By CPUGAD TBI
Central Philippine University and CPUGAD TBI join the TECHNEST Aklan launch and formalize a co-incubation partnership through the signing of an MOU on December 22, 2025, at ASU Kalibo Campus.
In a significant move to fortify the startup landscape of Western Visayas, Central Philippine University (CPU) and CPUGAD TBI officially joined forces with Aklan State University (ASU) for the grand launching of TECHNEST AKLAN on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The event, held at the ASU Kalibo Campus, served as a powerful testament to the growing spirit of collaboration among academic institutions in the region. Representing CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa (Acting VP for Research, Development, and Extension) led a dedicated delegation from CPUGAD TBI to witness the birth of this new innovation hub.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), cementing a co-incubation arrangement between CPUGAD TBI and TECHNEST Aklan. This partnership is designed to dissolve geographical barriers, allowing startups from both Iloilo and Aklan to tap into a unified network of:
- Expert Mentorship: Access to industry veterans and academic researchers.
- Technical Facilities: Shared use of ICT labs and prototyping tools.
- Market Links: Direct pathways to investors and commercial partners.
During the ceremony, attendees were welcomed by ASU Kalibo Campus Director Dr. Angeline R. Regalado. Keynote messages were delivered by Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Regional Director of DOST VI, and ASU President Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin, both of whom emphasized the critical role of TBIs in bridging the gap between classroom research and real-world commercialization.
The collaboration is more than just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to building a “nest” for technology-driven enterprises. By pooling resource persons and experts, CPUGAD TBI and TECHNEST are creating a seamless support system. This ensures that early-stage digital startups are not just surviving but are becoming viable, scalable, and competitive in the national market.
Moving forward, the two institutions will engage in:
- Shared Capacity Building: Joint workshops and training for founders.
- Technology Transfer: Streamlining the process of moving intellectual property to the market.
- Cross-Promotion: Widening the reach of entrepreneurial programs across the region.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional ribbon-cutting and blessing, followed by the signing of a “Commitment as Partners,” officially opening the doors of TECHNEST Aklan to the next generation of Aklanon innovators.
As the ribbon was cut and the new facility was blessed, it was impossible not to look back at the journey that brought CPUGAD TBI to this moment. This launch felt like a full-circle evolution from the very first event CPUGAD TBI ever participated in.
In those early days, the team—led by Engr. Gelvie Lagos and Mark Gil Peraman—entered the scene as learners within the startup ecosystem, seeking to understand how a university could best serve its student-innovators. Back then, the focus was on establishing a presence within Iloilo. Seeing the team now—standing alongside Renjo Debil and Eldance Gale Pamposa as established leaders helping to launch another university’s incubator—highlights how far the mission has come.
From those first humble networking mixers to today’s strategic regional partnership, CPUGAD TBI has evolved from a local project into a regional powerhouse. This collaboration with TECHNEST Aklan isn’t just a new chapter; it is the realization of a long-held dream to see the entire Western Visayas region become a unified hub for digital transformation.
Congratulations to the TECHNEST TBI team on a successful launch! Together, we are building a future driven by technology and entrepreneurship.