitching Competition recognized “BizT” by Dr. Kim Edward Santos from Atate Campus as the champion, “Cassava Wash” from San Isidro Campus in second place, and “Make Eco Vendo” from the College of Engineering in third place.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on the startup ecosystem, featuring industry professionals and entrepreneurs Engr. Lance Arojado, Engr. Steffan Dale Dean Martensen, Matt Rodie Matias, Engr. Aiyana Giron, Engr. Josep Amiel Camingal, and Grace Olea.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Edgelly Vitug, Head of the IMO, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the expo in research and business endeavors.

“This event is just the beginning. Sana ma-apply natin lahat ng natutunan, whether sa research, business, o success stories. As we continue to innovate, integrate, and elevate, sana lahat tayo ay sumakses!,” said Dr. Vitug.

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