SU empowers young innovators through Negros Startup Fest 2025

Silliman University (SU) brought together over 130 students and faculty for the Negros Startup Fest 2025 held on October 4, 2025, at Guy Hall, driving innovation and entrepreneurship across Negros and neighboring islands.

The one-day regional event, organized by the Silliman University Technology Business Incubator (SU TBI) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Development and Acceleration Support for Innovation Growth (DASIG) Consortium, and the Young Entrepreneurs Society of Silliman (YESS), spotlighted the power of collaboration in strengthening the region’s startup ecosystem.

Participants from various colleges and universities, including Silliman University, St. Paul University Dumaguete, Metro Dumaguete College, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), and the farthest, City College of Bayawan, pose for a group photo.

It also aimed to invite students from all fields to consider entrepreneurship not only as a career path but also as a way to create jobs, drive economic growth, and respond to the needs of society.

Students and faculty from SU joined delegates from St. Paul University Dumaguete, Metro Dumaguete College, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), and City College of Bayawan, the farthest participating school, signaling a growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurial learning in local higher education institutions.

In her opening message, Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, SU assistant to the President for Institutional Affairs, emphasized the University’s role in fostering innovation.

“We are happy to offer our space, our people, and our partnerships to nurture those who are just starting up,” she said.

“That is our contribution not only to our students but to fellow institutions and the wider community.”

A sofa session with Shawn Kemp Ramirez, DTI – Negosyo Center Trade and Industry Analyst, DTI Negros Oriental; Ramil Jeff Taboso, DICT NIR regional director; Dr. Naomi Cosette Luis, OIC-ARD for the Finance and Admin Division of DOST NIR, moderated by Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove, Foundation University College of Arts and Sciences dean.

SU TBI Manager Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette M. Forster framed the gathering as more than an event.

“This is an invitation to explore and connect with mentors and agencies, to discover what is possible, and to turn your ideas into impact,” she noted.

Startup incubatees Realto and GetFood shared their entrepreneurial journeys marked by resilience and creativity. Hon. Mark Fidencio Aurelia, Chair of the Philippine Councilors League and Bayawan City’s top councilor, affirmed local government support through enabling ordinances and programs for startups.

(L-R) Joel Legaspi, DOST provincial director; Hon. Mark Fidencio Aurelia, Region VII Chairman of the Philippine Councilors League/Newly Elected National Chairman of the Philippine Councilors League/Bayawan City councilor; Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette M. Forster, SU TBI and Fablab Manager; and Dr. Naomi Cossette Luis, OIC-ARD for the Finance and Admin Division of DOST NIR, share a candid moment.

Key sessions featured Engr. Klint Ian V. Austero of the SU Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO) on intellectual property protection, demonstrations from the SU FabLab on prototyping, and presentations by DOST Region VII’s Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory on product testing and analysis. Representatives from DTI, DOST, and DICT also joined a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove, Foundation University’s College of Arts and Sciences dean, highlighting national initiatives that empower startups.

The DASIG Consortium, represented by Ralph Laviste of CIT University, shared its role in linking universities, industry, and government, while Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios, SU College of Business Administration dean, announced an upcoming co-working space partnership between her college and SU TBI to further expand startup opportunities.

The event organizers pose during the event. Present were Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios, CBA dean; Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette M. Forster, SU TBI and Fablab manager; and the Young Entrepreneurs Society of Silliman (YESS).

Silliman University, through the Negros Startup Fest 2025, strengthened its role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging students to develop their ideas into real business ventures that generate jobs, support local economies, and benefit communities.