Design Thinking workshop for KISLAP student entrepreneurs: AIPO helps teams refine their core problem

16 student founders representing 8 startup groups from the KISLAP cohort gathered on 7 Feb 2026 at the PLDT-CTC Bldg. Roomm 513, Ateneo de Manila University, for a focused Design Thinking Workshop for KISLAP Student Entrepreneurs.

The session was facilitated by Mr Steve Chaves of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office. The primary goal of the session was to help student entrepreneurs refine their ideas and pinpoint the main pain point they are trying to solve—a critical step in building viable and impact-driven social enterprises.

The workshop forms part of the KISLAP Social Enterprise Grant Challenge, powered by the John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) and its social enterprise arm, the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent). It supports the momentum of the program’s grand launch last 03 October 2025.

Why AIPO Supports Design Thinking for Student Founders

At AIPO, innovation does not start with a solution—it starts with a well-defined problem.

Through its programs in innovation support, commercialization, and startup incubation, AIPO equips founders with tools that strengthen both clarity and impact. In this workshop,

AIPO helped the KISLAP cohort:

This approach ensures that ventures are grounded in real community needs—not just promising ideas.

Learn more about how AIPO supports innovators: 🔗 https://aipo.ateneo.edu

What Happened During the Workshop?

Over the three-hour session, the 8 teams went through structured Design Thinking exercises focused on:

1. Empathy Mapping

Founders unpacked who their users truly are, beyond demographics—exploring motivations, constraints, and lived experiences.

2. Problem Framing

Teams refined broad ideas into sharper “How Might We” statements. 

3. Identifying the Core Pain Point

Participants were challenged to distinguish between:

This step is crucial for social enterprise development, where misdiagnosed problems can lead to ineffective solutions.

Strengthening Social Enterprise Foundations

The KISLAP Social Enterprise Grant Challengeencourages student-led ventures that generate both economic sustainability and measurable social impact.

By integrating Design Thinking methodology early in the program, the February 7 workshop ensured that:

For AIPO, this is part of a larger mission: bridging innovation, entrepreneurship, and social transformation within and beyond the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KISLAP Social Enterprise Grant Challenge?

KISLAP is a university initiative that supports student-led social enterprises through grants, mentoring, and structured development activities. It aims to help student entrepreneurs build ventures that address real social challenges while remaining sustainable.

Why is Design Thinking important for student entrepreneurs?

Design Thinking ensures that founders deeply understand the people they are trying to serve. It reduces the risk of building solutions that do not match real needs and strengthens both venture clarity and impact.

How does AIPO support student startups?

AIPO provides innovation support services, including guidance on commercialization pathways, partnerships, intellectual property protection, and startup incubation. Early engagement helps founders make stronger strategic decisions.

Can other student groups request a Design Thinking workshop?

Yes. AIPO regularly collaborates with academic units and student initiatives to conduct innovation and entrepreneurship workshops tailored to their needs.

Let’s Build Your Innovation the Right Way

Have a startup idea, research project, or social enterprise concept you want to refine?

The Ateneo Intellectual Property Office can help you explore pathways from idea to impact—whether through design thinking facilitation, IP guidance, partnerships, or commercialization support.

Reach out anytime. Earlier conversations are easier conversations.

Visit: aipo.ateneo.edu/designthinking for more information.