ICEBOX: A DOST-assisted TBI for Smart Systems Innovations, one of its kind in Region XII, is housed at MSU-General Santos.
Along with 15 other HEI Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship – 2.0 universities, the University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) at the 6th TBI Summit during the Philippine Startup Week held at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, Taguig City, last November 16, 2022. ICEBOX was then officially launched in a project induction ceremony last February 7, 2023, at the Regional Science and Research Center (RSRC) of MSU-GenSan.
Promoting technopreneurship and innovation in the region, ICEBOX has since initiated programs and supported various activities for business incubation. Its kick-off event last March 7, 2023 at AVR, University Library featured an exclusive mentoring session with Mr. Prim Paypon of Asian Institute of Management-Dado Banatao Incubator. The mentoring session was centered around the topic of “The Art of Filipino Dreamgineering” and insights into how a single dream may lead to great innovation that can transform people’s lives. The session emphasized the value of taking calculated risks, persistence, and standing up to failures particularly addressed to entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to establish their brand in the global marketplace.
Continuing the momentum of the mentoring session, ICEBOX proceeded to its three-part unboxing series. In a run last March 21, 2023, at the RSRC, resource speakers, Engr. Diogenes Pascua, Professor at Head Center Entrepreneurship and Technology of the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines and Dr. Franch Maverick Lorilla, Director of Innovation Centers and TBI Manager of CDObites highlighted the power of design thinking and value proposition canvas to create impactful solutions. They provided an activity for attendees to gain practical insights, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded students at MSU-Gensan. The event showcased the importance of user-centric approaches and collaborative problem-solving, from identifying customer needs to create compelling value propositions.
The unboxing series culminated last March 29, 2023, at the Robinsons Mall Atrium. Dr. Noel S. Gunay, Project leader, and the Dean of the College of Engineering gave an overview and history of the ICEBOX. He explained that successful businesses featured in Forbes Magazine are startups and are mainly ICT-based innovations. There are problems faced by society and innovative solutions and startups are proven effective in resolving them, generating wealth out of bright ideas. Mainly, the objective of ICEBOX according to Dr. Gunay is to “provide all necessary support and resources to transform [one’s] idea into [one’s] prototype which is [one’s] solution, and then lead to a successful business venture.”
Representing Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, Mr. Francis Canlas, the Executive Assistant for the Information Communications and Technology Division (ICTD) of the City Mayor’s Office formally welcomed everyone to the event and emphasized the collaboration of various stakeholders to materialize the program. “This is a great opportunity to learn and grow with like-minded individuals who are passionate about technology and innovation,” he remarked.
Ms. Timmy De Jesus, the Chief Operations Officer of Payruler, and Mr. Eddie Ybañez, the Chief Executive Officer of the DX Form served as the guest speakers of the said event, sharing their knowledge and success stories in technology and innovation as successful startup founders. They shared various startups and gave pieces of advice on how to become successful technopreneurs, project pitchers, and innovators.
Ms. Erika Mae A. Espejo, MSc, TBI Manager answered all questions raised by the attendees and highlighted that ICEBOX is a platform that initiates innovation and technopreneurship. She also cascaded future activities for all constituents from problem identification, consultation, incubation, ideation, prototyping, and packaging for commercialization that will resolve problems with an excellent revenue model.
Mr. Jose Kevin Sienes, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) Assistant Department Head concluded the event, acknowledging all partners who contributed to the success of the program. He emphasized the importance of technology in businesses and enterprises nowadays. “Without adapting to the changing entrepreneurial landscape, business establishments will be lagging behind their competitors, ” he added.
Also present during the event are students from the College of Engineering, OSAS Director Prof. Rhumer S. Lañojan, professors, government officials and employees, young professionals, potential startup teams, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the region.
With its aim to provide support and services to innovative ideas of budding entrepreneurs, ICEBox is committed to offering more boot camps, workshops, and networking activities. Taking part in this mission, the University will continue to support initiatives to develop the culture of technopreneurship and launch successful business ventures with ICEBox at its helm.
