Silliman University (SU) proudly hosted the Negros Startup Fest 2025 on October 4, 2025, at Guy Hall. The event drew in more than 130 participants, including students and faculty from various institutions. This collaborative effort involved the Silliman University Technology Business Incubator (SU TBI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Development and Acceleration Support for Innovation Growth (DASIG) Consortium, and the Young Entrepreneurs Society of Silliman (YESS). The primary objective of the fest was to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within Negros and the surrounding regions.
Emphasizing Collaboration and Entrepreneurship
The one-day event emphasized the significance of collaboration in strengthening the regional startup ecosystem. It invited students from diverse disciplines to consider entrepreneurship not only as a career path but also as a means to generate employment, stimulate economic development, and address societal issues.
Participation from Local Institutions
Delegates from St. Paul University Dumaguete, Metro Dumaguete College, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), and City College of Bayawan participated, reflecting a growing interest in entrepreneurial education among local institutions.
Opening Remarks
In her opening remarks, Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, assistant to the President for Institutional Affairs at SU, highlighted the university’s support for innovative projects. She noted the institution’s willingness to provide the necessary space, resources, and partnerships to support emerging businesses, which can positively impact the local community.
Networking and Startup Insights
The festival included networking opportunities and allowed startup incubatees such as Realto and GetFood to share their experiences, illustrating resilience and creativity in business development. Local government representatives also delivered speeches emphasizing their support for startups through various initiatives and policies.
Informative Sessions and Discussions
Attendees participated in informative sessions covering a range of topics, including intellectual property protection, prototyping demonstrations from the SU FabLab, and insights from the DOST’s Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory regarding product testing. A panel discussion featured representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOST, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), who addressed national initiatives aimed at empowering startups.
Role of the DASIG Consortium
The DASIG Consortium outlined its role in linking universities with industry and government resources. Additionally, Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios, dean of the SU College of Business Administration, introduced a new partnership for a co-working space intended to further expand opportunities for startups.
Commitment to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Through the Negros Startup Fest 2025, Silliman University reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to transform their ideas into viable business ventures that could create jobs and enhance community welfare.
Source: Silliman University Press Release
