Five (5) innovative projects emerged as top winners among 36 entries at the Provincial Startup Convention 2026, dubbed “MINDoro Spark: From Ideas to Impact,” held on October 15–16, 2026, bringing together student innovators and startup entrepreneurs to showcase solutions with potential for further development and commercialization.
Team CURE emerged as champion and received the Best Innovation and Best Presentation awards. MinSU NDO secured first runner-up and the Best Sustainability Impact award, while Elias Fish Pot placed second runner-up.
Mama Nita’s Chewy Banana Nut Bars and MIFACO finished third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
The top three teams received cash prizes of ₱15,000, ₱10,000, and ₱5,000, respectively.
During the two-day convention, participants presented their innovations before a panel of experts in entrepreneurship, technology development, and commercialization, who evaluated the entries and provided feedback on their potential applications and market viability.
Beyond the competition, the convention introduced participants to possible incubation opportunities through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Innovation Hubs' MIND SPARK Batch 1 and Mindoro State University’s (MinSU) i-BIBES Pag-Ukob Program Cohort 3.
Ms. Rachel B. Montero, Senior Science Specialist of DOST-Oriental Mindoro, discussed the application and screening process for MIND SPARK Batch 1, while Engr. Randy A. Joco, MinSU Director for Innovation and i-BIBES Leader, presented the requirements and procedures for Pag-Ukob Cohort 3.
The programs are designed to support selected innovators through mentorship, capability-building activities, industry linkages, and startup development assistance.
Organizers clarified that recognition during the convention does not automatically guarantee admission to the incubation programs. Participating teams were advised to await official email notifications from DOST-Oriental Mindoro and MinSU i-BIBES, as selection remains subject to further evaluation and screening.
The convention was jointly organized by DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)-Oriental Mindoro and MinSU through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, Technology and Extension (RITE), the Office of Innovation, and MinSU i-BIBES.
The initiative forms part of continuing efforts to strengthen the local startup ecosystem by connecting emerging innovators with technical assistance, institutional support, and opportunities to develop their ideas into viable products and enterprises. (jdtdc)
Photo courtesy | MinSU i-BIBES
#SDG8 #SDG9 #SDG17
302 Staff
10531 Students
9 Colleges
3 Years
