Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced a PHP120 million investment to empower student innovators in converting their research into startup enterprises. This initiative targets the agricultural and aquaculture sectors, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mission to create entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for the youth and women.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program will involve 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the nation over two years. Each SUC will receive PHP5 million, with CHED dedicating PHP60 million annually from the Higher Education Development Fund. These institutions already host Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators, part of the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Network under the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted the program's purpose of transforming student innovations into commercially viable enterprises. Many research outputs, she noted, often remain incomplete due to a lack of further development opportunities. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by supporting student projects beyond academic requirements.
Participating SUCs will mentor 10 student innovators each, offering capacity-building activities, facility access, technical and financial aid, and industry connections. The goal is to validate technologies and facilitate partnerships with potential investors. The program anticipates the creation of at least 200 new local enterprises, with startup registrations expected by the end of the two-year period.
Agrupis emphasized the initiative as an investment in the potential of Filipino students to become innovators and entrepreneurs. Luzon's participating SUCs include Benguet State University, Ifugao State University, and Bicol University, among others. In the Visayas, universities such as Capiz State University and the University of the Philippines Visayas are involved. Mindanao's participants include Western Mindanao State University and Caraga State University, among others.
