By Mikee Natinga Norico
Two promising startups incubated under the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (CPUGAD TBI), ArticuLit and PackUp pose for a group photo together with Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa (3rd from R) and Mark Gil D. Peraman (1st from R) of CPUGAD TBI.
On September 5, 2025, two promising startups incubated under the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (CPUGAD TBI) of Central Philippine University (CPU) brought home major honors at the Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit and Visayas Startup Awards 2025 held at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.
Among the 18 finalists across the Visayas, ArticuLit and PackUp stood out as the only two startups representing Western Visayas—cementing CPU’s reputation as a hub for innovation and student-led entrepreneurship.
ArticuLit emerged as the Educational Technology Category Winner with its mobile-first platform that uses AI trained on IELTS standards to enhance literacy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The award was personally received by Basil Jermanos Amso (CEO), John Lloyd Panizales (COO), and Jian Redd Pador, marking a proud moment for the team dedicated to transforming education through technology.
Meanwhile, PackUp was named Tourism and Creative Technology Category Winner and also secured the distinction of being the overall 2nd Runner-Up in the prestigious competition. PackUp’s mission to empower local entrepreneurs by making packaging more accessible and impactful resonated strongly with the judges and stakeholders. The award was received by Mr. Matt Rafael M. Genito, Founder and CEO of PackUp, who presented SuppliiPack by PackUp during the live pitch.
According to Matt Rafael M. Genito, Founder and CEO of PackUp, being part of the Top 3 opened doors to greater opportunities:
“Since PackUp was part of the Top 3, DOST Region VIII set up a booth for us, which paved the way for a meaningful discussion with DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. We talked about sustainable options for MSMEs and highlighted SuppliiPack—a venture we designed to democratize packaging and make it accessible to small entrepreneurs. PackUp is also proud to be the only student-led startup and the only startup from Western Visayas that made it to the Top 3.”
Genito also shared that he represented the team during the live pitching before a distinguished panel composed of Dr. Michael Machica, Chairman of Machica Group; Marilyn Ong Radam, Assistant Regional Director of DOST Region VIII; and Engr. Rain Badua, Science Research Specialist of DOST PCIEERD. During the pitch, ARD Radam expressed intent to adopt PackUp and its services for Eastern Visayas, signaling a promising new chapter for the startup.
Reflecting on the journey, Genito noted the role of Wadhwani’s WEN platform in making the competition more accessible:
“It was a bit easier for us to compete since it was done online. I was in Manila for my internship at Belo Essentials, while my team was in Iloilo City, managing their studies on weekdays and attending mentoring sessions every Saturday. Despite the distance, we worked together as one.”
The PackUp team for the Visayas Startup Awards was composed of Matthew B. Ledesma (BSSE-4), who pitched the team to the finals; Jed Matthew Mamosto (BSSE-4); and Matt Rafael Genito (BSPkgE-4), alongside their mentor Ms. Alexa Chloe Cray Pizon, Faculty of the Packaging Engineering Department.
Genito expressed deep gratitude:
“We thank CPU, CPUGAD TBI, DOST, Wadhwani, and our partners. This victory is proof that with the right support, student-led innovation can truly thrive.”
He also revealed that PackUp is nominated for the Startup of the Year Award (IEET Category) at the Western Visayas Innovative Startup Fest 2025 Innovation Awards, with the awarding ceremony set on September 20, 2025, at Festive Walk Mall.
Both ArticuLit and PackUp shared their gratitude on their official Facebook pages, reflecting on their journeys and acknowledging the role of CPU and CPUGAD TBI in their success. PackUp highlighted the milestone of being the only student-led startup to break into the Top 3, while ArticuLit reaffirmed its mission of providing “learning on the go” for students everywhere.
Aside from these winners, two other CPU CPUGAD TBI startups—NexLock and Baylo Central—were also named finalists under the Tourism and Creative Technology categories, further showcasing the breadth of innovation from CPU.
These achievements underscore the thriving ecosystem fostered at CPU and CPUGAD TBI—where mentors, students, and partners work together to transform bold visions into impactful innovations.
The victories of ArticuLit and PackUp are not just wins for CPU but also for the entire Western Visayas innovation landscape. They stand as proof that with guidance, collaboration, and determination, student-led startups can compete—and win—on a national stage.
At CPU and CPUGAD TBI, every idea is nurtured, every innovation celebrated, and every success story becomes an inspiration for the next wave of changemakers.
For more information and updates, you may visit the following pages:
CPUGAD TBI: facebook.com/cpugadtbi
- PackUp: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572596643010
- ArticuLit: facebook.com/articulit.learn