USMart TBI Accelerates Regional Innovation and Technopreneurship Through MATCH 2025

Kabacan, Cotabato — In a bold move to foster innovation and empower the next generation of technopreneurs, the USMart Technology Business Incubator (TBI), in collaboration with Startup Innovation Consortium to Accelerate Development in SOCCSKSARGEN (SICAD-SOX), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region XII, the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), University Information and Communications Technology Office, The Mindanao Tech, and the Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (JIECEP) – USM Chapter, successfully launched MATCH 2025: Mentoring Aspiring Technopreneurs in a Collaborative Hackathon—a two-day innovation-driven event held on April 3–4, 2025, at the Commercial Building, University of Southern Mindanao (USM).

MATCH 2025 served as a flagship program designed to support young innovators, early-stage startup teams, and aspiring technopreneurs through a collaborative, hands-on hackathon focusing on ICT Solutions Inclusive of the Agri-food Value Chain. It aims to bridge the gap between raw ideas and market-ready innovations by guiding participants through key phases of the startup journey—ideation, validation, prototyping, and pitching. All participants received guidance and mentorship from industry experts, successful startup alumni, and domain specialists, nurturing an ecosystem of collaboration and creativity.

Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, Project Leader of USMart TBI, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “This initiative is inclusive, empowering startups to grow, increase their income, and create employment opportunities for the community. Together, we can create an impact and shape a thriving innovation landscape.”

The event gathered students and faculty innovators from a wide array of academic and community institutions, including: University of Southern Mindanao, represented by its various colleges—College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), College of Business, Development, and Economics Management (CBDEM), College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), College of Trades and Industries  (CTI), College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS), and College of Science, Mathematics (CSM), and USM Laboratory School (ULS). In addition, Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Carmen National High School (CNHS),  the University of Southern Mindanao – Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC); Mindanao State University (MSU) – Maguindanao; Carmen National High School; Southern Christian College; and Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology. It also gathered community technopreneurs and researchers from various institutions in Region XII Cotabato Province and BARMM, who had previously engaged in the USMart TBI on Wheels: Awareness Program, Ecosystem Mapping, and Roadshow.

Each team brought unique perspectives and solutions to the table, demonstrating how local talents can address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges through technology.

Also in attendance at the event were Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza; Atty. Rendel C. Mangliwan, LGU Kabacan Representative; Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, Regional Director of DOST XII; Engr. Guilbert D. Simene, DICT Chief of the Technical Operations Division; Mr. Ferdinand C. Cabiles, Provincial Director of DTI Cotabato Province; Mr. Romel Patrick E. Tanghal, Assistant Regional Director of NEDA XII; Mr. Richard Day, President of UPGRADE Innolab, Inc.; Dr. Gina T. Daypuyart, Manager at EHSS Dole Stanfilco; Mr. Clint Junsay, VP for Marketing and Communications of EULAP; Mr. Christopher G. Francisco, CEO of NASYA Business Consultancy; Ms. Keren Happuch Lacadin, Project Lead of IIDB DICT Region X; Engr. Hannah Parcon, Project Lead of IIDB DICT Region XII, Dr. Franch Maverick Lorilla, Manager of CDO Bites; and Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, USM Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension.

In a keynote address, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza emphasized the urgency of innovation in agriculture, stating that traditional farming alone could no longer sustain the growing population or address climate change. She called on the youth to embrace technology and help make farming smarter, more productive, and environmentally sustainable. “That’s where young innovators come in,” she emphasized.

On the other hand, Engr. Malawan spoke on the role of science and technology in development, saying, “Our goal is simple: to provide solutions and open opportunities to people through science, technology, and innovation, especially in the regions and provinces.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Verzosa encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity. “I urge you to think bigger. Success is not measured by a trophy or certificate; true success is measured by how far you take your idea, how well you develop it, and how much impact it creates. That is the challenge for you, and your success will serve as the inspiration that others need,” she remarked.

USMart TBI reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a vibrant startup culture within universities and communities. The program highlights the importance of mentorship, strategic collaboration, and institutional support in transforming ideas into sustainable ventures.

With the success of MATCH 2025, USMart TBI continues to drive forward its vision: to make innovation and technopreneurship more accessible, inclusive, and impactful across the University of Southern Mindanao and beyond.