Elaine Carie A. Andres, News, Communication Management Office
The Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development (OVPRED) through the Technology Business Incubation and Development Office (TBIDO) marked its groundbreaking ideas. It took the stage at the SHE++ Masterclass and Startup Pitching Demo on June 19, 2025, at the Bulwagang Balagtas, NALLRC Building. The event featured aspiring technopreneurs—alums of PUP—alongside mentors and students, highlighting a new era of inclusive innovation in Philippine technology.
Empowering Women and Building Shared Value Assistant to the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, Dr. Angelina E. Borican, delivered a message on behalf of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin.
“This program is more than just a workshop or seminar. It is a call to action, a statement of belief in your capabilities, and an opportunity to reimagine your future in science, technology, and innovation,” she said.
PhilDev Foundation’s Executive Director, Frederick Blancas, emphasized the transformative vision behind SHE++: “Our mission is to inspire and empower Filipinos, especially the youth so that they can actively participate in nation-building through science and technology. We want them to embrace this concept of shared value creation. It’s not just about profit. They can do something good for society and the environment while also ensuring the company’s success. That’s the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. The program gives students practical learning on technology that they would usually just learn in the classroom. Here, they gain knowledge from practitioners—not just theory, but the tools to enhance whatever career path they choose,” she expounded.
Man Behind the Curtain: A Testament to Inclusive Innovation TBIDO Director Engr. Philip P. Ermita underscored the broader impact of the event, stating: “The success of the first-ever SHE++ Pitch and Demo Day stands as a powerful testament to our TBIDO’s unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive innovation. It reflects not only our dedication to providing a platform for underrepresented groups especially women and gender-diverse innovators—but also our strategic intent to cultivate a more equitable and diverse innovation ecosystem. To build this momentum, we are looking forward to forge stronger partnerships and collaboration with other offices in the university to scale its impact.”
He further emphasized the long-term vision for PUP and the legacy of the program: “The legacy of SHE++ will be a resilient and inclusive innovation ecosystem, where Filipina tech leaders are not the exception but the expectation. In PUP, we want future generations to look at Filipino youth, especially Filipina innovators, that they also belong at the forefront of technology and AI. Such an event envisions establishing a resilient and inclusive innovation ecosystem in PUP. This is significant among students of PUP since this will be a pathway among its graduates that PUPian can also be an employer after graduation.”
Student Voices: Discovering Relevance and Confidence For many students, the event was a revelation. Eunice D. Noche, a first-year tourism student, shared: “Dahil yung palang mga innovations na ginawa po ng, from tourism din po, talagang yung Eco-Coco, and yung AvCheck na nakafocus po siya sa tourism. ”
(Because those innovations made, from tourism as well, really Eco-Coco, and AvCheck which focuses on tourism.)
“Nalaman ko po yung mga possible na tulong po, if ever po sa mga startup lang... Yung skills, yung mga kailangan po namin as tourism, na nakakatulong din po sa other parts of life po namin.”
(I learned about the possible assistance, if ever just for startups... The skills, the things we need as tourism, which also help in other parts of our lives.)
Rhealyn Gotuato, also a first-year tourism student, said: “Speaking of technology po, kasi po sa tourism industry, sa tourism sector, ano na rin po, nag-adapt na rin po yung technology. So kahit po magka-like, o parang naano kami, naligaw, ano pa rin po siya, connected pa rin po siya sa may tourism industry. Kasi nga po yung technology hindi lang naman po sa, nakafocus sa isang sector lang. Kasi yung technology po, diba, ginagamit po talaga siya sa lahat.”
(Speaking of technology, because in the tourism industry, in the tourism sector, technology has also adapted. So even if we get lost or something like that, it is still connected to the tourism industry. Because technology is not just focused on one sector. Because technology is used in almost everything.)
“If ever po na mag-start ako ng business, ganun, meron po palang malalapitan, kasi nga po startup nga po yung, yung nagpo-provide po sila ng parang, ng tulong sa mga nagbi-business. Parang as a student, na malaman nyo ng maaga, sobrang beneficial po rin sa akin.”
(If ever I start a business, like that, there are people I can approach, because they are startups, they provide some kind of help to those who are in business. As a student, knowing it beforehand is really beneficial for me.)
AI, Cloud, and Startup Solutions for Filipino Challenges The masterclass, led by Dr. Ferdin Joe Joseph of Alibaba Cloud introduced students to the latest advancements in AI, generative models, and cloud solutions. Advanced technology was accessible through hands-on demonstrations and certification opportunities, and local innovators were given opportunities by Alibaba Cloud’s expanding Philippine presence.
The afternoon pitching session saw student teams present innovative business ideas to a panel of judges from PhilDev, Alibaba Cloud, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Notable pitches included a structured community of companies (Ruvo), direct-to-market rice trading (Anehan), sustainable tourism (Eco-Coco), energy management (ElectrifAI), digital aviation maintenance (AvCheck), instant job matching (Instrabaho), food costing automation (Costify), and business workflow analytics (Cybernest).
Forward and Beyond: A Culture of Collaboration and Impact As the event concluded, organizers and judges celebrated the students’ passion and creativity, urging them to keep learning and innovating. The SHE++ Tech Pitch Fest at PUP stands as a testament to the power of inclusive innovation—where the voices of mentors, leaders, and students are shaping a future that is brighter, more equitable, and deeply rooted in shared value.
(Note: English translation generated from AI.)
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