USM Invites International Experts to Discuss Language Issues in Education
April 7, 2025
USMart TBI Accelerates Regional Innovation and Technopreneurship Through MATCH 2025
April 9, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) gathered students from several institutions for the Mentoring Aspiring Technopreneurs in a Collaborative Hackathon (MATCH) 2025 on April 3–4, 2025 at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
MATCH 2025 aimed to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship among students from different schools in the Cotabato Province, and also including BARMM. It is expected that they can create innovative and real solutions for community and industry problems.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza and other keynote speakers from various government agencies graced the event.
“Our province stands with you in this journey, ready to support, invest, and collaborate to turn vision into reality.” Said the governor in her speech.
Meanwhile, six colleges from USM took part in the hackathon, to wit, 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 and Mathematics (CSM). In addition, Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Carmen National High School (CNHS), USM Laboratory School (ULS), Southern Christian College (SCC), and USM-Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC) participated in the hackathon.
A total of 27 groups showcased technology innovations and pitched technopreneurial ideas during the second day.
Princess Manamba, a senior high school student from CNHS shared her gratitude for attending the MATCH.
“This is really such a privilege kasi learning about other individuals’ experiences and how they manage their businesses really triggers the fire within us to also be like them and to innovate what we can do to help our community po.” Manamba shared.
The Startup Expo and Pitching Competitions concluded with the announcement of winners, showcasing the creativity and innovation of participating student teams.
In the Startup Expo Competition, Agrimove won in the Logo Category, while Freshbytes secured both the Best Booth and Most Commendable Prototype awards. The Freshbytes team was composed of Ej Faye Dulay, Meliza Gabinete, Kenneth Garfin, Louel John Ines, Kian Naquines, Luis Tolentino, and Yzzah Rapiz. Representing Agrimove were Philip Babagonio, Henry Lee, Angelou Eramis, Jessa Mae Angoy, Russel Buisan, Tommie Tabol, and Errold Batay-an.
In the Pitching Competition, Charcogen, with Richie John Basañez, Joer Tribo, and Maram Mustafa involved, was recognized as Best in Prototype Design.
Meanwhile, AgrowGel earned top honors as Best Pitcher and Most Innovative Idea. Third-year chemistry students namely, Azie Tranquellero, Jacqueyah Tando, and Ariel Duke Castillon comprised the team.
Spearheaded by the USMart Technology Business Incubator (USMart-TBI) led by Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Startup Innovation Consortium to Accelerate Development in SOCCSKSARGEN (SICAD SOX), and the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), MATCH 2025 also provided an opportunity for the entrepreneurs and faculty-researchers to exhibit their technologies and build network and collaboration with potential partners, and technology promotion for possible investment and funding.
Kaye P. Diamante, Rocky S. Mamaril, Badria P. Paidomama, Karla Christine Manansala, and Shanaine Abadejos| USM DevCom Interns
