Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in partnership with Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access And Growth (SILLAG) Region 1 held the Startup Summit and Hackathon: La Union Leg at DMMMSU – North La Union Campus (NLUC) International Convention Center, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union on May 29-30, 2024.
Students and professionals from different institutions including colleges, universities, startups, and MSMEs in the province of La Union convened for meaningful collaborations and consultations on tech and startups in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
On the first day, participants gained substantial understanding about the following topics: Startup 101 by Mr. Edmundo P. Casulla, President, United Pangasinan (UP) ICT Council; Design Thinking by Mr. Tzar T. Umang, Tech Lead, Makerspace Innovhub OPC; and Customer Journey Mapping by Mr. Nestor Feland B. Panopio, SILLAG Innovation Committee Head, VP Dagupan City UPICT.
During breakout sessions, participants worked in groups together with their mentors for the startup ideation focusing on problem and solution on the first day, and validation and business plan on the second day. As the ultimate output of the breakout sessions, CEOs of the different groups led in the startup pitching with subsequent question and answer segments to further help them turn the ideas into reality.
The top two startups from the three categories conducted another round of pitch at the main assembly to narrow down the selection for the finalists. Teams Herita.go and BantAI secured the spot to represent the province of La Union in the regional leg of the SILLAG Summit and Hackathon.
Aside from the concurrent sessions, participants witnessed exhibits showcasing the latest advancements and pioneering technologies across various industries, providing attendees with valuable insights and opportunities for networking from the Department of Science and Technology – Mariano Marcos State University (DOST-MMSU) Bannuar Technology Business Incubator (TBI), DMMMSU Agri-aqua TBI, Aeonsprint Solution, and Converge.
Through partnerships in sponsoring similar pioneer initiatives in La Union, DMMMSU is set to foster tech innovations as it aligns with the greater roadmap.
(by Gloeduard G. Milanes)
