By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU’s Team Ridesafe shows their cash award received during the DTI Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition.

At the highlights of the Department of Trade and Industry Region VI’s Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition (Online Slingshot OSR6), CPU’s Team Ridesafe, with other startup teams were given special awards at the District 21 Hotel, Iloilo City on September 9, 2023. The group of students from Central Philippine University won the Best in Pitch Special Award.

The aim of the Centralian RideSafe Team in particular, is to provide a comprehensive solution to address both the issues of helmet usage and alcohol impairment among motorcyclists. The device is powered by solar energy and features a push-button switch that is linked to the ignition system of the motorcycle. It also includes an MQ-3 alcohol sensor to detect the driver’s alcohol level. If the alcohol level exceeds a certain threshold, the device will prevent the motorcycle from being turned on.

Members of the Centralian Team Ridesafe are Rafael III Prudente, BSSE-3; Jerome Cabugwason, BSSE-3; Hans Daduya, BSSE-4; and Sam David Andrada, a recent graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Business Management – Cum Laude.

The significant technology and innovation program of DTI Region 6 started as a collaborative initiative of Mr. Jonathan D. De Luzuriaga, CEO of Spring Valley Tech Corp. and President of the Philippine Software Industry Association, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. It aimed to foster mentorships, networking, and B2B matching opportunities for startups from Region 6.