USTP kicks off U-IGNITE 2025 with Reverse Pitching on Research and Innovation
By Kristine Jane M. Laid, STRATCOMM, USTP System
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) officially opened the USTP Future Summit: Unite. Innovate. Grow. Network. Inspire. Transform. Engage. (U-IGNITE) 2025 with a Reverse Pitching on Research and Innovation activity on November 24, 2025, at USTP Cagayan de Oro.
Spearheaded by the Office of the USTP System President, in partnership with the USTP Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (CET) and CDO b.i.t.e.s., the activity aimed to strengthen collaboration between student innovators and local government units (LGUs). The reverse pitching format allowed LGUs to present real and pressing community challenges that students would address with innovative and practical solution proposals.
USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and local sectors.
“Today, we gathered with one shared purpose to transform these disruptions into opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and collective pursuit of solutions. As we continue to build an ecosystem where research does not only remain in the academic walls but resonates across communities, industries, and local governments.” Dr. Cultura said.
USTP System CET Director and CDO b.i.t.e.s. Manager Dr. Franch Maverick A. Lorilla also highlighted the initiative’s importance in developing future entrepreneurs. He noted that activities like reverse pitching prepare students to become industry-ready by equipping them with skills that address real challenges faced by government offices and various sectors.
Participating LGUs included the Office of the City Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, the Oro Trade and Investments Promotions Center (Oro TIPC), and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Representatives from each office presented their current issues. Student participants were selected Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students from USTP Cagayan de Oro, who collaborated with the LGUs to create community-focused solutions.
To deepen their understanding of the challenges, USTP CDO CET Coordinator for Curriculum and Training Mr. Jirby M. Laniton facilitated a quiz activity on LGU concerns and notable innovations from local and international startups. This was followed by the initial collaboration between student teams and LGUs as they began developing potential solutions.
In the afternoon session, USTP CDO CET Coordinator Engr. Marbeth Custer B. Jael led a Customer Discovery Session, introducing a framework for understanding community needs and generating customer-centered solutions. The teams then finalized their initial outputs in preparation for the upcoming final reverse pitching.
The event concluded with closing remarks from USTP CDO CET Head Ms. Flora Monica M. Ruiz, who underscored the importance of collaboration and consistent engagement. She reminded the students that “success is never individual but built through connections and constantly showing up, because showing up is already half of victory.”
As U-IGNITE 2025 continues, USTP strengthens its role as a hub for innovation and collaboration in Northern Mindanao. Through initiatives such as reverse pitching, the university reinforces its commitment to developing solutions grounded in real community needs and to preparing students for future engagements in industry and government.
The students’ final reverse pitching outputs will be showcased on November 28, 2025, as part of the next segment of U-IGNITE 2025 at the Event Hall, SM Downtown Premier, Cagayan de Oro City.
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