By Mikee Natinga Norico
The CPUGAD TBI team, startup founders, invited guests, university key stakeholders, and faculty mentors gather for a group photo during the Skybound Year 1 Culminating Activity.
The CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of Ĵý (CPU) marked a significant milestone with its Year 1 Culminating Activity, Skybound, held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on July 15, 2025. With the theme ĴýHonoring Innovation, Uplifting Partnerships, Charting New Heights,Ĵý the event brought together student innovators, faculty researchers, startup founders, and ecosystem partners in a full-day celebration of innovation, collaboration, and future-forward entrepreneurship.
The morning program commenced with an inspiring message from Engr. Gelvie C. Lagos, CPUGAD TBI Project Leader, who emphasized the transformative power of innovation rooted in education and collective action.
ĴýToday marks more than just the beginning of a collaboration. It is not only an exchange of ideas but the start of a cultureĴýone where imagination becomes opportunity, where student curiosity blossoms into business, where classroom discussions spark movements, and where mentors and dreamers work hand in hand for a brighter, more inclusive future. Each startup we support becomes a bridge to possibility, and each one of you here today carries the power to change livesĴýnot someday, but today. So, letĴýs hold tight to this movement. LetĴýs bring it to life not just through words, but through action, compassion, and belief in one another. Because when education meets enterprise, when hearts and minds collaborateĴýthatĴýs when true transformation begins,Ĵý Engr. Lagos said.
PackUp team members gather for a group photo after receiving the prestigious Startup of the Year Award during the CPUGAD TBI Skybound event.
Keynote speaker Mr. Lucrecio D. Delgado, Jr., Regional Director for WE Southeast Asia of the Wadhwani Foundation, highlighted entrepreneurship as a scalable solution to socio-economic challenges and called for universities to build cultures that activate entrepreneurial potential across the Global South.
Startup teams including FeedFrendz, Nexari Technology, OHMies, SolMate, NexLock Technologies, and PlantaPack showcased their ventures during the investor pitching session, followed by the recognition of program completersĴýboth startups and faculty mentors.
Prof. Rae Marie G. Leong-on, MBA, Head of CPUGAD TBIĴýs Financial Management Unit and BS Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, expressed her gratitude and optimism.
ĴýThis is just the beginning. We will not rest, as CPUGAD TBI continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and a catalyst for meaningful linkages that drive real economic prosperity in our region and beyond. We are committed to creating opportunities for our students, faculty, and entrepreneursĴýto help turn their ideas into impactful ventures that solve real-world problems, create jobs, and uplift communities. As we move forward, let us remember: innovation is a journey, not a destination. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, inspire creativity, and drive economic prosperityĴýone idea, one partnership, and one startup at a time,Ĵý she said.
The afternoon program opened with welcome remarks from CPU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, followed by Mr. Mark Gil D. Peraman, General Manager of CPUGAD TBI, who provided the rationale behind Skybound as a celebration of bold ideas taking flight.
Messages of support from key figures such as University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (via Zoom), DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Dir. Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo, DICT VIĴýs Mr. Jimuel E. Española, and PSTO Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Sheila Oberio emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration to nurture innovation.
The second pitching session featured startup incubatees Dappli, Kuray Innovations, ArticuLit, ScanLynx, PackUp, and Baylo Central, who presented their startup journeys, breakthrough solutions, and entrepreneurial growth.
The event also honored mentors and development partners, with a Message of Thanks and Support delivered by notable figures: Dr. Carmelo Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension of ISAT-U and Executive Director of UMWAD; Prof. Sarex D. Dipol, Jr., Director of the CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Center; Mr. Jose Francisco Gerona, Corporate Secretary of PCCI Iloilo; and Mr. Lucrecio Delgado, Jr., Regional Director for Southeast Asia of the Wadhwani Foundation. Each reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating an innovation-driven ecosystem and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.
The awarding ceremony recognized outstanding startups and individuals whose efforts defined the CPUGAD TBIĴýs year of impact:
- Sustainability Excellence Award Ĵý Kuray Innovations
- Platform Excellence Award Ĵý Baylo Central
- EdTech Excellence Award Ĵý ArticuLit
- Emerging Tech Excellence Award Ĵý ScanLynx
- Smart Nutrition Award Ĵý Dappli
- AgriTech Award Ĵý Panudlak Integrated Farm
APEX Awards were also given to Kuray Innovations, PackUp, and Dappli. The prestigious Startup of the Year was awarded to PackUp, while Matt Rafael M. Genito was named Most Promising CEO.
In his final message, Engr. Lagos looked forward to the future with confidence: ĴýCPUGAD-TBI 2.0 will be bolder, greater, and will build bigger companies. Expect a better CPUGAD-TBI in the years ahead.Ĵý
Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Head of the Policy Development Unit, closed the program with a message of vision, as the event ended with dinner and networkingĴýfostering more conversations, collaborations, and commitments to building a thriving startup ecosystem in Western Visayas and beyond.
With Skybound, CPUGAD TBI sets its sights higher for Year 2Ĵýproving that when innovation is nurtured, it doesnĴýt just launch ideas; it propels futures.