USTP, Universitas Brawijaya host ATU-Net InvENT 2025 on Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship

By Randulf C. Doria, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), through its International Affairs Office (IAO), in collaboration with the Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia held the International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Computing, Engineering, and Science Education (ATU-Net InvENT) 2025, themed “Empowering, Education for Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship” on July 23-24, 2025, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The event serves as a global platform for the participants to share their innovative research ideas and collaborate on projects that drive progress.

Day 1 Highlights

Dr. Loryliza D. Bulay-og, Conference Co-Chair and Officer In Charge of Global Engagement and Quality Assurance of the USTP System, delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Bulay-og emphasized the collective commitment to enhancing education through sustainable development and collaborating to shape the future through innovation.

Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, USTP System President, formally opened the conference, emphasizing the importance of creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and education and transforms them into meaningful solutions for real-life challenges. Additionally, Dr. Cultura stressed that this event is essential for advancing an inclusive and sustainable future, one that fosters new partnerships and strengthens existing collaborations.

Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez, OIC – Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education for Region X, delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the critical role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in addressing both national and global needs. She recognized InvENT 2025 as a cornerstone for advancing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Minguez encouraged everyone to keep driving change through education.

A key highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and Universitas Brawijaya in Indonesia. This partnership marks the start of a new international collaboration and reaffirms USTP’s commitment to global engagement and excellence on the international stage.

Keynote and Plenary Sessions

Several transformative discussions highlighted the conference’s purpose of linking education and innovation for sustainable impact:

Keynote Address:
Advancing Innovation Through Integrated Education System at Universitas Brawijaya Towards World Entrepreneurial Class University.” — Prof. Dr. Ir. Immam Santoso, MP, Profesor Universitas Brawijaya Indonesia

Prof. Santoso explained how Universitas Brawijaya incorporates innovation into its education system to foster entrepreneurial mindsets, enhance industry-academe connections, and transform the university into a globally competitive entrepreneurial institution.

Plenary Sessions:
Climate Responsive Education to Drive Sustainability” — Prof. Ir. Ratih Indri Hapsari, S.T, M.T, Phd, IMPS, Professor, Politeknik Negeri Malang, Indonesia. Prof. Hapsari highlighted the need to integrate climate-responsive strategies into education for building resilience and fostering sustainability in future generations.

Gamification and Experiential Learning: Boosting Engagement in Entrepreneurship Education” — Prof. Dr. Ramayah Thurasamy, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Prof. Thurasamy discussed how gamification and hands-on learning strategies can make entrepreneurship education more interactive, engaging, and effective in developing entrepreneurial competencies.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry for Entrepreneurial Success”  by Mr. Andee Wee, Associate Consultant, BluC53. Mr. Wee shared actionable strategies to align academic programs with industry needs, fostering collaboration that empowers students to succeed in real-world entrepreneurial ventures.

The event also featured parallel paper presentation sessions across four major categories, with contributions from various universities in the Philippines and abroad.

  • Sustainable Development – Innovations in  Mathematics, Physical, and Life Sciences for Sustainability
  • Innovations in Education – New Pedagogies for Sustainable Development 
  • Sustainable Development – Sustainable Innovation in Engineering and Technology/Sustainable Technologies and Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial Solutions/Entrepreneurship – Practical and Academic Contributions in Entrepreneurship 

Day 2 Highlights

The second day of the conference continued with parallel sessions, showcasing innovative research and best practices in the key categories.

A significant announcement was made: Universitas Brawijaya in Indonesia will be the host institution for ATU-Net Invent 2026, further enhancing the international network of innovators and educators in Asia and beyond.

The day concluded with the Awarding Ceremony for Best Paper and Best Presenter.

Best Presentation

Sustainable Development

Innovative Engineering for Sustainability: A 3-in-1 Pulverizing, Mixing, and Briquetting System for Green Solid Fuel Production  
Renante O. Sangel
MSU – Maigo College of Education, Science and Technology

Entrepreneurial Solutions/Entrepreneurship

The Influence of Barrier, Drivers, and Enablers toward Sustainable Development Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises
Marie Antonnete B. Emata
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Innovations in Education

Maker Education Technology: A study on Usage and Acceptance
Lea Lilibeth B. Emata
Xavier University Junior High School

Best Paper

Sustainable Development

Impact of Discount Rates on the Economic  Viability and Timing of Renewable Energy Investments in the Philippines Energy Transition 
Marvin Rosales
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – USTP CDO/Asian Institute of Thailand

Bridging Health Quality: A Portable Edge Computing System for Counterfeit Medicine Tablet Packaging Identification
Danna Mae P. Ricafort
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

Geospatial Data Visualization of Marine Plastic in Davao Gulf Using Phyton-Data Driven Open Drift Modeling
Jonthan S. Cabera
Davao Oriental State University

Innovative Engineering for Sustainability: A 3-in-1 Pulverizing, Mixing, and Briquetting System for Green Solid Fuel Production  
Renante O. Sangel
MSU – Maigo College of Education, Science and Technology

Entrepreneurial Solutions/Entrepreneurship

The Influence of Barrier, Drivers, and Enablers toward Sustainable Development Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises
Marie Antonnete B. Emata
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Innovations In Education

A Structural Model of Grit, Expectancy-Value, and 21st Century Skills on the Physics Achievement of STEM College Freshmen Students and Its Implications on Tertiary STEM Education 
Alwielland Q. Bello
Bukidnon State University

Cybersecurity Skills in New Graduates: A Philippine Perspective
John Paul P. Miranda
Pampanga State University

Dr. Ramir Philip Jones V. Sonsona, Conference Chair of InvENT 2025 and Director for Global Engagement and Mobility of the USTP System, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants, partners, and organizers. He emphasized the power of collaboration in creating lasting impact and encouraged all delegates to continue building bridges through innovation and education.

The ATU-Net Invent 2025 reflects the university’s dedication to contributing to the future of education and fostering entrepreneurial excellence. This initiative highlights our commitment to innovation and meaningful progress in these fields.

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