DOST-7, Stellar PH to boost Central Visayas innovation ecosystem

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology Region 7 (DOST-7) and startup enabler Stellar PH have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at strengthening the innovation and technology ecosystem across Central Visayas.

The agreement centers on the “Accelerator Program by StellarPH – Empowering Cebu Startups,” led by StellarPH Co-Founder Renato Rex Xavier Marzan.

The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs, startups, universities, and industries to co-create solutions that address urgent community and societal challenges.

Under the program, ten early-stage startups from Cebu City and neighboring areas will be selected to undergo a three-phase development process: validating business ideas, building a minimum viable product (MVP), and preparing to engage with potential investors.

Participants will benefit from hands-on training, personalized mentoring, and workshops covering market research, product development, and investor pitching.

“This MOA is about deepening collaboration between Stellar PH and DOST-7. It opens doors for individuals to innovate—not just to solve problems, but to create meaningful impact for their communities,” said Rino Dominic Cabungcal, manager of the DOST Cebu Innovation Hub.

Cabungcal emphasized that the partnership extends beyond funding, offering technical expertise, manpower, and shared resources to ensure that promising innovations are not left “in the cabinet,” but are transformed into real-world solutions.

“This is a chance for universities, industries, and individuals to connect. It’s about breaking the cycle of shelved research and turning it into viable innovations,” he added.

The partnership also supports two key initiatives designed to nurture the local startup community:

•Safe Space Pitch Events – Regular sessions hosted by the DOST Cebu Innovation Hub where students can present ideas, receive feedback from mentors, and engage with the broader innovation network.

•Startup Soft Landing Bootcamp – A bi-annual immersion program that introduces aspiring entrepreneurs to Region 7’s startup ecosystem, connecting them with mentors, resources, and government support.

When asked about DOST-7’s message to young innovators, Cabungcal underscored the importance of mindset shifts: “Fall in love with the problem. We’ve moved past waiting for solutions to arrive. We urge youth and professionals to bring their research closer to the community—to make science, technology, and innovation fun, relevant, and accessible in everyday Filipino life.”

The MOA signing marks a significant step toward making science and technology more inclusive—not just as academic or industry pursuits, but as essential tools for nation-building. — (FREEMAN)