UMaseno Hub officially inaugurated, becoming 6th school-based TBI in Mindanao
The University of Mindanao officially unveiled the doors of its new project in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its thrust towards developing sustainable business ideas that contribute to society’s betterment.
Dubbed UMasenso (UM as Environmental Solutions) Hub, it is among the 20 projects selected by the DOST under its Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship Program which is mandated to support aspiring ‘tech entrepreneurs’ through training, mentorship, and innovation programs that can develop their business ideas in the fields of Agriculture, Disaster and Risk Reduction Management, Tourism, Transportation, and Environmental Sustainability.
In the university, it is managed by the Research and Publication Center (RPC) and is located at UM’s Research Hangar in the expansive Matina campus.
UMasenso Hub joins the five other school-based technology and business incubator (TBI) hubs in Mindanao, and the 43 other TBI hubs in the country in aiding aspiring entrepreneurs develop their business ideas that are not just profit-oriented, but socially conscious as well.
UM President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr, whose address to the attendees was delivered by UM Chief Academic Officer Dr. Eugenio Guhao Jr, said the venture into giving people the means to develop and innovate their business ideas would “surely lead towards its deliverables and commitments.”
Efrhain Louis Pajota, UMasenso manager said they are eyeing to help 10 ‘incubatees’ in developing their business and technology ideas in their first year of operation, and ultimately aim to produce two ‘graduates,’ or those ideas that have successfully translated into a full business venture: income generating, job producing, and is on a pathway towards social change and development.
According to the UMaenso Hub business development process process, applicants will undergo a six-month training for their idea, which will include prototyping, marketing and branding, the legalities of putting up a business, and networking and linkages; among others.
The hub had its opening ceremony last Monday, Sept. 16 and was attended by DOST- XI director Dr. Anthony Sales; Russel Pili, chief of research information and technology transfer division at DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development; Ma. Linda Arquiza, vice president for UM-RPC, and the university’s heads of offices.
