By CPUGAD TBI
CPU students bagged multiple awards at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) 2025 Iloilo Forum, showcasing groundbreaking innovations in biotechnology, agriculture, sustainable design, and entrepreneurship.
Central Philippine University (CPU) students once again proved their ingenuity and innovation on the national stage as they earned multiple distinctions at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) 2025 Iloilo Forum last September 12, at Iloilo Science and Technology University, organized by Leave a Nest.
From biotechnology to agriculture and sustainable design, Centralian innovators stood out across various competitions, showcasing the university’s commitment to research, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
At the Ignition Session, Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio, CEO of Kuray Innovations and a DOST-CPU CPUGAD TBI startup founder, together with her teammates Raine Christine B. Perez and Ian Clyde Tejada, received the prestigious Leave a Nest Ignition Award for PhycoCount by AlgaVision, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing algae monitoring by making it smarter, faster, and more reliable.
In the Poster Presentation, Maverick Rico of HEX Technology, a DOST-CPU CPUGAD TBI spin-off, impressed the judges with GROWT (Greenhouse Remote Optimization with Wireless Technologies), an IoT-powered platform that transforms traditional greenhouses into smart, automated, and sustainable systems. He was recognized with the Leave a Nest Poster Award, affirming the role of CPU-led innovations in advancing smart agriculture and food security.
The Research Splash competition also highlighted Centralian creativity, with Dominique Villoga of PharmaPack by PackUp winning the Leave a Nest Research Splash Award for his presentation on sustainable pharmaceutical packaging solutions.
CPU’s excellence was further recognized through Carl Alexander Macias of the College of Engineering, who received the Leave a Nest Poster Award for his study titled “Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Peel Extract Edible Coating for Prolonging Carabao Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Postharvest Life.” This innovative research addresses significant postharvest losses by using banana peel extract as an edible coating to extend the shelf life of mangoes, promoting sustainability and creating real-world benefits for farmers and consumers.
Meanwhile, CPU also celebrated the victory of Taste Iloilo, a student team from the College of Business and Accountancy, which won both the CPUGAD TBI Award and the RenDewTech Award at the Ignition Session. Their solution aligned with the theme “Sustainable Gastronomy: Technology for Food, Culture, and Tourism in Western Visayas,” earning them one year of free incubation support, a ₱5,000 cash prize, and partnership opportunities.
These recognitions highlight not only the creativity and skill of Centralian students but also the supportive ecosystem built by the DOST-CPU CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and CPU’s strong academic community. Together, they continue to nurture ideas that transform into impactful innovations, empowering young innovators to address pressing challenges in society.
CPU takes pride in these outstanding achievements, a testament to its mission of producing globally competitive graduates and innovators who make a difference in their fields.