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By CPUGAD TBI

CPUGAD TBI supports DOST–Aklan and Aklan State University’s TECHNEST TBI through incubation management training to strengthen Aklan’s innovation ecosystem.

In a significant step toward strengthening the startup ecosystem in Aklan, the ����ר��’s CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (CPUGAD TBI) partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Aklan and Aklan State University (ASU)–Kalibo to establish TechNest Aklan, the province’s first information and communications technology (ICT)-focused Technology Business Incubator (TBI). This initiative is part of the project “Establishment of the Technology, Innovation, and Collaboration Nest for Aklan (TechNest Aklan): Aklan State University’s Technology Business Incubator,” supported under DOST’s Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program and implemented by ASU-Kalibo’s College of Computer Studies.

TechNest Aklan aims to serve as a dynamic platform for nurturing innovation-driven startups and transforming research outputs into operational enterprises. By providing the infrastructure, mentorship, and resources necessary to support early-stage ventures, the incubator seeks to position Aklan as a regional hub for technology-based entrepreneurship and innovation. As the province’s first ICT-focused TBI, it addresses a critical need for specialized support in technology, research commercialization, and startup development.

To ensure the success and sustainability of TechNest Aklan, a two-day TBI and Incubation Management Training was conducted on October 8–9, 2025, at the ASU Innovation Laboratory (iLab) in Kalibo, Aklan. Mr. Mark Gil D. Peraman, General Manager of CPUGAD TBI, was invited as a resource speaker to share expertise in technology business incubation and startup ecosystem development. During the training, participants were equipped with essential knowledge on TBI management and incubation processes, frameworks for effective incubation, and strategies to develop a thriving startup community.

The training also provided a platform for ASU-Kalibo’s team to define TechNest Aklan’s banner programs, focus areas, and target incubatees. By aligning these key elements with regional needs and industry trends, the incubator is poised to create a sustainable and vibrant environment for startups to grow. This reflects a broader strategy of empowering local innovators, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders—including academe, industry, and government—and translating research into impactful ventures that address societal and economic challenges.

The collaboration between DOST Aklan PSTO, ASU-Kalibo, and CPUGAD TBI signifies a shared commitment to advancing technology-based entrepreneurship in Western Visayas. Through this initiative, CPUGAD TBI extends its mission of nurturing startups, sharing best practices in incubation, and building innovation ecosystems across the region. The establishment of TechNest Aklan symbolizes a supportive and collaborative environment where local innovators can not only grow and thrive but also bring their ideas to life—transforming them into viable enterprises that contribute to the province’s development.

By fostering this type of ecosystem, TechNest Aklan is expected to produce a new generation of entrepreneurs who are capable of addressing global challenges through innovative technology solutions. With CPUGAD TBI’s mentorship, DOST’s support, and ASU-Kalibo’s commitment, the incubator is positioned to become a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in Aklan, setting a benchmark for other regions seeking to strengthen their startup ecosystems.

This alliance reflects how multi-sector collaboration can turn ideas into enterprises, strengthen local economies, and cultivate a culture of innovation in Western Visayas.