Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat – December 9, 2024 – The iQUEST Series 4: Technopreneurship and Innovation was successfully held at the SKSU ACCESS Campus, Tacurong City, on December 9, 2024, bringing together students, faculty, and technopreneurs from various educational institutions in Tacurong City. The event served as a platform to ignite innovative ideas and empower future leaders in the fields of entrepreneurship and technology.
The opening remarks were delivered by Kristine Mae H. Ampas, who emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The event attended by the students and faculty members from Senior High Schools and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tacurong City to wit SKSU Laboratory High School, Tacurong National High School, Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology (SMIT), VMC Asian College Foundation, and Notre Dame of Tacurong College.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in TechTalks, Capacity Building Workshops, Ideation Activities, and Quick Pitching Sessions, all aimed at nurturing creativity, fostering entrepreneurial skills, and encouraging the development of new technologies. The interactive sessions allowed participants to showcase their ideas, develop skills, and network with industry professionals, preparing them to become the next generation of technopreneurs.
The STEP APP TBI’s Project Leader, Dr. Sheila M. Bayquin, presented the TBI’s Incubation Program, outlining how the university is supporting aspiring innovators. Additionally, Mr. Kautin Mamalo III from the Department of Information, Communication and Technology (DICT) led a session on Ideation and Design Thinking, further encouraging creative problem-solving and innovative approaches.
A key highlight of the event was the presence and unwavering support of Dr. Samson L. Molao, President of Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU). Dr. Molao’s leadership and dedication to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in the region were key to the event’s success. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds, especially in the fields of technology and business, to ensure sustainable growth and development in Sultan Kudarat and beyond.
“I am proud of our students and partners in this region who continue to innovate and embrace entrepreneurship. This event represents our collective efforts to build a strong foundation for future technopreneurs who will contribute significantly to our local and national economy. However, we must also remember that while technology is a powerful tool, we must control its use. We should not become slaves to technology, but instead, we should leverage it to enhance our lives and create opportunities for growth,” Dr. Molao stated.
The event also underscored the commitment of the STEP APP TBI (Sultan Kudarat State University Technology Business Incubator) in fostering an environment that supports startups and innovation. Through initiatives like the iQUEST Series, STEP APP TBI continues to provide students and local technopreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
In a statement, Reynald B. Alpajando, Manager of STEP APP TBI, expressed his gratitude to all participants, speakers, and collaborators who made the event a resounding success. “Together, we are paving the way for a future where innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of progress. We look forward to more opportunities to support and guide our future technopreneurs,” Alpajando shared.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of excitement and inspiration as participants left with new skills, insights, and connections that will empower them to make their mark on the world of technology and business. In his closing remarks Dr. Vincent Louie D. Cabelin, highlighted the ongoing support from the students and faculty in the continuous development of the startup ecosystem in Sultan Kudarat Province and the entire of Region XII. STEP APP TBI remains committed to organizing more events and initiatives that foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in Sultan Kudarat and beyond.
For more updates and information about future events, follow STEP APP TBI on social media.
By: Reynald B. Alpajando, MBA
