In pursuit of accelerating growth of startups in Mindanao, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) successfully hosted a three-day Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Writeshop last March 19–21, 2025, at the Mapúa MCM Auditorium. Organized in partnership with the Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups (IDEAS Davao) and the Department of Science and Technology – Region XI (DOST-XI), the event served as a valuable platform for faculty, students, and startups from Mapúa MCM to gain critical insights into securing research funding and developing scalable business solutions.
The writeshop officially launched with a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between Mapúa MCM and IDEAS Davao, solidifying a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-academe synergy across the region. This collaboration advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in driving sustainable economic growth.
This initiative reflects Mapúa MCM’s commitment to research-driven solutions and its belief in innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic development. It also aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by supporting the creation of resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization through startup development. With IDEAS Davao and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) as co-organizers of the event, the writeshop aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to develop compelling startup proposals for SGF funding.
The program featured targeted sessions designed to enhance entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. Session 1, titled “Innovation Framework & Business Model Thinking,” focused on conceptualizing innovative solutions and building robust business models. Meanwhile, session 2, “Business Case Development & Market Insights,” provided an in-depth guidance on validating market demand, developing compelling business cases, and strategizing for sustainable growth. By fostering educational opportunities centered on innovation and entrepreneurship, the writeshop directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The SGF Writeshop successfully empowered participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. By strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the initiative is poised to play a vital role in developing the local startup ecosystem. With continued support from Mapúa MCM, IDEAS Davao, and DOST-XI, it is expected to pave the way for groundbreaking innovations and long-term entrepreneurial success in the region.