By Cpugad TBI

Cpugad TBI team with CPU administrators during the final proposal presentation to the DOST-PCIEERD technical panel via Zoom on April 2024.

CPU, through its president, Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, signed a memorandum of agreement with DOST-PICIEERD for a two-year project to set up a university-based technology business incubator (TBI). The grant, amounting to Php 14M, is aimed at providing CPU faculty, staff, and students and Ilonggo MSMEs with an opportunity to develop their start up ideas into becoming full-blown business entities.

Named Cpugad, the university’s TBI will begin its operations this coming academic year 2024-2025 with the mandate of incubating business ideas in line with the university’s goal of becoming an entrepreneurial university. Cpugad TBI’s banner program is ICT for Sustainable and Creative Food Industry, in consonance with Iloilo City having been declared as UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy.

Cpugad TBI Team with DOST VI Regional S&T Operations Head, Ms. Keithlyn Sarah B. Bernardino (second from left).

Furthermore, this project aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Western Visayas by providing incubatees with relevant training and monitoring activities, co-working spaces, and access to CPU’s facilities and harmonize the agenda of DOST-PCIEERD in reaching out to more stakeholders whose emphasis is on business incubation and technology innovation. By doing so, Cpugad TBI’s activities will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDGs 1 (No poverty); 2 (Zero hunger); 11 (Sustainable cities and communities); and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

The Cpugad TBI team is composed of faculty members from different units in the university – Engr. Gelvie Lagos (Engineering) as Team Leader and team members, Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa (CARES), Engr. Yeseil Sacramento (Engineering), Prof. Sharlene Gotico (Arts and Sciences), and Prof Rae Marie Leong-on (CBA). They are joined by Prof. Renjo Debil as resident entrepreneur.

Cpugad TBI will hold office at the ground floor of the Engineering Building.