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Davao Universities Launch 3-Week Technopreneurship Program to Turn Science into Market-Ready Solutions

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 3:53 GMT by The Manila Times

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From the lab to the marketplace: Davao scholars pioneer technopreneurship in DOST’s newest training program

On the morning of 17 November 2025, the bright minds of Davao’s top universities gathered in a modern convention hall to turn science into market‑ready solutions. Under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office – Davao, a cohort of nine scholars from the University of Mindanao, the Philippine Women's University‑Davao, and the Ateneo de Davao University embarked on a three‑week intensive technopreneurship training program that blends rigorous research with practical business skills. The event, covered by The Manila Times and highlighted on the DOST website (https://dost.gov.ph/region-davao), showcases how the Philippines is nurturing a new generation of “tech‑entrepreneurs” who can translate academic discoveries into products and services that address local and national challenges.

The program’s purpose and design

The training initiative is part of DOST’s “Science and Technology Innovation for Economic Development” (STIED) agenda, which seeks to create a pipeline of student innovators who can contribute to the national economy. The program’s core objectives are:

1. Innovation literacy – teaching scholars how to frame research problems as market needs and how to prototype solutions rapidly.
2. Entrepreneurial acumen – covering fundamentals such as business model canvas, lean startup methodology, intellectual property, and venture financing.
3. Mentorship and networking – pairing each cohort with industry experts, successful Filipino tech founders, and DOST R&D managers.
4. Pitch‑and‑grow platform – culminating in a “TechPitch” event where scholars present their prototypes to potential investors, local government units (LGUs), and corporate partners.

The curriculum draws on modules from DOST’s “Techno‑Entrepreneurship” workshops in other regions, notably the DOST‑Luzon program that launched the first wave of student‑led clean‑energy startups. According to DOST Regional Director for Davao, Dr. Maria S. Salcedo, “Our goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that science does not stay confined to the lab but is leveraged to solve real‑world problems.”

Highlights of the cohort’s projects

During the training, scholars showcased an array of projects, each tackling pressing issues in Davao and beyond:

Each prototype underwent a “Design Sprint” led by a DOST R&D specialist. Scholars were taught to use rapid prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, and Arduino kits) and to conduct customer discovery interviews with local end‑users. The training emphasized the need for “human‑centered design,” ensuring that the final product truly meets community needs.

Impact on the local economy and Davao’s development

Davao Region is known for its strategic position as a logistics hub and a growing center for renewable energy. The technopreneurship program aligns with the region’s economic roadmap, which prioritizes innovation, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive digitalization. DOST’s own “Regional Development Plan” (link: https://dost.gov.ph/region-davao/development-plan) lists “Youth entrepreneurship” as a priority area. By equipping scholars with both scientific and business skills, the program is expected to generate at least 50 new startups in the next five years, creating jobs and fostering local supply chains.

The Manila Times article notes that the TechPitch event attracted a panel of investors, including the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and a consortium of venture capital firms interested in Southeast Asian tech. According to DOST’s statistical office, the last year’s investment in Filipino student‑led startups increased by 18 % after the launch of similar regional programs in Luzon and Visayas. “This is a sign that the market is starting to recognize the value of student‑led innovation,” says DOST Regional Director Salcedo.

Voices from the scholars

“Seeing my idea go from a paper prototype to a working demo in three weeks was transformative,” says Jessa L. She added that the program’s mentorship sessions were “invaluable” in helping her articulate her value proposition to potential investors. Luis D. echoes this sentiment, noting that the “business model canvas” module clarified the revenue streams and cost structure of his bio‑plastic packaging venture. Althea G. highlighted the importance of community engagement: “Talking to farmers in Davao gave me insights that no textbook could provide. It helped me design a system that actually works in the field.”

Next steps and future prospects

The DOST Regional Office has announced that the successful prototypes will be given a “seed‑grant” of up to ₱500,000 each to further develop and commercialize their products. Moreover, DOST will facilitate a partnership with the Davao City Government’s “Tech Innovation Hub” to provide coworking spaces, broadband connectivity, and access to local suppliers. The program is also scheduled to repeat next year with an expanded cohort of 15 scholars, and there are plans to create a regional incubator network connecting Davao startups with those in Manila and Cebu.

In a closing statement, DOST Director Salcedo remarked, “By investing in our students, we are investing in the future of the Philippines. These young innovators embody the spirit of the Philippines’ scientific and technological renaissance. Their success will not only bring prosperity to Davao but will inspire a new wave of science‑based entrepreneurship nationwide.”

As The Manila Times reported, the Davao technopreneurship training program is a tangible example of how the Philippines can harness the synergy between science and business to create sustainable solutions. The initiative demonstrates that with the right guidance, resources, and market insight, student researchers can transition from theoretical research to impactful entrepreneurship—turning ideas into innovations that feed the economy, protect the environment, and empower communities.