Celebration of Success: A Snapshot of the SPRINT-STEP Graduation Day

On 15th March, participants, teachers, and mentors gathered with a shared sense of accomplishment at the SPRINT-STEP Graduation Day, held at The Loft, Arete Building, Ateneo de Manila University. Spearheaded by Ms May Ann Udtojan, MSc, Business Development Officer at the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the event celebrated the journey of scientists and engineers towards entrepreneurial excellence.

The event kicked off with heartfelt welcome messages from Dr Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, and Dr Proceso L. Fernandez, Jr., Director of AIPO, setting the stage for a day filled with reflection and motivation, taking everyone on a trip down memory lane, reflecting on how far every team has come and looking forward to the journey that lies ahead.

A standout moment was the panel discussion on the FASTRAC grant, where experts Ms Russel Pili, Chief of DOST-Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), Ms Diane Eustaquio, Director of PINVEST and Dr Francis Aldrine Uy, Founder & President of USHER Technologies Inc. shared practical insights to guide participants through the grant application journey. Dr Proceso Fernandez moderated the discussion, ensuring that participants left with actionable advice to propel their projects forward.

Mr Steve Chavez, AIPO-Head of Ideation Support, hosted a write-shop focused on teaching attendees how to write winning proposals for the FASTRAC grant, equipping participants with the skills to organize their ideas to be able to convey research value and stories effectively. This hands-on workshop walked participants through, from prewriting to creating a draft proposal.

Another highlight of the event was the graduation ceremony, where participants received their certificates of completion. Nine (9) university startup teams graduated under the SPRINT-STEP program, and they are as follows: 

1. LUNGSOD  (UP Diliman)

2. PASADA (Technological Institute of the Philippines)

3. ASIMOV - HAWKS (DOST - Advanced Science and Technology Institute)

4. Smart Sniffer (University of Santo Tomas)

5. AeroComp (UP Diliman)

6. HESS (Holy Angel University)

7. SESSY E - Boat (Mapua University)

8. PISOLAR (University of Southeastern Philippines)

9. CALAMI-T (University of the Cordilleras)

Through collaborative efforts and guidance from organizations such as the AIPO and DOST-PCIEERD, the graduating teams have made strides toward their entrepreneurial aspirations, ready to move ahead to availing of the FASTRAC grant. These achievements mark not only personal growth for the participants but also the promise of future contributions to society. 

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.