Bridging Research and Industry: SPRINT-STEP Kickoff Empowers Future Tech Leaders

The Short-term Program for Researchers on Innovation and Technopreneurship - Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Program (SPRINT-STEP) officially launched its second cycle through a one-day intensive Kickoff Event held at The Loft, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on June 20, 2025. Organized by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) in partnership with DOST-PCIEERD, the event welcomed researchers, startup teams, and innovation champions from across the country.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr Proceso “Jon” Fernandez, Director of AIPO, who emphasized the growing need to bridge the gap between research and industry through spin-offs and market-driven innovation.

Following the opening, keynote speaker Dr Francis Aldrine Uy—founder of USHER Technologies and a leading figure in tech resilience—discussed the importance of spinning off technologies to unlock commercial success.

(Photo: Dr Proceso “Jon” Fernandez, AIPO Director, opening remarks during the STEP 2 Kickoff Event.)

Throughout the morning session, key resource persons from AIPO and John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) delivered foundational talks on entrepreneurship and innovation. Engr. Benjamin N. Mirasol, AIPO’s Head of the Commercialization and Business Incubation Group, led two sessions focused on Technology-Based Entrepreneurship and Time and Resource Management. These were followed by Marketing Basics delivered by Mr. Antonio Jr P Feria from the JGSOM, Ateneo.

The afternoon activities emphasized collaborative learning. A Pathway Ideation Workshop was facilitated by Mr George “GQ” Quitoriano (AIPO’s Resident Entrepreneur), Steve Chaves, RN, MTM (Head of Ideation Support Group), and Mariela Alcaparas, M Sc (Ideation Support). This workshop guided participants through structured brainstorming to define strategic pathways for their respective technologies.

(Photo: Resource speakers Engr Benjie Mirasol, Mr George Quitoriano, Ms Mariela Alcaparas, Mr Steve Chaves, and Mr Tony Feria during the STEP 2 Kickoff Event.)

This was followed by a panel discussion with previous FASTRAC grantees, moderated by Dolf Mirelle Montecillo of DOST-PCIEERD. The session provided current STEP participants with valuable insights into the challenges and milestones of innovation commercialization.

Ms Russell Pili, Chief Technology Transfer Officer of PCIEERD, closed the program by reiterating the importance of continuity and collaboration in research-to-market initiatives.

(Photo: Ms Russell Pili, Chief Technology Transfer Officer of DOST-PCIEERD, delivers the closing message during the STEP 2 Kickoff Event.)

Adding to the engaging atmosphere, interactive booths were installed throughout the venue in an activity titled “The Great STEP Quest: Unlock the Program, One Station at a Time!” These encouraged connection and community-building among participants, while showcasing the four key components of the STEP program:

1. Face-to-Face Events

2. Online Learning Sessions

3. Feedback Sessions

4. Graduation Day

(Photo: Interactive booths “The Great STEP Quest: Unlock the Program, One Station at a Time!”)

Attendees were encouraged to explore these stations and learn more about the holistic approach of the STEP journey. The day concluded with a networking session.

As the SPRINT- STEP moves forward, participants will undergo a structured learning experience designed to equip them with the tools, mentorship, and exposure necessary to transform their technologies into viable ventures.

The SPRINT-STEP project supports AIPO’s vision to nurture sustainable innovations ultimately purposed to serve the needs of the community and society.

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To know more about the SPRINT-STEP and Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, visit: www.aipo.ateneo.edu/sprint-step and www.aipo.ateneo.edu or follow them on social media for the latest updates and announcements via www.fb.com/AteneoIPO or www.linkedin.com/company/AteneoIPO.