SPRINT-STEP 2 Concludes with Emerging Technology Pitches and Graduation Ceremony

The Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) successfully concluded the Short-term Program for Researchers on Innovation and Technopreneurship (SPRINT)–Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) 2025 through a two-day Demo Day and Graduation Ceremony held at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel on October 14–15, 2025. The event gathered DOST-funded innovators, industry partners, and key leaders in research, commercialization, and startup development.

Day 1 opened with remarks from Engr Benjamin Mirasol, Head of AIPO’s Commercialization and Business Incubation Group, who also delivered a session on Technology Roadmapping — setting the tone for strategic, forward-looking innovation. The morning continued with a FASTRAC Proposal Writeshop led by Mr Steve Maverick Chaves, equipping STEP participants with the competencies needed to craft fundable research commercialization proposals.

The lunch break transitioned into a networking and mixers segment, enabling STEP teams to connect with potential partners and collaborators ahead of their live pitches. In the afternoon, all 12 STEP Groups delivered their pitch deck presentations before invited evaluators, with sessions facilitated by Senior Science Research Specialist of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Engr Edward Paul Apigo. This marked the first public showcase of the teams’ market-driven technology ventures. The pitches were evaluated by the following distinguished panel:

1. Shoraliah M. Macalbe, J.D. - Head, Startup Development - IdeaSpace | QBO

2. Fortunato Dela Pena - Academician - National Academy of Science & Technology

3. Rachel Habana - Supervising Science Research Specialist - DOST PCIEERD

4. Diane Dugan-Eustaquio - Independent Consultant

5. Jacinto Asuncion Jr. - President - JazzyPay Inc. of the ASEAN Fintech Group

6. Mariane Genelou S. Reyes - Chief Investment Specialist - Research and Policy Division, DTI-BOI

The STEP teams received constructive comments and guidance from the panel, providing them with clearer directions for the next steps of their commercialization efforts.

Photo: All 12 STEP 2 teams presenting during the pitching session

Day 2 began with welcome remarks from AIPO Director Dr Proceso “Jon” Fernandez, followed by insights from Dr Emilina R Sarreal of De La Salle University. The event progressed immediately into the official Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the completion of the STEP SPRINT program journey.

A special Retro Highlights segment followed, with STEP teams’ progress report from Engr Mirasol, revisiting the program’s milestones, challenges, and forward trajectory. The program then moved into a Panel Discussion on the FASTRAC Program, moderated by Ms Jannina Castillo of UP SikLab and featuring Dr Sison, Dr Sarreal, and Engr Mirasol — to emphasize the role of science-based entrepreneurship in national innovation.

The concluding remarks were delivered by Ms Russell M Pili, Chief of the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), affirming the government’s commitment to enabling academic technologies to transition into real-world impact. The ceremony ended with a Lunch Fellowship, providing a final avenue for collaboration and future engagement among STEP teams and stakeholders.

Photo: Engr Benjamin Mirasol(AIPO), Ms Russell M. Pili (RITTD) and Dr Jon Fernandez (AIPO) 

giving their speeches during Graduation Ceremony

Photo: Graduation day Photo Opportunity

The STEP 2 Demo Day & Graduation marked the completion of months of intensive innovation work and signaled the readiness of several technology solutions to enter the market, with the potential to address pressing societal needs and support the country’s sustainability and development priorities.

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To know more about the SPRINT-STEP program 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.